The weekend is a great time to kick back and let go of the strict schedule the workweek can bring. With more time comes the opportunity to get outside, be active, weather permitting, or do something active indoors. Living a healthy lifestyle isn't just a fad, it's a lifelong pursuit. But it doesn't have to mean deprivation. There are super-easy everyday things you can do to increase your wellness. Work these simple habits into each day for better health, right now.

1. Stay hydrated

Water is the building block of life, yet it's easy to forget to drink enough of it. Water helps your body function the ways it's supposed to, and staying hydrated can make your hair and skin glow. To incorporate more water into your day, keep a water bottle with you so it's never far from reach. For extra credit, make it a goal to finish that bottle (or two) by the end of the day. At the very least, it's a good idea to drink a glass in the morning and a glass before bed. 

2. Hit the road

Walking outside in the fresh air gets your blood pumping, and can help you feel more invigorated. Not only is walking great (and easy!) exercise, it's also a good way to bond with friends and family. Get some one-on-one time with your kids, or meet up with friends for a walking chat! The most important thing is to get up and move a little bit each day.

3. Stretch it out

Whether you move around all day or sit at a desk, your muscles need to stretch! A gentle stretching routine in the morning or evening can help your muscles feel more limber, and help you feel more relaxed. You don't have to do a full yoga routine either — simple stretches held for 30 seconds each are perfectly fine and effective. Bonus: Over time, improved flexibility can prevent aches and pains and make you feel great!

4. Schedule downtime 

Meditate, journal, or pray, whatever works best for you. Practicing mindfulness (being alone and present in your thoughts) can help keep your mental wellness in check. So find something that nourishes you mentally and spiritually, and dedicate a few minutes each day to that practice. Your mind and soul will thank you. 

5. Get a good night's sleep

We've all heard that eight hours of sleep is recommended. But do we all really get a full eight? It's important to be well-rested, so you can be at your best each day. Having a nighttime routine helps you stick to a consistent "bedtime." If you have trouble staying asleep, try switching out your phone for a book before bed, or doing something that relaxes you. Stretching, meditating, and a warm bath or shower are soothing ways to prepare your body for quality sleep. 

6. Connect with family and friends

Being social can do wonders for your mental wellbeing (even for us introverts!). Find time to spend with the people you love, even if you have to get creative to do it. Video chats are a great way to connect with multiple people over large distances, for example. Meet up for game nights, outdoor dinners, or start a pen pal club! No matter how you do it, connecting with others does the heart, mind, and body good even for a few brief moments. 

Good things come with time. Nothing that promises quick results is going to last. It’s not sustainable or realistic. To truly reach your goals, you need to not only change what you eat and how you move; you need to change your entire being. That change only occurs through the countless hours you put in working towards your goal.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” -Arthur Ashe