Healthy habits to help reset your mind and body

To kick off the new week, here are four healthy habits Carol Ofori is normalising that we can all include in our own lives.

It’s Appreciation Monday and there’s so much to be grateful for.

Yet with our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to pause and appreciate life’s simple, everyday moments. The constant rush makes it easy to adopt, and even normalise, unhealthy habits.

In a recent Instagram post, Carol Ofori shared some of the things she's normalising, and if we're honest, we could all do with a reset.

To kick off the new week, here are four healthy habits Carol is normalising that we can all include in our own lives.

Between long workdays, school projects, and other daily tasks, it’s easy to put social connections on the back burner.

This time of year can feel particularly overwhelming, from matric exams and end-of-year deadlines to reflecting on personal goals. But whether it’s extended family, close friends, or time with your partner and kids away from the daily grind, leaning into your support network is important.

Healthcare provider Affinity Health notes: “During stressful periods, having friends by your side can be incredibly valuable. Spending time with them allows you to share your concerns, vent your frustrations, and seek advice or comfort. Laughter, in particular, has been shown to have therapeutic effects, releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.”

The takeaway? Normalise making time for the people who make you laugh and help you unwind, even if it’s just for a few hours.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” — Mark Black

When was the last time you allowed yourself to relax without feeling guilty?

Relaxing doesn’t always require sipping cocktails on a tropical island, though nobody would turn that down. Including small, daily resets into your routine can protect your body from burnout.

Cambridge University Hospitals notes that intentional relaxation relieves muscle tension and reduces overall body stress.

“If we learn to relax our muscles, we can reduce our pain. If we are more relaxed, our muscles are not as stiff and our joints move more easily, so activities such as walking should be a lot easier. Relaxing can also calm you.”

While you look forward to your next proper break with your feet up, phones off and no deadlines, try these simple relaxation techniques during the workday as recommended by Cambridge University Hospitals:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAROL PULI MAPULA OFORI (@carolofori)

Many of us treat our health as a reactive checklist, only paying attention when we fall sick or when it's too late.

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it’s maintenance. That means saying no to things that drain your energy, scheduling regular, routine health checks, and even setting emotional boundaries when life starts to feel overwhelming.

When was the last time you celebrated yourself?

There's no better form of self-appreciation than celebrating yourself.

Whether you completed a project at work or simply survived a demanding week, take time to pat yourself on the back.

According to Psychology Today, celebrating the small wins keeps us motivated and improves overall life satisfaction.

“In contrast, if we skip over the successes and move on to the next goal or milestone without acknowledgement, we’re more likely to experience chronic stress.”

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