When it comes to enjoying a long and healthy life, it is not the quick fixes that will get you there. The key to this longevity is incorporating small daily habits that you will stick with for the long haul. You will see the most success with direct and actionable changes that you are able to turn into a habit.

Here are a few of the best habits that you can start this week.

Know What Works for You

Every successful health and wellness plan starts with understanding your own personal needs and preferences. For example, if you know that you are not a morning person, it is probably better to plan your workouts for later in the day. Likewise, some people enjoy the camaraderie of taking a fitness class in the gym while others prefer the solitude of a solo run in the great outdoors. Understanding what works best for you and not trying to go against those natural urges will translate to the most success.

Cook Most Meals at Home

One of the quickest ways to sabotage any healthy eating plan is to eat at restaurants. While the occasional meal out will not hurt you, research demonstrates that restaurant foods are consistently higher in sodium, sugar, fat, and calories. Preparing your meals at home will give you control over what you are eating as well as the portion size. If you have to eat out frequently, ask for half-portion sizes or for part of your meal to be boxed up before you begin to eat.

Make Salads a Cornerstone of Your Diet

Few things contribute to better health than fresh vegetables. This makes salads a powerful nutritional punch. Making a goal to eat one salad per day will ensure that you are getting in your veggies. Salads do not have to be boring. Kick it up a notch by adding fruit, crunchy nuts, spicy garbanzo beans, or fresh burrata cheese to your creation. The more creative that you get with your daily salads, the less likely that you will be to become bored.

Pick Exercise That You Like

Despite all of your best intentions, it will be more difficult to stick with an exercise routine if you do not like it. This makes it important to choose exercises that you like. If you are not a gym rat, consider taking your exercise outdoors. If you get bored with physical activity, think about asking a friend to go for a long walk with you. You will see a much higher chance of sticking with your routine if you take the time to find activities that you do not dread.

Incorporate More Steps Into Your Day

Incorporating more steps into each day will take you further in achieving all of your health goals. Most health experts will recommend that you should strive to get in 10,000 steps each day. Break this up into manageable chunks throughout the day and you will be more likely to reach the goal. For example, try to get in 2,000 steps on your lunch break. Simple things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking in a spot at the back of the lot will help those steps really add up over the course of a day.

Pay Attention to Hydration

The importance of proper hydration cannot be overstated. Your body needs water to regulate temperatures, remove waste, and lubricate the joints. A body that is properly hydrated is more likely to be able to fight off disease and illness, helping you to live a long life.

Do Not Neglect Mental Health

It is so easy to get caught up in maintaining your physical health that you neglect to take care of your mental wellness. Be sure to plan time each week for self-care. Practicing gratitude and positive thinking will also make you both healthier and happier. Remember that there is no shame in asking for help or for seeking the counsel of a mental health professional.

None of these actions are revolutionary. However, they do require a bit of intentionality to ensure that you are hitting all of your health and wellness goals for both now and down the road.