6 Underrated Health Habits That Don’t Get Enough Credit

 

Some wellness habits get talked about all the time—like meal prepping, going to the gym, or waking up super early. But those aren’t the only things that can support your health. In fact, there are a lot of smaller, quieter habits that don’t make the headlines. These habits don’t need a lot of time or energy, and they don’t require big changes. Still, they can support your overall wellness when practiced regularly.

And let’s be honest—sometimes the “big” health advice can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever skipped something because it felt like too much, you’re not alone. The truth is that simple routines often stick better because they’re easier to repeat. And when a habit is easy to keep up, it becomes part of your day without effort.

This article looks at six underrated health habits that deserve more attention. They’re simple. They’re realistic. And they just might make your daily routine feel more balanced.

1. Taking a Daily Supplement—Consistently

Including a daily supplement in your routine can be a simple, repeatable habit that supports your overall approach to wellness. Some people find that taking their supplement at the same time each day—like with breakfast or during a morning routine—makes it easier to stay consistent.

Brands like USANA Health Sciences offer supplements designed to fit into a typical day. Whether it’s something you take with your first meal or as part of your wind-down in the evening, having a consistent time helps make it second nature.

A supplement isn’t a substitute for a nutritious diet. It’s one small step that helps maintain support for your body’s daily needs. This habit is simple, and with consistency, it becomes part of the flow of your day.

2. Drinking Water Before Coffee

If coffee is your go-to in the morning, you’re not alone. But starting your day with water before caffeine is a habit that doesn’t take any extra time. After hours of sleep, your body naturally needs fluids. Drinking water first thing helps you start the day in a more balanced way.

It’s a small shift. Instead of going straight for coffee, drink a glass of water first. Then have your usual drink. You don’t need to change your routine—just adjust the order. This habit is easy to build, can support how you feel as the day goes on, and may even help you feel more awake without adding extra effort.

3. Moving Every Hour (Even Briefly)

You don’t have to do a full workout to stay active during the day. Even a few minutes of light movement every hour can support your overall wellness. Standing up, stretching, walking a bit, or changing your posture is enough.

If you spend a lot of time sitting—whether at a desk, in the car, or during meetings—try setting a simple reminder on your phone or using a timer to cue short breaks. These mini-movements help break up long periods of sitting and give your body a chance to reset.

It’s not about doing a lot. It’s about doing something—often. And most people can find one or two minutes in an hour to make it happen.

4. Eating One Screen-Free Meal a Day

Screens are everywhere. Phones, TVs, laptops—they’re often on during meals. But when you eat with fewer distractions, it’s easier to notice what you’re eating, how much you’ve had, and how you feel.

You don’t need to go tech-free all day. Just try making one meal a screen-free moment. Sit down. Eat slowly. Notice the flavors and textures. You might enjoy the experience more, and your mind gets a short break from digital noise.

This habit supports not just your physical routine but your mental one too. And it only takes about 15 minutes a day to practice.

5. Going Outside Every Day (Even for 5 Minutes)

You don’t need a trail or a big yard to get the benefits of being outside. Even five minutes of fresh air can support your daily rhythm. Whether it’s stepping out on your balcony, walking to the mailbox, or standing in the sunlight, these moments count.

Try pairing this habit with something you already do. Take a phone call outside, drink your morning coffee on the porch, or go for a short walk after dinner. It’s a simple way to support a sense of calm, reset your environment, and get a quick change of scenery that refreshes your focus.

6. Keeping Meals Simple and Repeatable

Meal prep doesn’t have to mean cooking new recipes every day. Having a few go-to meals that are quick, easy, and satisfying helps you stay consistent with less effort. You don’t need to follow strict plans or prep a week’s worth of food in one day.

Choose meals you like, that use ingredients you usually have. These could be wraps, rice bowls, smoothies, or toast with protein and veggies. You can prep components like grains or chopped vegetables ahead of time to mix and match as needed.

Keeping meals simple helps reduce stress around eating. It gives you more time and energy for other parts of your day while still helping you stay on track with your wellness goals.

A habit doesn’t have to be complicated to be helpful. In fact, the simpler it is, the easier it becomes to repeat. Over time, that repetition is what helps it stick. And when something sticks, it becomes part of your routine without effort. That’s when it starts to support your daily rhythm in a sustainable way. So don’t worry if these habits seem small—they’re supposed to be. Focus on what feels realistic and doable, and let those small steps build over time.

You don’t need a complete plan or a full reset to support your health. You just need a few small actions you can return to—ones that make sense for your life and energy. That’s where lasting change comes from.