There’s more to a health regimen than diet and exercise. While it is true that these are the two main pillars of human health, there are countless other ways we can take care of ourselves.

Holistic health takes into consideration our body, mind, spirit and emotions in the quest for optimal wellness. The primary goal of holistic medicine practice is to gain proper balance in life.

Aside from exercise and a well-balanced diet – which are paramount to a healthy lifestyle – here are seven healthy habits to help you achieve your goals:

Sleep

A lack of sleep is one of the most common ways we get out of sync. The human mind simply does not function properly without restful sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults “getting less than seven hours of sleep a night on a regular basis has been linked with poor health, including weight gain, having a body mass index of 30 or higher, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and depression.” Our bodies restore, replenish and refresh while we sleep. Getting adequate sleep also helps modulate our moods and emotions throughout the day. Havasu Nutrition Premium Night Time Fat Burner is formulated with L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan and Melatonin, proven to promote relaxation and a deeper, more peaceful night’s sleep. We blogged about 13 sleep tips here, too.

Breathe

Learning to control your breathing will help you relax, reduce stress and relieve anxiety. There are many different breathing techniques that will benefit your mind and body, so take the time to find the method that works best for you. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends three breathing exercises, including the 4-7-8 breathing technique.

Hydrate

Drinking enough water in an essential -- and often overlooked -- aspect of maintaining good health. Even mild dehydration -- as little as two percent fluid loss -- can affect memory, mood, concentration and reaction time. Keeping properly hydrated throughout the day will have a positive effect on cognition, stabilize your emotions, and even combat feelings of anxiety. And it will help your skin look healthier and youthful.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices help us reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. One study found a link between mindfulness meditation and measurable changes in the brain regions involved in memory, learning and emotion. Try to stay “in the moment” and don’t let negative thoughts infiltrate your mind.

Make Goals Achievable

Setting achievable goals can increase motivation and to help you to create the changes you want. There are many benefits and advantages to having a set of goals to work toward, according to PositivePsychology.com. Setting goals helps trigger new behaviors, helps guides your focus, and helps you sustain that momentum in life. Goals also help align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. One caveat: Do NOT set unattainable or unrealistic goals. Start small and build from there.

Unplug

Get off your electronic device, get some fresh air and socialize. Your world won’t crumble if you don’t reply to that email immediately. Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok will still be there in a few hours. Let’s be honest: Most of us are letting our lives get hijacked by our smart phone. Our attention span is shrinking and our inner peace is dwindling. Give yourself the gift of time and attention to the world right in front of you. Lifehack offers these tips to disconnect from social media and connect with life again.

Stretch

We saved this one for last because it is one of the most underrated ways to improve your health. Most of us are born relatively limber and flexible. But as we age, our bodies start to get rigid if we don’t learn to stretch properly. "A lot of people don't understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily," says David Nolan, a physical therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints, according to Harvard Medical School. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Take up yoga. Watch YouTube videos on how to stretch. But whatever you do, begin stretching!