Daily Habits to Start Immediately

Habits allow you to make progress in specific areas of life such as health, happiness and general well being. I believe that habits provide a form of self care. Self care is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself. Having the “self care” practice of enforced habits provides structure to release some of the pressures of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Doing something repeatedly turns into a habit so you can have habits that positively or negatively affect your life. Below you will find a list of daily habits to start immediately.

Make your bed

One of the first things that should be done upon waking up is making the bed. Making your bed sets the tone for the day. It helps you to stay productive. It is also said to reduce stress. Coming home to a clean, made up bed doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Journal

Journal your thoughts (gratitude, affirmations, intentions). Speaking of ways to lower stress journaling is yet another way to do so. It also helps to deepen self- discovery. Journaling has many benefits to the practice, check out this article or do a quick Google search for all of the benefits. 

Set clear boundaries

Setting boundaries first and foremost helps you weed out the toxic people in your life. It allows you to have a specific set of standards for the people in your life. Putting those boundaries into effect for each and every person around you aids you in protecting your time and energy.

Remove distractions

Take away anything that makes you lose focus on what you are trying to accomplish. Even if not for anything but to stay off of social media for a little while. Taking a break from the socials can give you a clear mind to figure out what it is that you truly want to do with life.

Take time to reflect

Reflect (Is this relevant? Will this help to create the life I want to live?) As stated above, remove distraction and take that time to reflect. Are you where you want to be in life (let’s face it, many of us are NOT). Are your fitness goals being accomplished? What about time with family and friends? Rate the areas in your life from 1-10 and start to do those things.

Pray/ meditate

Pray/ meditate…Upon opening your eyes, one of the first things that should be done is thanking God for another day. Thank God for waking you up this morning and or take a small moment to meditate. This is important to do first thing because expressing your thanks for the life that you live helps to keep you in a positive headspace.

Get proper nourishment

Make healthy food choices… Change the foods that you consume and you will start to see a difference in the way that you feel and the way that you look is an added benefit to cutting out starchy, sugary, processed foods. Baby step your way into a healthier diet. First cut out sugar, you don’t have to do it cold turkey but replacing your candy bar with a protein bar or swapping out anything white for anything brown, like rice and bread lol. Also drink plenty of water, it flushes toxins out of your body.

Move your body

Move your body…  The benefits of not only “making healthy food choices” but also moving your body are worth its weight in gold. Let me explain. If you are searching for ways to have more energy without having to knock back cup after cup of coffee or partake in the occasional energy drink then try changing up your food and working out. The energy you get from the two combined is non replaceable.

Go to bed

Having a consistent habit of going to bed around the same time every night is a great habit to have. Did you know that sleep can help you to get sick less often? It aids you in thinking more clearly improving your learning as well as your memory, decision making and creativity. Getting a good night’s rest can also reduce stress and improve your mood. Get rid of the multiple cups of Joe as well as the energy drinks and get some rest.

As stated above, habits can impact your life in a good or bad way, the choice is always yours. Bad habits can make things harder for you and hinder your success. Having good healthy habits positions you for looking better, feeling better, more productivity as well an overall better well being. As you start each day it is my hope that you choose habits that set you up for as much success as possible. Now, what is a habit that you practice that aids you in being as happy, healthy and successful as possible?