You might think that changing your life requires an amount of time, energy, and hard work that you just haven’t got in you right now.
And while big changes might require big investments, you can actually make loads of meaningful shifts without much effort at all. Incorporating these habits into your life can do wonders for your mental and physical health, so they’re definitely worth giving a go.
1. Kick off your day with a glass of water.
Fill up a glass with some cool tap water and down it. It’ll wake up your body, get things moving, and help you feel more alert. You can even keep a water bottle by your bed so it’s right there when you wake up. Try to keep sipping throughout the day to stay hydrated.
2. Jot down three good things each day.
Take a moment each evening to write down three things you’re grateful for. It could be anything — a tasty meal, a chat with a friend, or a bit of good news. This little habit can help you focus on the positives in life, even on tough days. You might start noticing more good stuff around you.
3. Stretch for five minutes every day.
Source: Unsplash A quick stretch can do wonders for your body. Pick a time that works for you — maybe right after you wake up or during a work break. Just do some simple stretches to loosen up your muscles. It can help you feel less stiff and more energised. Plus, it’s a nice breather in your day.
4. Tidy up one small spot each week.
Source: Unsplash A tidy space can help clear your mind. Each week, pick one small area to sort out — maybe a drawer, a shelf, or a corner of a room. Chuck out stuff you don’t need, and organise what’s left. It’s not about doing a massive clean-up, just making your space a bit nicer, bit by bit.
5. Try to sleep and wake at the same times every day.
Getting into a sleep routine can really help you feel better. Pick times to go to bed and wake up that give you enough sleep, and stick to them — even on weekends if you can. Maybe do something relaxing before bed, like reading a book. It might take a while to get used to, but you could end up feeling more rested and energetic.
6. Swap one unhealthy snack for something better.
Think about a not-so-healthy snack you often eat, and try swapping it for something nutritious. Maybe trade crisps for carrot sticks and hummus, or swap a biscuit for some fruit and nuts. It’s a small change that could make you feel better and maybe even spark other healthy food choices.
7. Take a quick walk on your lunch break.
If you can, use part of your lunch break for a short walk. Even 10 minutes can help clear your head and get you moving. It’s a nice way to get some fresh air and a change of scene. You might find you feel more awake and focused for the rest of the day.
8. Set specific times for checking social media.
Too much social media can eat up your time and sometimes stress you out. Try setting certain times to check your accounts, like once in the morning and once in the evening. You could use your phone settings to limit notifications at other times. This might free up time for other things and help you focus better.
9. Learn a new word each day.
Picking up new words can be fun and useful. Find a word-of-the-day app or website and try to learn one new word each day. Write it down and try using it in a sentence. Over time, you’ll build up quite a vocabulary, which could help in all sorts of ways — from writing emails to chatting with friends.
10. Do some deep breathing before bed.
Before you go to sleep, try some deep breathing for a few minutes. Just sit comfortably and take slow, deep breaths. It can help you relax and wind down after a busy day. You might find it easier to drift off to sleep, and you could feel more chilled out overall.
