Sometimes, we don’t see the need to make some changes in our life. We think everything’s okay, and that’s the end of it. However, everyone knows there is always room for improvement. The thing is, we can’t always pinpoint those areas. We can’t determine what habits to form that will create significant changes.
Even more, there are many habits that seem so simple that we don’t realize they can be life-changing, either mid-term or long-term. Here are a few of them, which may point you in the right direction.
Simple life-changing habits
Eat breakfast every day.
Sure, our moms, health experts, and doctors tell us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We should not miss it. It gives us energy to start the day.
Knowing and doing are two different things, though.
However, it really is simple to start eating breakfast every day. For so many years, I only had coffee for breakfast. I believed that I didn’t need breakfast, that my stomach couldn’t handle it.
I don’t remember the exact point when I started eating breakfast, but it certainly helped me start my work day on a better note. For example, together with coffee, a slice of toast or two with jam or butter, I was able to focus more in the morning. As I got used to having a little something in my tummy in the morning aside from coffee, I started eating a little more, which in turn gave me more energy.
Drink more water.
Another established health fact is that drinking lots of water throughout the day is good for you. It keeps your body hydrated, and if you drink water rather than soft drinks, for example, you lessen your caloric and sugar intake – among other things.
One of the life-changing habits that you may want to start is to drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach when you wake up.
What’s the reasoning behind this?
One, it purifies your internal system, basically flushing out toxins. This cleans your digestive system, which helps it function better. If you have problems with bowel movement, for example, this will help regulate that.
Try doing this every day and observe the results weekly.
Pick an exercise that you enjoy, and do it regularly.
Aside from paying attention to what you ingest, exercise is one of those things that everybody is supposed to engage in. But who has the time? And who wants to exert all that effort in the gym unless you’re a gym rat?
But as you already know, exercise doesn’t have to be limited to the gym. Any form of physical movement can count as exercise, and the trick is to find something that you truly enjoy. Something that you can count as a hobby and look forward to.
Go hiking. Go biking. Take pole dancing lessons.
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In my case, I found that I enjoy walking to and around the park once or twice a week (that’s about a total of 1 hour).
I also discovered yoga. It does calm you down and yet the effort that is required provides the exercise I need. And you know what? Since I enjoy it a lot, I actually want to do it every day if possible!
Read.
Moving away from physical activity, here’s another life-changing habit: reading.
While taking care of your body is essential, nourishing your mind is just as important. What good does a toned body do you when your brain slowly wastes away?
This may not be easy, especially if you’re not a reader, but start with small goals if you wish. For example, commit to spending 30 minutes of reading before bedtime. Or, bring a book with you all the time so you can read while at the coffee shop rather than playing with your phone.
Even better, commit to finishing a book every month.
Have a “quiet time” every day.
Again, what good does a great body do you when your mind is all over the place? If you’re always stressed, anxious, or worried, your body will also suffer in the long run.
There are many ways to deal with this, but the simple habit of allocating “quiet time” every single day will do wonders.
Some people call it meditation, but it doesn’t have to be labeled as such. What’s important is that you have that time you spend with yourself regularly.
It doesn’t have to be long. Five or 10 minutes in the morning before you start your getting ready routine is good. Go to the balcony or the garden – or whatever place that you find comfortable – and just stay there doing nothing.
These habits are truly simple and easy to start, yet they have a strong impact which you will be thankful for down the road, so why don’t you start now?
Originally posted on October 14, 2015 @ 8:30 am
