Ten Surprising Habits That Can Genuinely Improve Your Life
The start of the year is a time where we’re all aiming to be better- to achieve our goals and put ourselves on the right path. But it doesn’t always have to be about massive life changes, sometimes even the smallest habits can impact you in an enormous way. Here are some examples.
1. Making your bed
It might seem like such a simple, unimportant task- but research has shown the importance of making your bed each morning. It puts you in a good frame of mind and correlates with better productivity, and generally helps you to feel in control.
2. Reading
These days, you don’t even need to go into a bookshop to find a book. With e-readers like the Kindle and even the ability to read from your smartphone or tablet, it’s something we should all be doing more. It’s good for the mind, and is a relaxing activity that can reduce stress and therefore promote good health.
3. Drinking green tea
There are so many health benefits to drinking green tea. It can aid in weight loss, it can lower your risk of diabetes and even prevent against cognitive decline. It’s such a simple, inexpensive habit anyone can do. Switch out your regular, morning cup of tea with that of the green variety, or make a new routine where you’re having a cup (or a number of them) throughout the day.
4. Going somewhere new once a month
This doesn’t mean you have to jet off to a new part of the world every month- very few of us have the time or budget to be able to do that! But make an effort to see and experience something new- chances are there are lots of places right on your doorstep that you’ve never been too. Walk to a new park to walk your dog, go to a restaurant that always catches your eye but you’ve never been into. Get your bike out and go on a new cycle route and see what you can find.
5. Looking after your vehicle
Do you look after your car as well as you should? It’s easy to think that as long as it drives then it’s fine, but it’s not the case. Looking after your vehicle involves taking it for regular services as well as doing your own checks. If it starts making any funny noises or displaying warning lights, have it looked at before the problem gets worse and you end up having to search for things like ‘transmission shop near me’ for a full repair! Your vehicle was more than likely a big investment so it’s something to take pride in, look after it and keep it clean and in good condition. It will save you money in the long run and be much more enjoyable to drive.
6. Keeping a tidy home
As the saying goes- tidy home, tidy mind. And it’s true, your surroundings greatly affect your mental health. A clean and organised home promotes feelings of wellbeing, and you’re not having to run around rummaging to find things which can be stressful. Spend a few minutes each day wiping surfaces, vacuuming and putting things back in their place.
7. Walking
Walking is such an underrated form of exercise. We live in a world where many of us have our own vehicle, if not there’s lots of public transport and ride services such as Uber. But in many cases, we don’t need a vehicle for shorter trips. If you’re running errands, going to see a friend or even getting to work, walk if you can. It will improve your cardiovascular fitness and endurance, it will tone muscles and promote general health. It’s something that most people can do, all you need is a supportive pair of shoes and you’re good to go.
8. Finding a creative outlet
It could be painting, writing, knitting or baking- having a creative outlet can improve your skills, give you something to do in your spare time and use parts of your brain that may have pretty much been neglected since your school days. There are lots of ideas for projects you could have a go at on Pinterest, so next time you’re at a loose end, have a go at something creative instead of watching the same old reruns on tv!
9. Waking up early
Being able to wake up early while being refreshed involves going to bed earlier. Waking up early can massively boost productivity as you already feel as though you’re ahead for the day. It can also improve mood, there’s something relaxing and satisfying about being up before the rest of the world.
10. Planning
Planning enables you to stay on track. It can help you to set and achieve goals, manage your finances, your day to day affairs and generally stay on the right path. Get in the habit of writing things down, and checking off goals as you achieve them.
