Inside: 10 Good Habits to Adopt This Year. Collaborative post.
The power of habit has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, thanks to a combination of research, summarised in James Clear’s bestselling book.
It seems obvious that the things we do every day should play a key role in shaping our lives. Build the right habits in the right way, and the benefits will accumulate. But exactly what habits should we be thinking about, here?
Eat healthier
We all understand that we should be eating better – and the NHS is always keen to emphasise this. If you’re going to make this happen, then you should develop specific goals. If you want to eat five portions of fruit a day, then you might get into the habit of eating them at breakfast every morning.
Wake up earlier
This one’s relatively straightforward. Set your alarm early, and actually get up when it goes off. Why not put your alarm clock on the other side of your bedroom, so you have physically to get up to switch it off? If you’re feeling tired in the evenings, go to bed a little bit earlier at night-time.
Get plenty of sleep
Speaking of which, sleep is essential for good health! You’ll need to get around seven to eight hours of it a night. However, don’t pressure yourself to fall asleep – as that can be counterproductive!
Keep hydrated
Drinking more water is often a simple matter of keeping a two-litre bottle with you. Get a marker pen and write the hours of the day down the side, and try to drink the appropriate amount every few hours.
Start saving
Having money to spend is empowering. However, saving will let you buy the things that really matter to you, and avoid buying the things that don’t. for example, dream houses and holidays are worth paying for and the right savings account can be very helpful: cash ISAs often fit the bill nicely.
Start journalling
Keeping a diary has a well-established therapeutic benefit. It’ll let you get your thoughts out, and give your mind the space it needs to unwind. Do it at the same point every day, and keep up the habit.
Spend time outdoors
Similarly, getting some time out in the fresh air can make you feel much better. Some of history’s best thinkers devoted hours of the day to getting out and about. You can do the same thing!
Exercise regularly
Walking is great, and it’s best done consistently. You may also want to take things further with some high-intensity workouts. Weight training, intervals, and high-impact sports can all help to release endorphins and make you feel better.
Be grateful
Gratitude provides its own benefits. Make it part of a daily meditative practice.
Make your bed every morning
This is a classic. It’s easy to do, and that will get you in the right frame of mind to conquer the rest of the day. Make it a ritual.