Powerful Habits To Help You Be Your Best Self
Let's face it: life is short. There is so much to do and explore in the world, with so little time. Luckily, there are some powerful habits that can extend your life, bring you closer to your best self, and allow you to really make the best of it.
Wake Up Early
There's no worse feeling than being rushed, right? Waking up an extra hour early will give you time to detox your brain, think, plan for what's ahead, and even get a head start.
This also gives you more time in the day to take care of your mind and body without the stress of responsibilities. Plus, this will regulate your internal clock and make it easier to fall asleep.
Keep A Schedule
It's a way of keeping yourself accountable. Make a to-do list so that you have goals to look forward to. It's that much more satisfying knowing what you want to do and then checking it off the list when you accomplish it.
Think of it like a vision board where you make a deal with yourself, and is there anyone worse to disappoint than yourself?
Take Up Meditation
You don't have to get super spiritual about it—meditation is just a state of being. Find what puts you in that relaxed state, whether it's a yoga class, writing in a journal, or silently sitting in nature.
Doing this cleanses your mind and promotes a sense of calm, which then reduces stress. This helps you sleep better and feel more rested while increasing your cognitive and creative thinking skills.
Express Gratitude
People tend to get held back and feel down because they focus on what they don't or can't have, so they take everything they do have for granted.
Taking a moment to appreciate the little things creates a domino effect in enhancing your psychological health. It reduces toxic emotions and increases your happiness. Eventually, this makes you more resilient to react to stressful events.
Prioritize, But Be Flexible
The truth is that there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. So you have to find ways to cheat time. That means prioritizing. On some days, your career should come first, while on others, family and events should.
Being flexible with that balance rather than getting stuck in a routine will allow you to feel more fulfilled in every aspect of your life.
Try One Small Thing That Scares You Everyday
We're not saying you should jump out of a plane, but go to talk to that attractive person at the subway station, order some spicy food, or try a steep hike. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone without someone making you will expose you to new experiences and unlock new opportunities.
You never know who you'll end up meeting, what you'll learn, or where you'll go the second you learn how to take risks.
Add Some Turmeric To Your Diet
According to dietician Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Not only does it decrease inflammation, but it is being investigated for its positive effects on digestion, osteoarthritis, and Crohn's disease. While more research is needed to confirm turmeric's effectiveness as a treatment, it's looking very promising for this delicious spice. Happy body, happy mind!
Indulge Yourself In A Drink
Alcohol gets a bad rep. Obviously, too much of it is unhealthy and takes a toll, but in moderation, it is linked to a lower mortality rate!
Some studies found that people who drank one to three drinks daily experience a lower mortality risk than people who either completely abstain or drink heavily.
Eat More Good Fats
According to a 2018 finding from the American Heart Association, adding natural mono-unsaturated fats from plants to your diet can reduce the risk of death caused by cardiovascular issues by 16%. That's the kind of fat you find in olives, avocados, and other natural, plant-based oils.
Incorporate The 5–10 Year Test
When you're in a bad situation or feel upset, look at the big picture. If you lost a project at work and feel disappointed, stop and ask yourself if this is going to matter in 10 months. OK, maybe, but in 10 years? No, it won't.
You'll be given more opportunities and you won't even be able to recall exactly what happened. This is a way to get you out of your head and back in action.
Get Comfortable With Forgiveness
It's not easy to forgive someone who hurts you, but the quicker you do it, the less energy you give it. Through forgiveness, you can channel all of that energy into yourself and your future instead of holding yourself back and focusing on the past.
Watch How You Speak To Yourself
Be kind to yourself! We tend to be our own worse critics; however, if you're constantly blaming yourself, you create a negative mindset, which will eventually discourage you from moving forward.
By repeating positive affirmations to yourself, you train your brain subconsciously to believe what you're saying to the point of feeling like you already have it.
Practice One Minute Of Bodyweight Exercise In The Morning
The second you finally get out of bed, get on the floor, practice a simple bodyweight exercise like pushups, squats, or a plank.
Although it's not a hardcore gym routine, it will engage your nervous system, spark your energy levels, and get your day on the right foot.
Always Be Listening
The connections you create pave your path, which means you should give communication great importance. The fundamentals of communication are not just hearing, but really listening. Giving those around you your full attention when they speak is a powerful habit that will influence both personal and professional relationships.
It will also help you learn more from others, avoid misunderstandings, and become more approachable and likable.
Stop Compairing Yourself
We all come from different backgrounds and are on our own timelines. There is no point comparing when the scale is different. Comparing will only drive you down into a negative spiral and make you look at your shortcomings rather than successes.
Instead, highlight your uniqueness and talents. Write them down if you have to remind yourself, and use them to your advantage.
Pick Up Your Cleaning Supplies
Stop dreading your chores! Cleaning does a lot more good to you than simply making your house sparkle. Some studies have linked frequent housework to a longer life span! The more vigorous the better, too, because at that point it's just like exercise.
Wait Out Your Emotions
It's a lot easier to say the wrong thing when you're upset. In the heat of the moment, your mind is clouded with the present and the way it makes you feel. You can't take back what you say then, even if you end up regretting it.
It's best to learn to walk away and delay your response when you're feeling over-emotional. This will prevent a lot of bad situations and stress down the line.
Schedule Some Alone-Time
It's so easy to get swept up in the motions of the day-to-day that you forget about yourself. If you literally schedule a night a week to yourself—even if it means moving other responsibilities around—you'll allow yourself the time you need to recharge and not burn out.
Snack On Some Nuts
I don't just mean to fill up. Some studies show that people who eat nuts daily are 20% less likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease. Plus, nuts come in such a wide variety, you can make your own delicious mix.
Stop Lying On The Couch
Experts do not recommend sitting for more than two hours or spending more than two hours lying on the couch watching TV. So get up and start seizing the day! It might extend your life!
