By Heidi Baldwin, MS, Holistic Health Coach
Change can seem overwhelming, and that is often the obstacle standing in the way of you and your goals for self-improvement. If you've ever found yourself in the situation of wanting to change elements of your life but not knowing where to start, I want to encourage you to start small. The decision to start will get the ball rolling because you have put the intention out there, and intention is key. Starting small with mini-habits that become part of your routine will bring the lasting change you desire, and usually much more efficiently than you might expect.
I want to share some of my favorite and quick one to two-minute habits that you can begin to incorporate into your own life. Try to include one new habit each week, and you'll be surprised how quickly they become a regular part of your everyday routine. You may be pleasantly surprised to see how these tiny habits yield significant results.
Make your bed. Starting your day with this simple habit can automatically create a sense of order in your bedroom, and your life in general. You can even crack the windows to let in some fresh air while you do it. Even in the colder months, it is important to let some fresh air in each and every day, even if only for a few minutes.
Wash your face. A quick skincare routine not only wakes you up but also safeguards your sensitive skin against the elements. This is a great time to apply your daily moisturizer as well.
Make breakfast a priority. Your brain and body need nourishment to function well, so if you can't make a healthy breakfast, or juice some fresh fruit, at least grab some fruit on the way out of the door.
Take time to move your body. Being in the zone at work is great until it's not. Don't wait until you're burnt out to come up for air. Allow time for breaks so you can take a quick walk and stretch. If breaks are not an option, allow some time for a quick walk during your lunch break.
Manage social media well. It's up to us to navigate how the content we consume makes us feel, and what we do with that information. If certain people leave you feeling like you need to buy more or do more, it's okay to mute or unfollow them or their page.
Don't leave things until the last minute. This can be challenging, but you'll be much less stressed if you stay on top of tasks.
Get your water in. Staying hydrated keeps everything else in check. If you struggle with plain water, add some citrus for a little kick. You can also juice some fresh fruit in the morning to bring along with you in a glass bottle or mason jar to more easily hydrate at the cellular level.
Keep a list. If you have a running to-do list, it's easy to check things off and add to it so that when you have a free moment, you know exactly what you need to finish up.
Tidy up before bed. Spend a few minutes doing a quick sweep of the house before you head to bed. It's amazing what you can accomplish in a 5-10 minute pick-up spree. Waking up to a tidy house helps start the day off right. If you can’t tackle the whole main living area of your home, the kitchen is your best starting point. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Start with that, and build from there!
Leave your phone when you head to bed. Charging your phone in a room other than the bedroom allows you to fall asleep easier, have fewer interruptions throughout the night, and wake up without immediately being overwhelmed with messages. It keeps the scrolling at bay and most importantly limits your blue light exposure before you head to bed.
There are so many easy habits that you can incorporate into each day. These small things add up to big results when it comes to the way we experience and get to enjoy our lives. You might be surprised how adding a few things can dramatically change the flow of your day, improving your mood and your overall health.
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