Little habits can make a big difference. It’s within your power to design a more positive day for yourself before you even head out the door in the morning. A significant time commitment or elaborate routine isn’t necessary to feel noticeably happier, either.
The following exercises can be incorporated into your daily routine as you see fit to generate a more positive flow in your daily life.
5 Little Habits That Will Make a Big Difference In The Quality of Your Life
1. Say “Thank You”
Having a regular gratitude practice has many proven health benefits like improved relationships, greater mental and physical health, and higher self-esteem.
So whenever you notice something that you appreciate having in your life, say a silent – or maybe even a not silent when appropriate – “thank you.” Be it a kind conversation with a stranger, a delicious meal, a dependable car, a helpful co-worker, whatever it is for you – say thank you.
Habits as simple as briefly meditating, journaling, moving your body, listening to uplifting music, and saying “thank you” have the power to transform your day and your life.
2. Keep a Daily Journal
Like meditation, you don’t need to log multiple journal pages a day to be “productive.” However, getting your unedited thoughts out on the page routinely even for just a few minutes – or one-page worth – is still highly beneficial.
Journaling clears your mind for the day, puts your brain in creative mode, helps you identify goals for the day, help you accomplish them, and an added plus, it’s relaxing.
One way to assure you’ll write each day is to keep a journal by your bed so you can do it first thing in the morning when you wake up or just before you go to sleep at night.
3. Exercise Your Body
In addition to all the physical benefits of daily exercise, moving your body has many mental and emotional benefits as well. Improved self-esteem, more energy, increased brain power, reduced stress, and better sleep are just some of the psychological benefits of having a regular exercise routine.
If you have access to a gym and use it, great. If not, don’t worry. Just 10 to 30 minutes of walking, yoga, dancing, or strengthening with light weights will provide all of the same benefits of working out at a gym.
4. Listen to Uplifting Music or Speeches
The quality of what you consume undoubtedly affects your energy level and mood. Media full of negativity can adversely affect your mood and health, but higher vibration media can energize and heal you.
Try beginning your day by fasting from social media and television. Instead, put on some feel-good music to accompany your morning routine or commute. If you don’t have music you love already, search online for “positive music” or “motivational videos”
With inspiring music in the background, you’ll discover your daily tasks are so much more enjoyable.
5. Practice Morning Meditation
A meditation practice doesn’t need to be 30 minutes long to be beneficial. Even five minutes of sitting quietly with your eyes closed while concentrating on your breath, a prayer, or a mantra can reduce stress and anxiety, decrease blood sugar, improve brain health, and increase positive feelings.
And the great news is that your meditation is just as effective whether you’re sitting on a cushion, in a chair, or on your couch. Create a comfortable, sacred space where you can commit to a consistent practice for the most benefit.
Which positive habits will you incorporate into your daily routine?