In everyone’s life, there are things that make a big difference in the quality of day-to-day living, such as taking up an exercise routine, quitting a bad habit or ending a toxic relationship. But while you strive to tackle the big changes in life, keep in mind that there are many small tweaks you can make daily that will greatly enhance your well-being. Consider trying a few of these ‘micro-habits’ from Jillian Wilson at HuffPost
Take a deep breath. Life is full of stressful moments, and we often react to them out of pure emotion. So the next time a situation or person makes you angry, or you’re unsure about a decision you’re asked to make, take a deep breath. Doing so instantly calms your nervous system so you’re able to calm down and avoid saying something you might regret.
Make your bed. This simple daily task is richly symbolic, enabling you to start your day with a sense of calm and organization. Making your bed also paves the way for better evenings, as ending your day with a neat and inviting bed to crawl into sets the right relaxing tone for winding down and getting a good night’s sleep.
Be thankful. You’ve probably heard about the benefits of keeping a gratitude journal, but carving out the time to do so might not feel possible. Turn this beneficial practice into a micro habit, writing down just one thing you’re grateful for at the beginning and end of the day. You can formalize it in a journal, or simply scribble it on a post-it note. Being thankful, even for just a minute, calms your mind and puts you in a positive mood.
Stretch it out. This is especially beneficial if you spend much of your day at a desk. Every hour, stop and do a quick stretch, whether it’s a few shoulder rolls, touching your toes or a back bend. This will help boost circulation and refresh your mind.
Start the day outside. If a full-blown morning walk or run isn’t in the cards, you can still get the benefits of daily fresh air in small ways. Take a stroll around your yard with a cup of coffee, walk to the corner store for the newspaper or simply open the front door and take a few deep breaths. This will help your body and mind greet the day with a dose of vitamin D.
Unplug. Staying away from your smartphone (and laptop and tablet and television) can seem virtually impossible in today’s modern world. But doing so, even for a few minutes, can pay big dividends. To make it a habit, choose certain rooms of the house where devices are not allowed, or decide that certain times of the day will be phoneless, such as sitting down to eat dinner or designated reading time with a good old fashioned book.
Trying one or two of the above micro-habits will take only a few minutes out of your day, but the benefits will have a big impact on your well-being, health and productivity.
