Life is full of big moments that are touted as absolutely crucial for getting on track for a successful life – graduating high school and going to a good college, for example. However, I personally believe that the small, seemingly insignificant things we can do for ourselves on a day-to-day basis have the most impact on success and life in general. When it comes to having the right outlook and facing the day with a positive mindset, it really is the little things that matter most. While I’m far from an expert in life or self-help, in the past six months I’ve adopted some healthy habits that have had a surprisingly positive impact on my life and my work.
Below are some of the healthy habits I’ve incorporated into my daily lifestyle that have significantly benefitted my productivity and well-being. Word on the street is that it only takes 21 days to make a habit stick – so give some of these a try!
- Make your bed. It’s a simple, easy way to take two minutes out of your busy morning and start your day by accomplishing something. It might seem small, but nothing feels better than coming home after a long day to a perfectly made bed and a de-cluttered bedroom.
- No screens when you wake up. We spend all day staring at computers, cell phones, iPads and TVs – give yourself (and your brain) a break and enjoy at least the first part of your morning screen-free.
- Skip the snooze button. Sleeping an extra 15 minutes seems ideal in the moment, but there have been countless studies on how snoozing is not doing you, or your productivity, any good.
- Eat healthy. Going to Chipotle on your lunch break and scarfing down a burrito the size of your head may be a good idea in theory (I’m hungry just from typing that), but sitting at your desk at 3 p.m. fighting off a food coma just isn’t a good look. Give your body the nutrients it wants and needs.
- Exercise. We all know that waking up an hour earlier to work out is really hard, and there are plenty of days where I just can’t bring myself to do it. However, on the days I am able to wake up and squeeze a workout in before heading to the office, I always seem to cross off several more things from my to-do list compared to days where I chose to get a little extra sleep. Getting yourself there may be a pain, but you’ll never wake out of the gym regretting going.
