As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a single day. Similarly, a wholesome and successful life results from a consistently practiced bunch of good habits that ultimately translate into a beautiful conflation of a life lived well!
A repertoire of seemingly simple yet potentially changing life habits can add the spark to the innate fuel we all carry but might be having trouble realizing. Getting up at five in the morning and working those glutes may appear like new year’s resolutions that rarely make it past the first week of January. Still, when turned into consistent efforts with noticeable rewards, these thoughts bloom into positive habits and great physical health that hold us in good stead throughout the life.
How to Start
Ok, so we won’t lie; most of us don’t want to feel broke by the end of the month, wish for higher energy levels that seem to diminish with each birthday, and attract that perfect job or mate without sweating much. But this isn’t utopia, and there is no magic genie in a bottle that can make our wishes come true.
Before you lose hope, close your laptop, and go back to sleeping with your eyes wide open; please do hear us out! We know you have a whole list of queries buzzing around in those speech bubbles; we see them right there!
“How do I form a new habit?” “How long will it take to form healthy habits?”
We’ll figure them out and more in this blog. The trick is to slice the pie into manageable slices. The goal is to make a positive habit, like brushing our teeth in the morning. The mantra is, “cue+action+reward = a healthy habit/routine.”
For instance, if you feel thirsty on your way to work and there is a coconut seller two blocks down the road, and a soda shop on your right, grabbing that bottle of carbonated water may be tempting. Still, if you make that effort to drive down that distance and drink some coconut water, you will be rewarded with the best things, such as renewed vigor and vitality, great skin, a healthier heart, and holistic health if you make it a part of your routine!
1. Focus on What You’re Grateful For
Gratitude attracts abundance. Period. We know when those bills are piling up, and cash flow is something that seems like a distant dream, one might not feel particularly grateful in general, and it’s completely understandable. However, just to make the situation a lot more bearable, you could probably be thankful for those four square meals a day, a warm bed to sleep in, and most importantly, the health and ability to work!
Sometimes all you need to feel better about your lot in life is a diary and a pen or the notes app on your phone and a small list of three things you are truly grateful for. A great way to do that is with simple yet priceless things like your parents calling you daily to check in on you, a best friend you can rely on, and your pet dog’s unconditional love. Not much, we agree, but irreplaceable, we bet!
2. Make Sure You’re Hydrated
Have you seen those celeb columns where they give answers to those typical questions like, “three things I cannot leave home without,” and they provide those “candid” answers, “my water bottle, phone, and sunglasses”? This may seem cliche and oft-repeated, but research has repeatedly emphasized the benefits of staying hydrated.
Higher energy levels, clearer skin, enhanced digestion, and a reduced tendency to look for snacks now and then because we tend to misconstrue thirst signals for hunger pangs. If the “taste” of water or the lack of it is what puts you off, you could try mixing fresh lime, and mint leaves with your water to give it the zing it needs and the hydration you need! So grab that glass of water now! It might take an extra minute of your tight schedule, but it will pay wonderfully in the long run.
3. Stick to a Routine
Remember how sorted school life was, with a timetable to guide every hour of in-school activity? The rest of the day was demarcated into chunks of time that held us in good stead, and we never really complained about the lack of time to do thighs we loved to do!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you guessed it right! A well-curated routine with fixed time slots for your goals and activities is exactly what we need to achieve those life goals and live our best lives ever. So grab that planner, set a doable routine, find yourself an accountability partner and let’s reconnect after a month.
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4. Work in a Little Bit of Exercise Every Day
Stretching and strengthening those muscles, wiggling those toes, and rotating those joints may seem like a chore that may not stand high on your priority list, but as the years multiply and one becomes prone to bone injuries, muscle tears, and backache, one realizes the importance of keeping that body moving. They say health is wealth and not without good reason!
Remember when your neck hurt like hell and your back felt like a burden on your legs simply because you would sit (probably hunched up) in front of your laptop, type away like a maniac, get up for a snack or a meal, and plonk your rump right back? It’s absolutely not worth it, my friend! Set an hourly reminder on your phone or smartwatch, get up, take a walk, and stretch your back muscles and legs. This will not only refresh your mind but also keep you healthy. By the end of the day, after meeting all those crazy deadlines, you won’t feel exhausted and might also have the energy to tend to your family members and other relationship needs!
While this is the bare minimum that you must do, consider signing up for Zumba, yoga, or that pilates class thrice every week and notice the difference in your energy levels, skin health, and holistic wellness. Also, did I mention the complimentary endorphin rush? It’s truly awesome!
5. Eat a Healthier Diet
As mothers’ say, you are what you eat, so it makes perfect sense to put only the healthiest stuff in our bodies for a holistic, wholesome life. This cannot be an overnight transformation; on the contrary, it is the sum of small albeit effective habits such as experimenting with tasty leafy green recipes, ordering a side salad every time you eat out, etc. Also, you could try inculcating the practice of mindful eating in your daily routine, wherein you savor each bite you take, right from its distinct flavor, texture, condiments, and spices, without distractions such as your smartphone or television.
These small changes will start reflecting slowly but surely in improved health, energy levels, more good hair days, and did we mention that awesome glow that does not depend on external products?
6. Put Down Your Phone and Pick Up a Book
Reading enhances cognition, and just like we need good food for the body, we need good books for the mind and soul. To quote George R.R. Martin, “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge. That is why I read so much.”
If the last book you read was your latest tech stack’s user manual, take this as a sign to set aside at least an hour for reading. The genre can be whatever you want but take that first step. Otherwise, you will miss out on what you didn’t know existed. Don’t let that happen.
7. Establish Boundaries
Make this simple yet super effective habit part and parcel of dealing with people in your personal and professional life, and you will be sorted for a major part of all the lemons life has in store for you. Got a text asking about drinks after dinner from work colleagues you don’t really vibe with? Say no. Tell them that you might join them another time; thank you!
Your partner repeatedly does stuff that annoys you? Sit them down and let them know clearly what doesn’t work. Being a people pleaser has never worked in anyone’s favor, so stop saying yes when you would rather say no. It might seem difficult at first, but once you realize your priorities and the power of setting boundaries, the chances of you returning to your people-pleasing ways are pretty low.
Work on Your Goals with a Trusted Therapist on Docvita Today!
Are you feeling burnt out lately? Do you feel disconnected from yourself? There is always a chance to regain hold of the present that life is and live it with the zest it deserves. The tips mentioned above can help you get back on track whether you are a tired professional, a stressed-out homemaker, a university student struggling with life’s challenges, or maybe even a caregiver to a terminal-ill family member.
Mental health is something that cannot and should not be overlooked. A decline in your mental health will manifest in other spheres of your life. Before it spirals into depression and other physical manifestations, feel free to reach out to amiable, approachable, and extremely empathetic professionals on DocVita.