I LOVE talking about habits. Is that weird? Might be a bit weird. But habits are so important to our lives! And most of the time we don’t even realize we have these habits. We just do them unconsciously. Our brains are on autopilot and it is truly bizarre. I’ve read some amazing books about habits, including The Power of Habit. I highly recommend, it’s very fascinating.
Habits can be a bit daunting though. There’s so many! Literally everything we do is a habit, how do you start changing? I strongly suggest starting with one habit at a time. Literally make it so small and then build upon that and build more and more and more. Before you know it, your life will look different but in a wonderful way! That is, if you want it to look different! It’s all up to you.
Drink More Water
Is everyone sick of this one already? I can’t tell you how many “make yourself better” blog posts I’ve read that have drink more water. But, it’s true. Water solves everything! Headache? Water. Breakout? Water. Bloated? Water. It all works. Reaching for that water bottled is one of the best habits. But HOW do you drink more water? First, I would suggest figuring out what’s blocking you. I recently realized I would fill up my water bottle in the morning at work, but then wouldn’t want to get up later in the day in refill it – L A Z Y, I know! So I decided to get a new large water bottle (I got the green 40 oz. here) that I only need to fill up once in the morning and this has helped so much! I know others like to flavor their water, or track it on an app. Whatever works for you! Just chug it.
Plan Your Meals
I am a serious creature of habit when it comes to cooking. I eat the same few things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day – seriously these Teriyaki Turkey Bowls have been a staple in my diet for months. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE food and good food especially. However, I like to cook the same things. Things I know will be tasty and healthy and reliable. Whether you like to cook the same things or try new recipes, planning your meals out will help you tremendously! I like to take time on the weekends and plan out the next week, including my meals. This will help take the guessing or debating on what to eat each night. You’ll save time by not having to run to the grocery store multiple times per week. And you’ll save money and calories but not eating out as much. I like to keep track of my meals in the same planner I use for everything else. You could use your Google Calendar or just a note in your phone. Make it easy for yourself!
Journal
This is one for your mind. I think sometimes when people talk about being healthy or wellness, they forget to talk about your mental health. Which is just as important as your physical health. Maybe more important. Journaling for me is the start of a good mental health practice. I journal daily in the morning as a part of my morning routine and honestly wish I did it more. I set a timer for 10 minutes and just write. You could journal as a part of your gratitude practice, before you go to bed, on your lunch break – whenever. Just get your thoughts out of your head, where they can sometimes spiral, and onto paper where you can sort through them. It’s a little thing that will make a big difference.
Fill in the in-between Time
This is something we all do, but we need to learn to do it well. Fill in your in-between time better. For me, in-between time is the time I spend driving to work, getting ready in the morning, waiting in line, etc. In some of these situations, I have the urge to pick up my phone and scroll mindlessly. Honestly, that’s my go-to: check Instagram. But what I’m learning to do is to fill that time in with something else. My best tip is to listen to an audiobook. I’ve listened to so many audiobooks but really just listening to them while I shower and do my hair and makeup. Or listen to a podcast! Same thing, you’d be surprised at how much you can listen to if you try. Another way I fill in the in-between time is by doing the dishes and sweeping. Seriously two things I ALWAYS need to do. So while I’m heating something up in the microwave or waiting for the oven to preheat, that’s what I do. Yes, of course, I do still pick up my phone, but I’m trying! And that’s what it’s all about.
Positive Self-Talk
Speak to yourself like you speak to your best friends. Seriously. When your friends come to you with a problem or an issue, you listen to them, you ask questions, you walk through it with them. You tell them they’re amazing and worthy and THEY CAN DO ANYTHING! Well girl, so can you. Talk to yourself just like that! Next time you’re down on yourself or in that negative self-talk spiral, stop. Take a deep breath. And ask yourself, what would I say to my best friend if she was telling me these things right now? And then say that to yourself!
There you have it, some simple habits that can begin to change your life! A tip you might try is to pair a habit to something you’re already in the habit of doing. If you’re already in the habit of drinking a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, try pairing drinking that with journaling. Habits are so powerful! If we can learn to reign them in, we can really accomplish so much!
Much love,
Justina