Good habits, bad habits – we all have them. A bad habit has negative physical, psychological and emotional consequences, while good habits have positive consequences. Good habits are repetitive actions or behaviors you want to repeat. Developing good habits requires discipline and effort. So let’s develop good habits and nip those bad habits in the bud.
Here are some good habits that may help you through your day and your life.
Gratitude. Those who express gratitude are happier, have better focus, and are able to overcome challenges. Be grateful. Write down 1 thing you are grateful for each day. When you start to recognize that 1 thing, you may be amazed how many other things you are grateful for as well.
Exercise. If you go to the gym, you are amazing. If you don’t have time for the gym, go for walk. Find a yoga video on YouTube. Just do a little something to help clear your mind and make your body feel good. If your body is fit and healthy, your mind will be too. Plus I read you can automatically look sexier than 80% of the population by going to the gym and eating clean. Who doesn’t want that?
Mindfulness or Prayer. Take a few minutes every day to breathe and/or say your prayers. Feeling centered helps your mind. Saying your prayers helps you focus on something Greater. Both can calm you, reduce your stress, and energize your heart.
Airplane Mode. Put your phone down or turn it off – especially at the dinner table. Disconnect from your phone a little bit each day – even if it is just for 15 minutes.
Boundaries. Protect your time, energy, and attention. You don’t have to say yes to every request. Learn to say no to things that are not aligned with your priorities. Protect your mental health. Protect yourself. Your boundaries set the example to teach others how they should treat you. Find a way each week to ensure you protect your energy, time, and attention.
Learn. Read 10 pages or a chapter in a book a day. Look something up you are curious about. Listen to an audio book or a podcast if you do not like to read. There are so many things to learn. Never stop learning. It only makes you better.
Experience new things. Try a new food or drink. Listen to a new song. Travel to a city you have never been before. Say “yes” to something new. There is a great book called, “The Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes that might give you the encouragement you need (and help with number 7 above).
Celebrate. Celebrate little victories and big. Order dessert. Eat cake for breakfast. There is great value in celebrating. Celebrating brings joy. Joy brings happiness. Plus it is fun. Celebrate your child’s good grade, birthdays and anniversaries, or even just making it through the week. Celebrate being with the person or people you love. I promise, there is always something to celebrate.
“In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” – Tony Robbins
Give up those bad habits and be consistent with your good habits. It doesn’t matter how well you perform these habits, just put the effort in. If you slip up on your habits, you are not a failure. You are normal. Just get back on track. Believe in yourself. What are some of your good habits?
xoxo, Jane Anne
