Daily Habits That Will Make Your Life Better

New Year’s resolutions are popular for a reason. They tap into our desire to make changes to our lives, whether we’re looking to pursue new opportunities at work or put ourselves out there in the dating world. However, there’s also a reason why 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by February. They often require too much change to occur overnight without providing us with the gratification of instant results. It’s easy to lose motivation.

The most sustainable, long-term changes are those that are introduced gradually because they will slowly become habits that you complete without even thinking about it. Though you may not notice the benefits right away, smaller changes can still have a profoundly positive impact on your life. 

With that in mind, here are just some daily habits that, when incorporated into your daily routine, will make your life better.

Stop using your phone an hour before bed 

We’re all guilty of spending a little too much time on our phones, especially when we’re lying in bed at night. However, while it may seem to be nothing more than a way to pass the time or wind down, studies have found that scrolling stops you from falling asleep. 

For example, one study found that “exposure to blue light before bed suppresses melatonin by up to 22%.” Given that melatonin plays a crucial role in sleep and your circadian rhythm (internal clock), this can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. 

If you are someone who finds it hard to fall asleep, get into the habit of putting your phone down and avoiding screens at least an hour before you go to bed. If this is difficult, consider wearing blue light glasses or turning on the blue light filter on your phone. 

Complete a crossword each day 

Challenging yourself to solve some kind of puzzle, such as a crossword, is a surprisingly beneficial habit that will not take up too much of your time. For example, you could easily work your way through a crossword during your break at work or during your commute if you travel via public transport. 

Studies have found that there are many benefits associated with completing (or attempting to complete) crosswords, and not only that you’ll learn a few new words in the process. For example, they’re also a great way to give your brain a workout and can even improve your working memory and problem-solving skills. 

Spend at least 10 minutes outside 

Whether your job requires you to spend hours behind your desk each day or you simply feel as though you have next to no energy when you get home, push yourself to spend at least 10 minutes outside each day, whether you’re going for a run or a quick walk around the blog. After all, not only is this a great way to increase your daily activity levels, but many studies have found that exposure to natural light is great for your mental and physical health. 

Start each day with a stretch 

You’d be surprised about just how beneficial a morning stretch can be. In fact, studies have found that this can help with: 

• Flexibility
• Stress reduction 
• Blood circulation 
• Focus and concentration levels 

You could take this one step forward by combining your morning stretch routine (which doesn’t need to take up more than a few minutes of your time to be effective) with some simple meditation and breathing exercises. This can be a great way to ensure that you start your day off on the right foot, especially if you’re anticipating a lot of stress. 

Drink more water 

According to a recent report, only one in four adults drinks enough water each day. And, while you may be more tempted to reach for a coffee or soda over a glass of water, it is important to drink water. Being well-hydrated can help with everything from clearing up your skin to improving your energy levels. 

As a general rule, you should drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This may take some getting used to, especially if you’re not a big water drinker, but over time, you’ll find it becomes second nature. To get started, try buying a decent-sized water bottle that you can carry around your bag. This way, you’ve always got water to hand when you need it. Alternatively, you may want to set alarms on your phone so that you can remind yourself to take another sip. 

Exercise a few times a week 

By now, you’re likely well aware of the benefits that regular exercise can bring to your life, whether you’re trying to better your mental health or find a sustainable way to lose weight. However, as with any habit, it can be difficult to fall into a consistent exercise routine, as there will naturally be days or times when your enthusiasm and focus wane, meaning you’re more likely to skip a session than you are to commit to working out. 

Try not to overdo it. Aim to work out at least three times a week instead. This way, you’ll find it easier to fit your workouts into your routine without feeling as though you have no time set aside for yourself. You can always work out more if you need to, but this is a great baseline, especially if you are just getting started in the world of fitness.

Find an activity you genuinely love. Remember that there are plenty of options to choose from aside from going to the gym, especially if this is a place that you do not feel particularly comfortable in.

You may also find it easier to make regular exercise a habit as opposed to a chore by working out with a friend or family member. This turns something that you may otherwise find difficult into a social activity, which takes a little of the pressure off while also ensuring that somebody is holding you accountable. For example, if you know a friend is waiting for you to work out, you’re less likely to skip a session. 

Read something you enjoy 

Spending at least 10 minutes a day reading is also a habit that brings many benefits. It gives you a chance to escape everyday life, learn something new or be inspired, stepping into a new world with every turn of the page. It gives you the chance to sharpen your mind and your knowledge of the world around you, even when reading something fictional. 

Reading can be a great substitute for scrolling through your phone at night, especially if this is the last thing you do before falling asleep. In fact, studies have found that people who read before bed generally report healthier sleeping habits than those who do not! 

Call or message someone you love 

Reaching out to those we love or care about, whether that be a friend or family member, is another habit that reaps many benefits. It helps you to maintain communication with those you may not see all that often while also helping you to keep your mental health in check. Talking to someone you care about is a mood-booster. While you may not have the time in your routine to dedicate to daily phone calls, try to make sure that you are reaching out to those you care about. 

Any of the habits listed above will enrich your life in new and surprising ways. For example, through morning meditation and exercising more often, you may find that you’re no longer dealing with the signs of stress and anxiety. This will bleed into other areas of your life, as you feel as though you’re more confident as you step out of your door each morning.