As the new year begins, people make unrealistic goals difficult to implement in their daily lives. Many start off strong but set impractical standards for themselves, getting discouraged in the process. To combat this, let’s go over a list of 10 simple habits you can implement into your daily life to increase your happiness:
- Start the day with an affirmation: Start each morning with a personal affirmation or grateful thought. You can write it down or simply think of it!
- Connect with friends: Hang out with the ones you love! Whether getting together for lunch or just sending them a quick text about your day, keeping in touch with people is extremely important to our mental health.
- Embrace exercise: I am not going to tell you to get on a strict gym routine. For many of us, that is just not practical. But adding some kind of physical activity into your daily routine can really boost your mood, along with helping your physical health. Maybe take your dog on a longer walk, stroll to the closest coffee shop, do some chores around the house. Anything to get your body up and moving.
- Laugh often: As we have discussed on this blog, laughter is extremely beneficial for your physical and mental health. Watch a five-minute funny video. Maybe go see a comedy at the movie theater. Have a good laugh talking to your friend. Find any way you can make yourself have a good belly laugh!
- Indulge in a hobby: Think about what you like doing or want to learn, and go for it! Hobbies are a great way to have fun and keep your interests flowing. You might feel you do not have time for a hobby, but there are many ways to create practical hobbies. Maybe you like cleaning and organizing your house, cooking for your family, etc. Find mandatory household tasks you like and change your mindset on them! You can make anything a hobby!
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water is essential, and it is super easy once you remember to keep getting glasses. You can even buy one of those motivational water bottles to tell you when to drink throughout the day.
- Keep learning: Even if you are not actively in school, it is important to keep engaging your mind and learning new things. You can try online courses, read books, watch movies, try new things, etc. There are tons of ways you can keep your mind engaged!
- Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors is a great way to boost your mental health! You can go for a walk in nature or go to a nearby park. If you feel like you do not have time to do that, maybe do some work on a balcony or porch with fresh air.
- Reflect on the day: Set aside a few minutes (or even just a few seconds!) to reflect on your accomplishments. Even if it is small, it is important to focus on positive experiences, achievements, moments of gratitude, and more. This will reinforce a positive mindset!
- Prioritize sleep: Prioritizing your sleep is one of the best things you can do for your happiness. Sleeping well and getting at least 7 hours per night is important. Many critical neural processes happen while you are sleeping. It is a great way to reset your brain and let yourself get some well-needed rest!