10 Daily Habits That Will Improve Your Life

No matter what my work schedule is like for the day, there are certain daily habits that I have. These habits have personally made a massive difference in my life. They help me stay motivated, positive, and contribute to my general well-being. The lifestyle choices I have made also help me keep focused, energetic, driven, inspired, and well-balanced.

As positive as I’ve tried to be in the past, it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve known about the Law of Attraction for 10 years now, therefore I’ve also always known how important it is to stay positive, to reap positive results. However, I used to always find myself going in circles. Although I’d feel optimistic and great most of the time, as soon as things got really difficult, I’d end up throwing all my hard-work and even manners out of the window. I’d awaken my temper and let my emotions control my decisions & actions. I was also very stubborn; a trait which isn’t healthy for any relationship. Now I’m not saying that I’m anywhere near perfect, or free of all negativity; we are constantly learning and growing as human-beings.  However, I believe that my daily habits have impacted me in a very positive way, allowing me to have more control over my life. I’m now able to make more positive choices, which directly correspond with happiness. Stressful situations and events have less of a negative impact on me, and I feel that this is more apparent each day.

For the sake of this post, I’m not going to mention all of my habits or the tiny details, such as brushing my teeth, my meals, or what my work consists of, but I will outline 10 major lifestyle habits that are included in my daily routine. After reading this, you may want to incorporate some of them into your daily routine too.

1. Start the day with a positive thought

This is very important to do early in the day – preferably when you’ve just woken up! It really sets the tone for the day. Whether or not you believe in The Law of Attraction, the power of intention is powerful. I don’t just say, “I hope today is a good day” – this is wishful thinking. Nor do I say, “I expect today to be a good day” – this leaves things to chance.  Instead, I adopt an attitude of certainty and say, “Today is a good day.” By doing this, I am literally instructing my subconscious mind to do everything in its power to bring me a good day, as it already thinks that a good day exists.

To add to this, I take a moment to visualise what a good day may look like. Read our guide to visualisation HERE. If you have an interview in the day or something else that you’re feeling slightly anxious about, it’s a great idea to wake up and affirm to yourself the very outcome that you wish to achieve. Set the impression in your mind by repeating the phrase a couple of times while closing your eyes and visualising it. Really feel that what you’re saying is true. If you can form this habit, you’ll be amazed at how powerfully it can change your daily experience, for the better.

2. Drink water first thing in the morning

I’ll keep this very brief because you can read most of the information as to why I do this and the method for it, in our post: 5 Benefits Of Drinking Water First Thing In The Morning. If you haven’t read the article before, it’s definitely worth looking at! I admit that I was hesitant to start this practice because I wasn’t too fond of downing water straight after I wake up, before brushing my teeth. However, after going through a period where I did it religiously and a period where I didn’t, I saw noticeable differences. Drinking water first thing in the morning gives me much more energy throughout the day. I also feel alert and just generally much happier. This isn’t always true if I haven’t slept well, however for my normal routine, it definitely makes a positive difference to my day. I also do Intermittent Fasting and this habit helps me suppress my appetite for longer.

3. Meditate

Meditation has been mentioned in a lot of our recent posts. I honestly think everyone should try meditation! It’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s literally life transforming! I think that a lot of my calmness, my clarity, my patience, the deflation of my ego and my sense of purpose has come from meditation. I also feel that I get lots of wisdom from intuitive thoughts from my sessions. I meditate day or night, once or twice a day, for 15 minutes to half an hour. Sometimes I meditate for much longer. I also meditate at random times when I feel stressed, or negative energy creeping in.

To get started with meditation, click HERE. It can be strange at first, you may ask yourself if you’re doing it right. Eventually though, you’ll work out your own style and I guess you’ll just know if you’re doing it right by acknowledging how you feel afterwards. You’ll start seeing changes in yourself as time comes. Your focus will increase and you’ll have the ability to almost tap into the ideas of your soul; where most the answers to our problems are. Meditation is where you silence the mind so you can listen to your inner truths. Our conscious mind is constantly giving us these flawed ideas and thoughts of worry, fear and egocentric desires. Meditation is an art, it will allow you to dig deeper past this layer of thoughts, to your deepest core.

I’ve actually tried many types of meditation and it has led me to develop my own style. I feel that this style works best for me. In fact it’s very personal to me so I won’t be sharing it, however, you can also develop your own style by trying out different things and seeing what works best for you. I should also mention that I add visualisation into my meditation regime. This is simply where I visualise my highest priority goals; both short and long term.

4. Plan the day

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

With so many things to do throughout the day, I ensure that I either make a mental note or a physical note of the tasks that I need to complete, in order of priority. There are many routine tasks that I carry out; I actually have those written down in a booklet which I keep on my desk and flip through every morning. Each task is headed in bold and has a list of bullet points underneath; this makes things very clear and easy to read. However, there are certain things which are specific to each day, such as a deadline. In this case, I’d ensure that this was top priority. Having a Top 3 Priority List is a great way to stay on top of your tasks. Allocating a time slot to the task is absolutely vital as it prevents procrastination. Even if you don’t complete something in the time you allocated to it, you probably would have pushed yourself harder to, than if you did it without any timeframe in mind. I should also mention here that if you don’t meet your own deadline, try not to worry too much – never rush anything; do not comprise quality.

5. Take short, regular breaks

It’s very important to take breaks when you’re doing something. Regular breaks have been known to stop individuals from getting bored (preventing lack of focus), inspire more creativity, help us retain information, keep us physically & mentally relaxed, and increase our happiness. I personally find that when I come back to a task after a short break, it provides me with fresh perspectives, enhanced creativity and further clarity.

I like to take a 10 minute break after every hour of work. Everyone needs a breather so never feel guilty for taking a little break.  In my 10 minutes I usually listen to some music, browse the internet, or have a snack. It is important to do something that you find interesting, fun or revitalising! It’s also very important that you stick to the time you’ve allocated to your break, otherwise you’ll start procrastinating and thus waste time.

6. Get active

Exercising is a big part of my life. Not only does it make me feel more comfortable with myself physically, it makes me feel great internally! When you get active, you release happy hormones – that’s right, mood-boosting hormones! I have a gym membership so I tend to go there a few times a week. However, I also love sports so I like participating in something when the opportunity arises, with friends. I also own a range of workout DVDs which can be done at home. They are also fantastic! You don’t have to do anything too straining, a brisk walk is fine. Just try not to stay seated by choice! Move around a little, find someone to join you and try and make it fun! You could go for a swim, a bike ride or even for a little jog around the block.

I’ve mentioned in a previous post how I lost roughly 3 stone in 2 months by following a workout plan and diet. By doing this, I had to have great discipline and show great character. I actually exceeded my expectations as a result, which gave me great confidence and faith in my ability to manifest desired change. I think that following a plan and setting your intention on a particular, can do a great deal for your mindset and other life goals too.

7. Read

Here’s a fact, before the age of 16, I had only ever completed one book. It was a book for children called ‘Ball’ and it was about 10 pages long. I wasn’t a fan of reading; I actually used to make up whole book reviews in school. I still have no idea how I used to get away with it. Yet let me tell you that since I’ve actually turned to books, my knowledge and ability to communicate has increased substantially.

I tend to read books that will benefit me in some way; mainly non-fiction. Some of my recommendations are on the right-side panel of this website, in an Amazon box. I have now read hundreds of books. Recently I’ve been reading one book a week. They can range from a variety of topics such as business, spirituality, physics, finance, relationships, etc. The reading doesn’t stop with books though. I devote at least an hour a day to reading articles/blog posts, websites, newspapers, journals or anything else that will enhance my knowledge, creativity, and understanding, or provide new perspectives.

I also read quotes or some form of motivational work, every day without fail. This not only inspires me, but again gives me new perspectives. Ensuring that you’re following motivational accounts on your social media sites is a big plus; they will keep you driven, especially as they post frequently. In the same way, if you’re following accounts that are deemed quite negative, it may be time to give them an unfollow. Reading negative thoughts and ideas all day is far from healthy! It will lower your vibration and attract undesirable events.

Reading is nutrition to the mind. It’s great for learning. If you look around on the internet, you’ll find that nearly every top success in the world is a regular reader.

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” – Harry S. Truman

Never stop learning. If you prefer, you may also consider expanding your knowledge by studying online. You may find programs online such as those offered at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

8. Indulge in something fun

What’s work without play hey? I think it’s important to devote some time to something fun. Although I love what I do, it’s always nice to do something which isn’t perceived as work. For example, most musicians will probably tell you that their job is fun, yet when they talk about doing something fun, they won’t relate it to their job. Something fun could be playing a game, popping out to see your friends, going to see a show, etc. Although some activities are more time consuming than others, I try and make as much time as I can for them. It’s important to have some chill time, especially for reducing stress.

9. Learn using digital media

Although you can learn a great deal from books, there’s also many other ways to learn too. I am probably a better visual learner than anything else. I prefer seeing things done, or seeing visual aids with narrated information. Devoting some time to learning is vital for your growth and understanding. There are literally heaps of videos, tutorials, audiobooks, podcasts and so on, which will help you learn, without you having to pick up a book. Podcasts are great for example because you can have them playing in the background while you do something else, such as cleaning.

You can always learn something new everyday. No-one on this planet knows everything, about everything! It’s important to add to your learning as often as you can. For example, if you need a website created and don’t know how to make one, or don’t have the money to get one made… Learn! There are so many resources on the internet these days to help you get started. YouTube for example has tons of video tutorials.

I like to watch or listen to something new everyday, such as an interview with a motivational speaker or a podcast discussing different marketing strategies.

10. Say thanks

This is the last thing I do, before I go to sleep. I do this whilst I lay in bed. I go through the day in my head and I pick a few things that I’m really thankful for. Gratitude is a magnet for great things. Since I’ve been doing this, I’ve noticed that I get more and more things to be thankful for! Try it!

You don’t have to do this at night. In fact, you can do this whenever you like. Some people do it first thing in the morning and some do it during random times in the day. We may go through tough days, but there’s always something to be thankful for, even if it’s just waking up that morning.

“Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance – it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!

Main image credit: pixabay.com