The trajectory of your life is determined by the choices you make each day. These small, seemingly insignificant choices affect your physical and mental health over time and ultimately determine who you are as a person.
These choices become habits and, slowly but surely, become an automatic part of your routine. If you want to make significant changes to your life, start by changing one small thing you do each day.
The key is to be patient. According to a 2009 study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.
Seven daily habits that will positively change your life forever
Many of these habits can be completed in just a few minutes each day. Let’s get started:
- 3-Item to-do list
Each morning, before you start your day, write down the 3 most important tasks you need to accomplish that day. This will help keep you focused on your priorities; it will also give you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. - Exercise
Physical activity is essential to a healthy and productive life. It not only helps keeps your body fit, but it also benefits your mental and emotional health. Find something active that you enjoy doing, exercise doesn’t always have to mean lifting weights at the gym. Go for a walk, stretch, try a YouTube workout video, or have sex. - Watch less television and stop scrolling
A recent study in Preventing Science Reports found the people who spent more than four hours each day staring at a television or computer screen were about twice as likely to suffer from depression. Limiting your screen time forces you to fill your time doing something else, often to your benefit. Spend time with family, do something outdoors, write more, or master a new skill. - Practice gratitude
Think about things you’re grateful for every single day. This can be as simple as the clothes on your back or shoes on your feet. Gratitude reframes your day and directs your attention to the good things in your life. You can also combine this habit with journaling. It can be a great way to springboard your private thoughts in a positive direction. - Journal
Write something—anything—every day. The habit of writing will force you to see the world in a more observant way. You’ll rethink conversations, circumstances and relationships. Writing helps you think better and interact better with the world. - Reset your kitchen before bed
Do yourself a favor and prepare your kitchen for the next day, so you don’t have to start a brand-new day with yesterday’s mess (this extends far beyond kitchen clutter, too!). This habit will not only brighten your morning, but it will also help keep your home tidy. If resetting your kitchen each evening seems like a daunting task, start by making it functional for the morning (clean the dishes, take out the trash and clear counter space for breakfast prep). - Eat one meal together each day
If you live alone this may not apply. Families living together should make an effort to eat at least one meal together each day. When food is shared with others, it becomes an opportunity to connect and foster your relationships with roommates, spouses, significant others, and/or children.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to make all of these changes at once. Choose one and begin practicing it daily. Once you feel comfortable, add in another. When you take control of your habits, you control of the trajectory of your life.
For more information about improving your life through healthy habits and smart lifestyle changes, call Jason Ferine Physical Therapy at 424-365-2083. We are dedicated to your overall health, fitness and wellness.