After a year of lockdowns, uncertainty, and chaos, I’m excited to share eight healthy habits that I have incorporated into my life that have positivity impacted my productivity and mindset.
The intention of this post is not to overwhelm or intimidate you. Instead, I encourage you to choose one or two habits, try them out for a month, and see how they make you feel then go from there. Remember, building a habit takes longer than a week or two, so be patient with yourself, and don’t worry if you miss a day or two, it is all a learning process.
- Make your bed every morning.
Make your bed so you don’t hop back into bed. It won’t only reduce the temptation to crawl back in, but it gives you something to accomplish straight away which sets a positive tone for the rest of your morning.
- Set limits for social media.
I’ve found that excessive use can be both exhausting and toxic. Despite having minimal social networking apps on my phone, I make a conscious effort to keep my daily screen time under 2.5 hours.
Additionally, I’ve established a social media curfew between 10PM and 9AM, during which most apps, including emails and Safari, are off-limits. This serves as a gentle reminder to take those hours to relax, focus on myself, and not to feel inclined to constantly be connected with the digital world.
- Replace your screen time.
Building on the previous point, avoid mindless scrolling by replacing some of your screen time with activities such as reading or drawing. Not only is this shown to boost creativity, but you’ll also likely experience a greater sense of ease, productivity, and contentment.
Personally, I’ve delved into self-help books this year, which has helped expand my perspective and personal growth. It’s a small shift that brings immense benefits, leading to a more mindful and fulfilling use of my time.
- Sleep more.
Getting a good sleep is really going to help improve your mood, productivity, and stress levels, allowing your body to rest and recover. I may sound like either a 3 year old or an 80 year old here, but around 2PM, when fatigue hits and focus becomes a struggle, a quick 20-minute catnap is exactly what I need. After catching a few Z’s, I feel rejuvenated and ready to refocus and crack on with the rest of the day.
- Get ready.
It can be unsettling with all the constant changes and having plans pulled out from under your feet, especially during lockdown. In this period, it’s tempting not to get ready as you’re not going out or seeing anyone. Don’t fall into a funk of staying in your pyjamas all day just because you can. Getting dressed, even if you’re not leaving home, creates a clear distinction between a chilled day and a productive one. So, get up and get dressed, just as if you were heading out to meet your friends.
- Plan your week.
Help combat the Sunday scaries by scheduling your week ahead. As someone who gets anxious about what’s coming up and the unknown, taking a few minutes to schedule my happenings is a form of self-care for me. While I usually have the next month or so planned out, I always take around 10 minutes at the beginning of each week to review, remind myself of, and to make any adjustments to my schedule.
This simple practice helps reduce the unknowns and uncertainties, providing a sense of organisation and control so I have less made up ideas of what’s coming up, allowing me to approach the week with clarity and purpose.
- Journal.
Journaling has been a powerful practice for me this year. Writing down feelings, highs and lows, expressing gratitude, and setting goals are not only helpful for day-to-day reflections but also for long-term personal growth.
- Embrace the Outdoors.
Green spaces are essential for wellbeing, and as much as indoor plants are lovely and all, it’s still vital to go outside everyday and surround yourself with nature – especially right now. Whether it’s a hike, bike ride, dog walk, or a simple stroll around the block, spend time outdoors, you will feel so much better for it as nature has an impact on your overall mood and mindset.
So, those are some of my healthy habits, I would love to know what healthy habits you have implemented into your life, so let me know down in the comments!
