16 Daily Habits That Will Improve Your Life
Today I want to help give you ideas to improve your life. Because of this, here are 16 daily habits that will improve your life.
Let’s get to making life better!
1. Get Good Rest
You probably already know this but I am going to tell you again anyway. GET SLEEP!
It is clinically proven that your brain does not function as well when you do not get a good healthy amount of sleep. Sleep plays a critical role in…
- Immune function
- Metabolism
- Memory
- Learning
These are just some of the roles that sleep helps. There is other vital functions sleep helps out with. (Harvard).
To me, it seems pretty obvious sleep is important. So make sure you get enough of it!
2. Excercise
Need help getting better sleep? Exercise helps with that.
Not only does it help with your sleep patterns but exercise is one of those things that really help your physical health.
Exercising is one of those daily habits that will improve your life. I know it is tough but it is crucial!
Not more than three months ago I started having horrible lower back pain that was affecting my life. Why? I had gotten that far out of shape. About a month ago I started getting up at 4:30 AM to exercise before work. Boom! Now the back pain is gone!
3. Wake Up Early
I know, this goes against #1 but it works well with #2! So let’s just go with it.
You really should get your day going early. This allows you to take control of your day rather having your day control you.
I have noticed that my productivity at work has gone up since I start getting up early to work out.
Are you one of those people that wants to wake up early but just cannot. I understand. Check out this article where I talk about how to do just that.
4. Eat Healthily
Back to the whole health thing that we mentioned in the exercise section. Health is key! If you want to go enjoy what you love doing, you need it.
To be upfront with you, I love a greasy hamburger with a side of fries and a beer for dinner. Sadly, we cannot do that every night and to be honey we should not be eating like that every week. Why not? Well because pizza has to fit in there somewhere.
In all seriousness though. Moderation is the key when you are trying to eat well. This is a more realistic goal and helps keep you from binging if you do relapse.
My wife and I eat about five really good meals each week. The other two we let things go. I have cut out MOST of the sweets and only have a beer as a special treat here and there.
Since starting this diet, that really is not a diet, I have lost almost 15lbs. Pretty crazy right?
5. Slow Down
This will look different for everyone. For me, I like to ponder the world in the shower.
Others might like to do yoga or meditate or go for a walk.
Why is this important? This quiet time really allows you to sort things out. Do you have something from work stressing you? Are you stumped about a life problem?
Taking some time to yourself is just what you need to work through these moments. Or maybe you just need some time to clear your mind.
6. Plan Your Day
To get the most out of the day you really should plan it. I use a to-do list app called Tick Tick that helps me plan out my day’s activities to the minute.
By having this plan in place I become more focused. My ADD does not kick in when I have everything planned out with what I need to work on.
7. Focus on High Leverage Activities
I always get overwhelmed when my to-do list gets too long. It is always tough to figure out where to start.
Awesome news! I can help you if you have the same issue as I do. Start with the tasks that are going to give the most bang for your time. Focus on those tasks with the biggest reward.
8. Learn New Skills
There is so much for us to learn in our lifetime. The time to start learning all of it is now!
Never stop learning!
Choose skills that are going to get you farther in life. These skills might get you farther in your career, financially, relationships, or whatever else you might think of. Just make sure the new skill is something important and will help you with your life goals.
9. Read
A great way to learn those new skills is by reading. Try to make a goal to read a new book every month.
One month I like to read a fun book then next one I read something that will teach me a new skill. This month I am reading an amazing book about habits by Charles Duhigg called ‘The Power of Habit’.
Go ahead and read away. Then apply it to everyday life!
10. Surround Yourself With Doers
One reason I love Andrew being my best friend is that he is a doer. His actions push me to do more. It also helps that we are so darn competitive to one-up each other.
Just so you know…I am winning… 🙂
By surrounding yourself with doers, you are allowing them to push you forward. We, as humans, naturally tend to match their performance.
Also, who wants to hang out with people that are always dragging you away from your life goals?
You do not want to always be dreaming because of the people you surround yourself with. You want to be celebrating the accomplishments with the friends that make you a better you.
11. Reflect & Evaluate
It is always good to stop, look into the mirror, and give yourself a good evaluation.
Are you heading in the direction you want to be? If not, this is the time to figure out how to get back on course.
Remember, be honest with yourself.
12. Laugh & Smile
Laughing and smiling brings joy to your life. What does joy bring? Joy brings energy!
People will want to be around that energy you bring into their life.
13. Be Positive
Negativity is no fun. No one wants to be around the person that is always negative.
Lately, I have noticed more and more negative thoughts from people. Most of the time this negativity will get you nowhere.
Just let it go and get back to living your life.
14. Enjoy the Outdoors
Who does not love getting some sunshine? Get outside, walk around, and breath in the fresh air!
Yes, this is another health daily habit.
No, this is not hard to accomplish. Every day on my lunch I go for a 30-minute walk outside. It is amazing how much more energized I feel afterward!
If I can do it, so can you.
15. Love
What is better than having an awesome life? Having an awesome life with someone you love.
I am very fortunate to have met the love of my life 10 years ago. I cannot imagine life without her.
Do not let that type of love escape your grasp.
16. Have Fun
To simply put it…
Love your life. Play. Don’t be too serious. Goof off.
Don’t let others ruin your fun.
Find others to be around that enjoy life as much as you can.
What Did I Miss?
I am sure I missed out on a lot! Comment below to tell us about any other daily habits that will improve our lives.
Does this sound amazing? Again, if you really want to learn how to change your habits, I highly recommend reading ‘The Power of Habit’. This book looks at habits from a scientific perspective as to what is really going on in the brain and how you can change it.
Wallet Squirrel is a personal finance blog by best friends Andrew & Adam on how money works, building side-hustles, and the benefits of cleverly investing the profits. Featured on MSN Money, AOL Finance, and more!
Forming positive habits and consistency is what separates the do-gooders from the wannabees and dreamers. 🙂
I think you got the important stuff covered, or at least the reminders that I needed to hear. 1,2, and 4 are especially areas that I need to improve upon. I’ve always found it hard to force myself to get enough sleep. And I’ve been lacking in the exercise department for a while now. Thanks for the reminders!
I had to double back to this post and add that doing cardio 1st thing in the morning on an empty stomach even when your body fights you to go back to bed is a good way to improve daily habits. You might have to trudge in the cold and walk to the gym in the mornings on an empty stomach while your gut growls from having n food in it, but go through the trials and tribulations anyway. The end result is having more energy throughout the day for your blogging side hustle. so you can write “lots and lots of content.” 🙂