It takes at least a couple of weeks to establish a new habit, according to psychology studies. Of course, there are good habits and bad habits. We’ve come up with 20 simple but great habits that can bring a big improvement to your mood and your daily life in general. See how many of these you can start—and maintain!
Start Your Day With A Glass Of Water
Drinking enough water is one of our biggest—and most basic— blind spots. Hydrating first thing in the morning wakes up your body, jumpstarts your metabolism, and helps you feel more alert. A simple glass of water sets a healthy tone for the entire day.
Make Your Bed
Taking just a minute or two to make your bed gives you a small sense of accomplishment and order. This simple act can boost your mood and productivity. Accomplishing this task puts you in gear to accomplish bigger and better things—all day long!
Stretch For Five Minutes
Chances are you’re pretty stiff and uncomfortable when you get up in the morning. A brief morning stretch loosens tight muscles and improves circulation. It helps you feel more awake, reduces stiffness, and prepares your body for daily tasks.
Write A Short To-Do List
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about all the things you have to do, you might end up not doing any of them! Instead, just take a few moments to list three to five tasks for the day and then do those things! Keeping the list short and manageable helps you stay focused and feel accomplished as you check items off.
Practice Deep Breathing
Many of us breathe too quickly and shallowly, which affects our mental and physical state. Take a few deep breaths throughout the day to reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and refocus your mind. Even one minute can make a big difference.
Step Outside For Fresh Air
Working indoors can make you forget about the outside world. A quick walk or just a few minutes on your porch can help clear your mind, improve mood, and provide a natural energy boost from sunlight and fresh air.
Limit Screen Time In The Morning
We hear it over and over again about the negative effects of too much screen time, probably because it’s true. Avoid diving straight into your phone or computer upon waking. Giving yourself tech-free time helps set a calmer, more mindful tone for your day.
Eat A Nutritious Breakfast
It’s hard to get your day off to a good start with no gas in the tank. A balanced breakfast with protein, fiber, and healthy fats keeps your energy levels stable and supports better level of concentration throughout the morning.
Use A Positive Affirmation
Walking around under a cloud of gloom and negativity is no way to go through life. Start your day with a simple positive statement and watch the shift in your mindset. Phrases like "I am capable" or "Today will be productive" encourage confidence.
Tidy Up A Small Space
Few people like a chaotic environment. In fact, chaos in your surroundings is a long-term recipe for insanity. With this principle in mind, take a few minutes to declutter one small area—a desk, countertop, or drawer. Maintaining tidy spaces reduces visual stress and creates a sense of order.
Take The Stairs Instead Of The Elevator
Taking the stairs boosts your cardiovascular fitness, burns calories, and improves your mood and stamina. Studies show that people who take the stairs regularly have a lower mortality rate from all causes.
Set A Timer For Focused Work
Do you have trouble concentrating? Use a timer to block out 20–30 minutes for focused tasks. This helps limit distractions and encourages efficient, concentrated work periods to turbo-charge your productivity.
Stand Up And Move Often
Humans evolved to walk around, so it’s never good to be too sedentary. Set reminders to stand or walk briefly every hour so you don’t forget. Movement gets your blood pumping, reduces stiffness, and improves your physical and mental energy.
Practice Gratitude
Write down one or two things you're grateful for each day. If you don’t feel like getting out pen and paper, then just think about something you’re thankful for. This habit will promote a more positive outlook and help shift focus away from daily frustrations.
Drink Herbal Tea In The Afternoon
You may feel a bit listless in the afternoon. Instead of reflexively pouring yourself a cup of coffee, enjoy a calming cup of herbal tea. This can help you relax, stay hydrated, and avoid late-day energy crashes.
Compliment Someone
Do you like receiving compliments? Well, it goes both ways! Take a moment to genuinely compliment a colleague, friend, or stranger. Small acts of kindness boost your mood and strengthen social connections. Of course, use common sense with this one: don’t go overboard with praise; and make sure the compliment is sincere.
Turn Notifications Off
Modern-day devices make us accessible all the time, but that doesn’t mean we have to be constantly checking in with others. Silencing unnecessary notifications reduces distractions, lowers anxiety, and allows for more intentional focus on your priorities.
Prepare Tomorrow’s Outfit
If you hate rushing around in the morning, lay out your clothes for the next day before you go to bed. This small action simplifies your morning routine and helps you feel more organized.
Do A One-Minute Journal Entry
As you prepare to hit the hay, take a moment to reflect on how your day went. Jot down a quick thought or reflection. Noting what went well and what you learned helps build self-awareness and growth.
Set A Consistent Bedtime
Inconsistent sleep schedules affect your productivity, mood, and even your immune system. Starting and sticking to a regular sleep schedule will improve your sleep quality, energy levels, and bring you better overall health.
Take Three Deep Breaths Before Sleeping
Hopefully your mind isn’t still racing when you lay your head down to rest at the end of the day. If it is, you can calm your body and soul with a few slow, deep breaths. This simple habit promotes relaxation and prepares you for restful sleep.
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