10 Daily Habits That Changed My Life

Good daily habits can make a significant difference in your overall health and life. In this blog post, I’m going to share 10 daily habits that have changed my life, impacting various areas such as physical health, emotional health, and brain health.

Before we dive in, I wanted to provide some context. Firstly, these daily habits are the result of gradual habit-forming over the last five years; they didn’t happen overnight. Forming habits is challenging and takes time. Secondly, although these are daily habits, I don’t pressure myself to do them every single day, especially when things get too busy or overwhelming. Sometimes things slide a little, and that’s okay. When making lifestyle changes, it’s not about perfection but about doing what you can. Generally, I try to practice these habits at least three to five times a week, even during stressful times, because they help me stay on track and reduce stress.

Anyway, enough with the introduction; let’s get into the habits.

1. Drink a Glass of Water First Thing in the Morning

I drink a glass of water as soon as I get up. Well, not immediately—I brush my teeth, go to the bathroom, and then have a glass of water. This has significantly improved my energy levels in the morning. When we sleep, we don’t take in any water, and we can wake up mildly dehydrated. Dehydration increases fatigue levels. There is some science behind this, which I’ll link in the description box. Starting your morning with proper hydration is beneficial. I drink a glass of filtered water, sometimes with lemon, usually at room temperature, but warm water works too. It’s about personal preference, but drinking water in the morning is great for your energy levels.

2. Meditate for 10 Minutes Daily

I meditate for 10 minutes every day. Initially, I was skeptical about meditation and didn’t believe in its benefits, but there is substantial science supporting it. Meditation can reduce anxiety, improve immune function, and reduce pain. For me, the biggest change has been mental clarity and a sense of calm. I am not naturally a calm person, but years of meditation have brought me to this point. If you’re a beginner, meditation can seem daunting. My two tips are: be open-minded and give it time. The first 10 to 15 sessions may be difficult, but it gets easier. Secondly, try guided meditation to help you stay on track. I use the Calm app, which I highly recommend, but Headspace is another good option.

3. Go for a Brisk Walk Outdoors Daily

I go for a brisk walk outdoors every day. Living in Canada, this isn’t always possible year-round, especially in winter, but I try to get outside as much as possible. Fresh air, sunlight, and greenery are mood boosters, and studies show that exposure to greenery is good for your health. For me, walking is also a form of exercise. The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity per week, and a brisk walk can count if your heart rate is high enough. I use the Samsung Health app to monitor my heart rate, and my walks usually count as a workout.

4. Incorporate Weight Training

In addition to walking, I include weight training in my exercise regimen. Weight training is crucial for preserving muscle mass and bone density, which naturally decline with age. The World Health Organization recommends at least two sessions of weight training per week. If you’re a beginner, consult a professional to learn proper techniques and avoid injury. You can use body weights or free weights, and eventually, you can work out at home, as I do.

5. Eat Something Green Every Day

I try to Eat Something Green Every Day. Even as a nutritionist, I find it challenging because I didn’t grow up eating greens. However, they are nutrient-dense and provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Smoothies are an easy way to incorporate greens into your diet. If you’re interested in making green smoothies taste better, I have a video linked in the description box.

6. Consume Brightly Colored Fruits and Vegetables

I eat at least two to three servings of brightly colored fruits and vegetables daily. Different colors mean different phytochemicals, which have various health benefits, such as cancer prevention and improved metabolism. Eating a variety of colors ensures you get a range of nutrients.

7. Listen to Relaxing Music Every Evening

I Listen to Relaxing Music Every Evening to wind down. Music has many health benefits, including reducing stress and cortisol levels. Nature sounds and relaxing music, like flutes or waterfalls, are particularly effective.

8. Read or Learn Something New Daily

I try to read or learn something new every day. Mental stimulation can slow down the natural decline in memory as we age. For me, it’s reading, but it could be anything that keeps your brain engaged, like learning a new language or watching educational videos.

9. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

I Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones every day. Quality time means being fully present and engaged, not distracted by phones. Cuddling a pet or a human can release oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone,” which helps reduce stress.

10. Avoid Phones One Hour Before Bed

I avoid using my phone one hour before bed. Phones emit blue light, which tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder to produce melatonin and fall asleep. I switch my phone to flight mode an hour before bed to improve my sleep quality.

I hope you find this information useful and enjoyable. If you liked it, give it a thumbs up and don’t forget to subscribe for more content like this every week. Before you go, let me know in the comments below what habit has changed your life. See you in the next post. Bye!

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