In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time for self-improvement can feel like a daunting task. However, as the saying goes, “You’re always one decision away from a totally different life.” This is where the power of micro-habits comes into play. By implementing small, consistent changes into your daily routine, you can gradually transform your life!
“You’re always one decision away from a totally different life!”
Here are my favorite daily micro-habits that I hope will help you thrive in 2024!
💡1. Get up right away & avoid doomscrolling in bed: Charge your phone a few steps away from your bed!
This has to be my favorite micro-habit that I established since the beginning of 2024!
I sleep in one corner of my bedroom and have been charging my phone on the diagonally opposite corner of my room. This way, when my alarm goes off in the morning, I'm forced to get up from my bed and walk a few steps to get to my phone! This has helped me to get up right away and avoid going back to sleep or looking at my phone in bed! It's like setting up a mini obstacle course to jumpstart your day – bonus points if you add a tape line on the floor for dramatic effect!
Even better, set your phone someplace on your way to the bathroom overnight so that when you turn off the alarm, you will naturally go brush your teeth!
💡2. Drink water first thing in the morning: Put your water bottle on top of your phone overnight!
After a long night's sleep without water, your body will be dehydrated, making you feel tired and foggy. So it's critical to drink some water right after you get up in the morning to re-hydrate and feel instantly more awake!
One pro-tip to help you do this is putting your water bottle on top of your phone the night before. Now, you'll wake up to a hydration station waiting at your fingertips. It's like Christmas morning, but instead of presents under the tree, you get the gift of hydration and a fully charged phone!
💡3. Move more: Put a yoga mat and weights right by your work desk or living space!
Since I work remotely now, I have been putting a yoga mat with weights between my work desk and door. This way, whenever I leave my desk to take a break (going to and from the restroom, getting a drink, lunch, etc.), I will inevitably see those equipment that reminds me to do some weight-lifting or squats. Now that I do these micro-sets of exercises several times a day, I don't need as much dedicated time for going to the gym, it's great!
💡4. Move more: Do squats while on your phone!
Did you know that in 2023, Americans spent 4 hours and 25 minutes on average a day on their phones! When you're using your phone, why not pretend it's a weight and do some squats instead? Now, you will think twice before claiming "I don't have time for exercise!"
💡5. Drink more: Bring a water bottle everywhere you go!
Did you know that a healthy adult living in a temperate climate needs about 15.5 cups/3.7 liters (for men) or 11.5 cups/2.7 liters (for women) of fluid per day? Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function properly!
I must give credit to my partner who is a big fan of drinking water and taught me all his water-drinking habits over the years! I have a filled water bottle with me AT ALL TIMES: clearly visible on my work desk at work, on the table when eating, in my bag when I go out, and by my bed stand at night. Whenever I start to feel foggy and lose steam throughout the day, I grab my water bottle to refuel. Most of the time, that does the job!
💡6. To feel more accomplished, each day was special, meaningful & well-spent: Write down what you did and any highlights of your day!
Since Day 1 of 2024, I've been keeping a journal each day of what I did that was fun or interesting, what I'm proud of or something special about the day. This can include for example: foggy day, tried new flavor of cake, bought some tulips, published an article, read a book, talked to a friend, etc. I add stickers or little drawings sometimes just for some aesthetics pleasure! If I forget to write one day, I will make sure to catch up the next day. The goal is to try not skipping more than 2-3 days.
Just looking through my journal sofar has given me a feeling that I've spent each day well sofar, feeling more fulfilled than ever!
💡7. Need more love? Hug your loved one every morning!
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, there's one simple gesture that holds the power to uplift spirits and strengthen bonds – the humble morning hug. If you're fortunate enough to share your living space with a loved one or your pet dog/cat, why not kick-start each day with a heartwarming embrace?
Since returning home, I've embarked on a journey of embracing this simple yet profound habit with my dear mother. Each morning, as I shuffle my way to the bathroom, bleary-eyed and yawning, there she is – a beacon of warmth and love. Without hesitation, we wrap each other in a tender embrace, exchanging gentle squeezes and heartfelt greetings. The mornings when we miss each-other, we will make sure to make it up when we meet later in the day.
There's something truly magical about the ritual of morning hugs. It's more than just a physical gesture; it's a silent affirmation of love, support, and gratitude. In those fleeting moments, worries melt away, and the stresses of the outside world fade into the background. It's just you, your loved one, and the comforting embrace of unconditional love.
Enter the morning hug ritual – a sacred moment of love and connection that sets the tone for the day ahead.
Each of these micro-habits is like a tiny seed planted in the garden of your life, ready to blossom. As we cultivate these habits with care and intention, we are growing flowers of our future filled with health, fulfillment, and love.
So, which micro-habit will you choose to embrace in 2024? Whether it's starting your day with a hug, staying hydrated, or moving your body with intention, remember that every small step counts towards creating the life of your dreams.
As Dr. Mike Murdock wisely said, "You don’t decide your future. You decide your habits, and your habits decide your future." Let's take ownership of our habits and pave the way for a future filled with endless possibilities!
Here's to a year of growth, transformation, and countless micro-moments of joy. Cheers to 2024 – the year we rewrite our stories, one micro-habit at a time!
“You don’t decide your future. You decide your habits, and your habits decide your future.” - Dr. Mike Murdock
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