Our habits determine our destiny, they shape our personality and create the person we are. We all have the capacity to become an amazing version of who we are we can do this by establishing effective daily and weekly habits. 

 

‘Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones.’

--- Benjamin Franklin

 

Over many years of experience and learning I have developed and maintained 6 daily habits in my life that have significantly impacted me in positive ways and I want to gift these to you today.

 

Just a little note before getting into the 6 habits…

…When you are starting to make an action into a habit, attach it to a habit you already have.  IE.  If you want to do yoga each morning do it before you take your normal shower, or if you want to read an uplifting quote each day read one while you are waiting for your toast to cook.

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The 6 Daily (or most days) Habits

 

‘Successful People aren’t born that way.

They become successful by establishing the habit of

doing things that unsuccessful people don’t like to do.’

--- William Makepeace Thackeray

 

 

1. I lift up my spirit/soul/mind

 

This is my most important daily habit! Taking care of our spirit/soul /mind often gets overlooked in a world driven by money and busyness. When my spirit is enriched and cared for I am able to have so much more joy and peace in my life no matter what life throws at me. I read scripture, inspirational literature, say prayer, follow a breathing practice and meditate daily.

 

Ideas to get you started.

• Read inspirational literature.

• Listen to an inspirational podcast.

• Read scriptures or inspiring text.

• Pray or meditate.

• Be in nature.

• Listen to music that inspires.

• Have a breathing practice .

• Be purposeful with social media.  Follow those who inspire you and have positive influence in your life.

 

2. I move my body.

 

I set aside 15 minutes everyday to move. Movement has given me more energy to do things I need to do for my family and work commitments each day. I usually dance for 5 mins and do yoga for 10 minutes. Sometimes I do this all at once and some days I split into two 7-minute chunks or into three 5-minute chunks. Do what feels good for your body.Running does not feel good for my body so I do not run. All you need to do is be committed to some form of movement that you enjoy.

 

Ideas to get you started.

• Stretching.

• 5 minutes of dancing.

• 5 minutes of yoga.

• Going for a walk or short hike (if one nearby).

• Balance.

• Jump on a tramp (if your pelvic floor allows 😊).

• Climb the stairs.

• Park away from work or the shops and walk the extra distance.

• Cycle 7 minutes away from your house and 7 mins back.

• Play with your children or grandbabies.

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3. I practice gratitude every day.

 

Having an attitude of gratitude has been a game changer for me. Even on days that have been, as Anne of Green Gables puts it a Jonah day! I can always find something to be grateful for. Most nights I write in my journal a minimum of 5 things (two must be about myself) I have been grateful for that day.I then think about each one before I go to sleep. I have seen a huge improvement over the years in my emotional and mental resilience and focus.

 

Ideas to get you started.

• Write your gratitude list in a cheap notebook or alternatively get something special to write in but the most important thing is to start!

• Write most days.

• Read your lists when you are having a bad day.

• Learn to appreciate yourself and your body.

• Try and reframe difficult events in a different way.

• Recognise the small details of your life.

 

​4. I have the right amount of rest for my body.

 

The amount is different for everybody. It is recommended that we get 8 hours of sleep every day, but I need to 9 -10 hours to function and other people need less. But one thing that I have found really beneficial for me is to get to bed early and rise early. This habit has made a big difference in my life. I am always far more organised and ready for my day. If I go to bed later, I really feel the difference the next day.I also make time most days for a 20-minute rest. On the days I work outside the home I always take a lunch break away from my desk and I rest my brain from the morning’s work. If I’m working from home I always have a short nap or rest with my eyes closed for 20 minutes. I have found this helps so much with energy levels and good mental health.

 

Ideas to get you started.

• Turn off the technology at least one hour before bedtime.

• Get sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning and reduce light in the last hour before bed.

• Don’t eat within two hours of going to bed.

• Go to bed at the same time each night.

• Don’t have caffeine after lunchtime.

• Follow the same routine in the evening.

• Try some gentle stretches before bed. 

 

 

​5. I eat nutritious food.

 

My aim is not perfection and calorie counting but wholesome nutritionally dense foods that sustain and give energy to my body. I try to eat no sugar and chose whole foods. Good food has been the key to me having good mental health, energy and focus. Remember the 80/20 mantra. Eat really well 80% of the time.Your body will thank you !!

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Ideas to get you started....Eat

• Fruit and vegetables.

• Whole grain bread and crackers (we need carbohydrates!!).

• Lean meats.

• Fish and chicken.

• Nuts.

• Bliss balls.

• Healthy fats such as Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil.

• Eggs

• Legumes

• Cut out the sugar out or cut it back.

• Drink water

 

 

6. I am creative every day.

 

Be creative for at least 5 minutes every day. When I am purposefully creative I feel so good and my soul is so enriched. Just do what brings you joy. Being creative is producing something new that wasn’t there before. For me it is painting and quilting but that may not float your boat so find something that works for you.

 

Ideas to get started.

• Create or try a new recipe.

• Play with a child.

• Play with mud, sand water.

• Paint

• Read something you would normally read.

• Write poetry or prose.

• Do some gardening.

• Dance

• Sing

• Play/learn a musical instrument.

• Strengthen a relationship.

• Make jewellery.

• Prune

• Take some photos on your phone.

• Colour in a colouring in book.

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Just start with one habit at a time.  Keep it simple. 

By beginning one habit at a time you have more chance of success. 

Creating effective habits will help you in every aspect of your life. 

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Let me know how your journey progresses.  I would love to here from you. 

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Love 

Catherine x