An easy way to enrich and improve your every day life? Pick up some good habits. One day a few months ago I came across the tidbit of information that it supposedly takes 21 days to make or break a habit. While this isn’t always true, it definitely makes me feel more motivated to begin habits. I like that the number 21 makes your habit turn into somewhat of a goal. Essentially, these things, if done for 21 days in a row, should become a daily habit.
Whether that’s all accurate or not, these are all good habits to start for sure.
1. Doing squats every day.
This is so easy to work into your schedule. I try to do 100 squats a day, usually while waiting for coffee to brew or water to boil. This is also an easy way to be healthier, so it’s even more beneficial.
2. Washing your face each night.
Removing your makeup isn’t always enough to get your face super clean. Makeup remover wipes never seem to do enough when it comes to removing makeup and cleaning your face. Make a point to wash your face each night before bed. (And use moisturizer/night cream!)
3. Not looking at your phone first thing in the morning.
FACT: You can spend most of your morning scrolling through your phone while lying in bed. Phones are distracting, beds are comfortable, blah blah. Social media isn’t a great way to start the day. While I seldom follow this rule, the few times I do generally result in a happier mood.
4. Brushing your teeth after drinking coffee or tea.
This will help you somewhat prevent your teeth being stained and it’ll help you keep your breath fresh.
5. Walking while you talk on the phone.
Instead of sitting and talking on the phone, walk! Even if you’re just walking around your apartment, it’s better to get moving than to stay seated. Bonus points if you multitask and clean your desk while you’re on the phone. Just don’t do anything that’s so distracting that you lose focus on the person you’re talking to.
6. Reading before bed.
Reading something that isn’t a glowing phone screen is a nice way to help you unwind before you go to sleep. This is also perfect for those who “never have time to read,” because now you can read a chapter or two each night.
7. Enjoying moments without sharing them.
When something good happens to you or you’re having a fun time with friends, try to refrain from sharing it on Snapchat or Instagram now and then. Keeping some moments just for yourself isn’t the worst thing.
8. Drinking water before each meal.
This will help you stay hydrated and eat less…yay!
9. Ending a bad habit.
Does this count as one of the good habits to start? Whatever. Make a point to actively end a bad habit you currently possess. For me, that’s definitely ripping off my cuticles but for you it might be biting your nails or leaving your shoes in the middle of the floor. Do something that will help you remember to stop, such as leaving a post-it note or tying a string around your finger.
10. Making your bed in the morning.
In my dorm room cleaning guide, I mentioned how this is one of the easiest ways to make your room look clean and make it seem like you’ve got your shit together. It doesn’t take very long and it makes a huge difference. Once you get into a habit of doing it, it’s easy to retain the habit.