Making changes in your life to benefit your well-being doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or extreme circumstances. While that may work for some people, it may actually be demotivating if it becomes too much to handle. Small alterations to your everyday life can have an enormous impact over time. Check out some simple habits you can create over time to be your best self.
1. Turn your phone off for an hour a day
We know, this already sounds terrifying. Gradually adapt by turning off your phone when you are interacting with others in person, like over a conversation while grabbing coffee or during dinner. This can help put your focus on your environment and the people around you. Beyond promoting healthier and stronger relationships, it can also help you clear your mind from constantly staring at a screen.
2. Make a list of things you’re grateful for
It took me my Science of Happiness class my freshman year of college to realize how great of an impact little exercises like this can have. Thinking about some of the things you are grateful for at the end of each day can help you foster a positive attitude by simply acknowledging the good in your life. Right before you go to bed, spend a few extra minutes to put your mind at a good place.
3. Read a book… Because you want to!
Books are a wonderful way to spend some much-needed me-time, especially when you’re sharing a crammed NYC apartment with your best friends. We have more than enough reading material from school, but don’t let those 400 pages of Freud keep you from visiting some of the stories you love. Even just 15 or 20-minute readings can make you feel brand new and ready to get back to those textbooks.
4. Do three kind things
In a day where you have a little more free time to wander, (maybe once a week!) set a goal to do three kind things. Get your friend their favorite candy, do your roomies’ dishes or give a total stranger a compliment, anything goes! Being conscious of these small acts can have a huge impact on your happiness, and makes someone else’s day a little sweeter as well.
5. Take the Stairs!
Working out is great, but creating a habit to go to the gym often can be a little daunting at first. Setting small goals to go to the gym for only 20 or 30 minutes at a time will give your body the rewards (through consistency!) without being completely draining. In your day-to-day, promote a healthier living by taking small steps, like taking the stairs rather than the elevator or walking the long way home.
6. Keep a Journal
Reflecting on your day – or week – can be an effective way of realizing some of the good (and maybe not-so-good) decisions you made throughout the week. Not only is it a way to work through the many overwhelming parts of your personal, academic and professional life, it’s also great to look back on. You will be grateful for putting in those ten extra minutes a few years down the line.
It’s surprising how much of a difference small, cumulative changes can have if you apply them consistently. Going about improving your life can happen in multiple ways, and we hope giving these simple tips a try will prove our point. Happy