Making a positive change to your health doesn’t need to be something big. It’s the little things that we do that add up over time and that help us to build the discipline to do the harder things.
Here’s 5 easy habits that you can add to your daily routine to improve your health and happiness.
Make Your Bed:
Did you know that research shows that people who make their bed are happier? I like to remind myself of this every time I make my bed in the morning - that this simple little morning task may actually boost my mental health for the rest of the day! It’s such a small act but can really set us up on a positive note for the day by making our space feel tidier and cleaner. We also get a sense accomplishment by starting the day with a a little act of self discipline and productivity.

2. Get Outside Every Day
Getting outside in daylight each day is such a simple way to help you feel re-energised, get moving a little and disconnect. Getting daily sunlight also helps your circadian rhythm (your body’s natural clock) this promotes better sleep and overall health!
3. Put Something on your To-Do List Purely for Enjoyment
We tend to think of to do lists as things we “need” to get done but ensuring you are doing something fulfilling each day is as great a need as any. Being happy is one of the best ways to increase your life and health span. Start getting intentional about carving out time for the things you enjoy and want to work on, not just the things you “have” to do.
4. Aim to Eat Protein at Each Meal
There is a reason people won’t shut up about protein. Protein plays a crucial role in our body; building and repairing tissues, supporting our immune function and maintaining muscle mass. It is also the most satiating of macro-nutrients due to the energy used to digest it. Eating enough protein will help you feel more satisfied and less hungry, support muscle growth, boost your metabolism and support fat loss, protect your bones and help you recover more efficiently.

5. Adopt the 10-3-2-1 Bedtime Rule
The 10-3-2-1 bedtime rule is a simple guideline to help improve sleep.
10 hours before bed: Avoid consuming caffeine to minimise its stimulant effects on your body.
3 hours before bed: Refrain from consuming large meals or heavy snacks, as they can disrupt digestion and interfere with sleep quality.
2 hours before bed: Reduce exposure to screens such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, as the blue light emitted can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
1 hour before bed: Engage in calming activities such as reading or gentle stretching to signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Bonus Tip - Habit Tracking
I find it really beneficial to track some of these habits on a habit tracking app. I use Habit. You can set a timer for when you start/finish the habit. I find this a really satisfying way to keep myself accountable for my habits and goals.
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