Nothing becomes a habit until you’ve done it routinely for a long enough period of time for it to be able to stick, and that takes some serious commitment. However, once I started regularly doing these nine things, I became a much better woman.
- I meditate every day, even if only for five minutes. Meditating was incredibly difficult for me when I first began. It seemed like it should be easy enough because back then, I thought meditating would be simply kicking back for several minutes and doing nothing. I quickly realized how incredibly difficult it is to sit still and only focus on my breath. After all, humans think thousands of thoughts a day and it’s no easy task to shut your mind up. Once I became more comfortable with meditation, I began seeing the benefits and realized how important it is to take a moment to be present and to check in with your mind, body, and spirit.
- I stretch out my body every morning with yoga. OK, so I don’t do it every single morning, but I make it a point to do yoga at some point in the day if I can’t fit it into my morning routine. I aim to do it, however, because it wakes up my body and helps me to tackle my day with an energized and loving mindset. Not only have I become more flexible through yoga, but I’ve become more motivated as well. Once yoga became a habit for me, my body became less stiff and now I have more energy to accomplish my goals.
- I read at least one chapter of a book. I used to devour books in middle school and high school. It was my favorite pastime and I would often finish about a book a week, depending on the size of the novel. Once I got into my second year of college and my work pile became a time-sucker, I started to view reading as more of a chore. I’ve started to realize that I spend too much time watching TV rather than reading and I feel it’s made an impact on my writing and my mind. Although I still don’t read as frequently as I used to, I’m starting to rediscover my love for the written word by fitting in at least one chapter.
- I tidy up my space and actually put the stuff I use away. I can be a messy slob. In fact, the messier my house gets, the less I want to clean because it seems like way too much work. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to keep a clean house and now I make it a point to clean up my messes and to tidy up around the house for at least 30 minutes a day. Of course, my house isn’t spotless 24/7 (I do live with a dude, after all), but it stays clean enough for me not to be embarrassed if someone were to drop by unannounced. Having a clean space makes me feel more proud of my home, motivated, and even makes my mind feel less cluttered.
- I go over my goals for the month. Before when I would make New Year’s resolutions, I’d make them at the beginning of the year and quickly forget about them as the months progressed. This year I decided that since I’m getting into my mid-twenties, it’s time to get serious about my life if I truly want anything to change. Now, the beginning of every month is like the new year for me. I remind myself what I’m working towards and see if I’ve made any progress on the goals I made (and I’m proud to say that I have).
- I choose a quote for the day or a few words to live by. I’m not sure what it is about quotes, but they make you feel some type of way. I like to find quotes on Pinterest, We Heart It, and even quote apps like Motivational Quote and Chill. Often, I’ll write my quote at the top of my agenda page for that day so I can see it every time I open my planner.
- I mentally send love to someone else. I’m fully aware that the person I choose to send love to doesn’t know that I’m actually sending them love. Nevertheless, I believe it’s beneficial to send positive energy and thoughts out into the world. Each day I’ll choose someone to send good thoughts to whether it be my husband, a family member, or a friend.
- I remind myself that I’m loved and have so much to be thankful for. As well as sending others love, it’s also important that I’m reminded of the love I have in my life. Going over what you’re thankful for isn’t only for the Thanksgiving holiday. Knowing that I have so many wonderful people and blessings in my life helps me to move forward and keep a positive mindset.
- I do something that brings happiness into my life. I choose to do something that brings me happiness every day because our time on this planet is too short. Even if it’s a bit selfish, I choose one thing that will bring me that joy, whether it’s watching an extra episode of my favorite show, having a bite of ice-cream, or sleeping in for five more minutes. In the words of Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford from Parks And Recreation, “Treat yo self.”