Hey there! In celebration of the first full week of the new year, I decided that today’s post is going to be about my top 5 healthy habits that have changed my life within the past couple of years. These are the 5 habits that I am definitely choosing to keep with me as we head into 2020, therefore, I thought I would share them with you as well!
Some of them may seem a little simple, but, they have made a mighty impact on my life each and every day! Also, hopefully, these habits will inspire you to adopt some healthy habits of your own this year that way you can start 2020 off feeling strong, productive, confident, and joyful!
1. Always taking notes and writing things down
You would be amazed at how many things I have stored in the notes section of my phone! Not to mention, the dozens of notebooks that I have piled around my desk haha! But I fid taking important and valuable notes very crucial in my day-to-day life, instead of trying to remember everything and rely on memory. Whether it’s tips, ideas, goals, etc. I like to write them down as soon as I hear or think of them immediately! That way, I can see it on paper and right in front of me.
Throughout the years I definitely realized that I’m a more visual learner, therefore, writing things down has become a life long habit of mine that I truly appreciate. It allows me to keep my thoughts, ideas and plans clear, concise, and organized. This way, I simply look at my notebook or notes app and be ready to tackle those tasks!
2. Exercising my body and mind each day
You’ll hear me say this time and time again but exercising both your mind and body each day is vital for your overall health and wellness!
Exercising Your Body:
You don’t have to be dedicated to vigorous exercise if you don’t have time or if you simply don’t like to. Exercise is very important, but even as a fitness trainer, I understand that some people don’t like certain types of exercises. Or any at all. And that’s okay!
However…make an effort to move your body once a day, for at least 20 minutes to an hour! In any way that you like or find most enjoyable! It can be walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work, or parking your car further away to burn a few extra calories! There are so many ways to move your body and get your exercise in for the day! Get creative with it!
Exercising Your Mind:
Exercising the brain to improve memory, focus, or daily functionality is a top priority for many people, especially as they get older. With that, people of all ages can benefit from incorporating a few simple brain exercises into their daily life!
Research has shown that there are many ways you can hone your mental sharpness and help your brain stay healthy, no matter what age you are. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older.
Brain exercises such as puzzles, word searches, card games, building your vocabulary skills, learning dance moves (seriously!), learning a new skill such as an instrument, and even meditating can help improve your overall focus, concentration, and memory. One of my favorite (and super easy ways) to exercise my brain each day is by listening to a podcast on my commute to and from work!
By incorporating brain exercises into your everyday life, you’ll get to challenge your mind, sharpen your cognitive skills, and possibly learn something new and enriching along the way, too!
3. Saving 60% of each check
I’ve been doing this since I first began working at my old gym in 2015! Of course, I know that saving 60% of your check is not realistic for many people. Especially for those who are completely independent living on their own, raising a family, or have multiple bills to pay. However, if you are young, and have the luxury of not having to put your money towards rent, food, a car payment, phone bill, internet, cable bill, etc. then I HIGHLY suggest saving between 50%-60% percent of each paycheck that you receive.
For me, I was doing this up until my second year of college. With that, I was able to afford a trip to France, multiple road trips, save for England, and pay for my first year of college tuition! You’d be surprised how much (and how quickly) you can save by putting 50-60% of your check away in the bank every pay period!
However, I know that 50-60% is out of reach for many!
Including myself, since I am now paying for many other fees and bills as I am getting older, finishing college, and getting a steady job. Therefore, I plan to follow the basic 50/30/20 rule when it comes to saving and spending money more wisely! The 50/30/20 rule simply divides your take-home income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt repayment.
Along with this, I wanted to share with you this helpful article that I found for my fellow college students (or anyone else!) looking to save more on their weekly grocery bill as well as many other helpful strategies on how to start saving 50% of your income! Take it from this young family of three, who was able to retire at 33-years-old and 38-years-old by saving more than $1 million in 10 short years!
4. Making to-do lists
Similar to writing all of the thoughts, plans, and goals that I think of down on paper or on my phone, I am also an avid to-do list maker haha! Every night, I sit down at my desk with some tea and go over my plans and goals for the next day. The tasks that I add to my to-do list vary each day, however, I love it when I’m able to plan out my entire week day-by-day ahead of time if I have a busy week or prior plans that have been scheduled.
I find that creating a basic to-do list is the perfect way to make me feel prepared and productive for the day ahead! Not to mention, there are many benefits that come with making a simple, daily to-do list. To-do lists create a sense of accountability, prioritization, and order. But most importantly, it relieves a lot of stress and anxiety after writing each of the tasks that you want to accomplish down on paper.
A to-do list is an orderly way to organize how to do the things you want to do. Projects and plans get broken down into bite-size pieces that are doable. Additionally, a to-do list not only creates order but also gives you a strategy for getting things done! For me, I can definitely say that on the days when I am being most productive, I am following a to-do list!
5. Waking up early
There’s something so peaceful and motivating about waking up at an early hour. It’s definitely become a strict habit of mine for the past 5 or 6 years and I wouldn’t change a thing! Waking up early (around 4 or 5 am) allows me to get a head start on my day on a relaxing and productive note. Personally, I love to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee. Then, I try my best each morning to get a workout in. Sometimes I am able to and other times I save my workout for after work that way I have time to begin my day on a more peaceful note. On days that I workout, I exercise for about 30-45 minutes and then hop in the shower to get ready for my day.
Being able to wake up early, start my day before the sun comes up, and have such a productive beginning to my day before some people even wake up is such a motivating and inspiring feeling! Sure, it takes time (and a lot of dedication haha!) but I promise you, it’s the greatest feeling! Not only can you accomplish multiple things before your workday or schoolday even starts, but you feel way more productive, motivated, energized, and ready to conquer your day!
What are some healthy habits you brought with you into the new year?!
Let me know in the comments! Until next time!
xo, Cydney
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