Introduction:
Happiness, health, and success are aspirations that many of us strive for. While these goals may seem elusive, they can be achieved through the cultivation of positive habits. By consciously adopting and nurturing certain behaviors, we can enhance our overall well-being and increase our chances of success.
In this blog, we will explore ten habits that have been proven to promote happiness, improve health, and contribute to long-term success. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can create a solid foundation for a fulfilling and prosperous life.
1. Turn Off Your Phone
Here at Pavlok, we’re obviously a big fan of technology and the many ways it can improve our lives. And while there are certainly benefits of living in the modern age, cell phone addiction has become extremely problematic.
According to one scary study, one in five millennials admit to using their smartphones during sex, and almost 60% of people check their phones before falling asleep.
Again, we’re not here to hate on technology, but making the conscious effort to cut back on your screen time can go a long way.
Instead of scrolling through Instagram or Facebook until you pass out, commit to turning off your cell phone and all other electronics at least one hour before bedtime. Not only will this help you sleep better (see our next suggested habit) but it will free up time for you to improve your relationships, read an physical book distraction-free, or even give you time to meditate or pray.
While it may not seem like a big deal at first, going electronic-free an hour or two each evening can help you relax, decompress, and prepare you for the following day.
2. Improve Your Sleep
Another habit that can have a life-changing impact on your overall health is making an effort to improve your sleep. While there are dozens of “hacks” to getting quality shut-eye, you don’t need to overcomplicate things to see results.
Here are a few tips to improve your sleep which will help improve your mood, energy, and focus.
- Turn off electronics before bed
- Have a consistent nighttime ritual
- Remove your devices from the bedroom
- Use a sleep mask
- Do some light stretching, meditation, or prayer
- Listen to some calming music during your evening routine.
- Read a physical book or listen to an audiobook (preferably fiction)
3. Start Your Morning Off Right
We’re obviously big fans of having a morning routine. A morning routine won’t change your life overnight, but making a conscious effort to start your day strong can have some amazing effects.
You don’t have to spend two hours on a super elaborate morning ritual to reap the benefits. In fact, just setting aside a few minutes each morning can help put you in the right state of mind to welcome in the new day with peace and gratitude.
Here are a few easy tips to get your morning started off right:
Make your bed
This sounds simple and perhaps silly to some, but the act of making your bed signals that you’re starting the day in control. Not only does it make you feel good to have a clean room and bed before you head out the door, but when you return home from a long day of work you’ll be happy to see that your comfy bed is in order.
Spend some time in silence
One of the worst things you can do is start your day in a rush and make yourself stressed at the idea of being late. Just waking up a few minutes earlier can allow you to take your time in the morning and have some much-needed peace and quiet.
Read a few pages of your favorite book
The morning before you head out the door is the perfect time to read a few pages of your favorite book and help set the tone for your day. Just a few pages each morning adds up to several full-length books over a period of months.
4. Use a Habit System and Leverage Technology
We all want to have better habits. Maybe that’s drinking more water throughout the day or taking a few moments to step away from your desk and stretch.
The problem is, without a proper habit system, we often default to not doing the habits we set out to do. Things come up. We get busy. At the end of the day we’re too tired and just want to relax.
By leveraging a habit system, or using your Pavlok for example, you can put your good habits on autopilot. Set your Pavlok to buzz you every hour to have a glass of water while you’re at work. You can also have your Pavlok remind you to get up and stretch.
While it’s easy to convince yourself you can do things with only willpower, the easier you can make completing your habits, the more likely you are to see success.
5. Show Gratitude
We’ve talked about the many benefits of gratitude before, but the science is clear: Being more grateful can rewire your brain to seek out more positivity in your everyday life.
The simplest way to be more grateful is to spend five minutes each day writing out three things you’re grateful for. Some days this will be easier than others, but by doing this daily, you’ll slowly begin to notice the virtually endless amount of good that happens to you on a regular basis.
You’ll still have bad days, of course, but by adopting a habit of gratitude, you’ll start to notice even those bad days aren’t so bad after all.
6. Quit a Bad Habit
While it’s true implementing new, positive behaviors can have a dramatic effect on your happiness and overall well-being, don’t forget that quitting a bad habit can set off a powerful ripple effect.
Take smoking for example. If you can quit smoking for good, you’ll not only rid yourself of your addiction, but you will find yourself with more energy, money and more.
If possible, try to get rid of a few of the bad habits that are holding you back. As you slowly get rid of these habits, you’ll have more motivation and confidence in adopting the healthy behaviors that will move you closer to your goals.
7. Exercise Three Times a Week
You don’t have to go to the gym every day for two hours to see the benefits of exercise. The science says it all, those who exercise are happier and healthier than those who don’t. Even just going for a 15-minute walk each day can help you be more creative, sleep better, and improve your focus.
If you’re struggling to make exercise a habit, try setting your exercise clothes out the night before and put them by your bed so that when you wake up, it’s impossible to miss.
Not a big fan of the gym? Sign up for a recreational sports league, or a local yoga class. All that matters is that you move around and make your body sweat.
8. Mediate or Pray for 10 Minutes Each Day
Whether you consider yourself religious or not, spending 10 minutes a day in silent reflection or prayer can help you handle the many stresses of everyday life.
The truth is, from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep, we rarely have a moment to sit still and contemplate our thoughts and emotions. But there’s no secret to meditation. All you need to do is set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing while keeping your mind distraction-free.
While you might not notice any benefits at first, you’re guaranteed to feel better and more grounded after just a few weeks of consistent meditation or prayer.
9. Drink Two Liters of Water Each Day
Yet another simple habit that can have a profound effect on your overall mood and happiness.
Consuming at least two liters of water each day will not only keep your body hydrated, it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your overall health. As discussed previously, build your water consumption into your habit system and set a Pavlok reminder to signal it’s time for a drink.
10. Have Some Fun and Be Social
Last on the list, and perhaps the most important, is doing something social on a regular basis. Being social can help you feel more connected and less alone. After all, it’s in our nature.
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, spending quality time with people who support you will help you reach your goals. Find the people who will be there to provide support when you need it most.
Given the average person spends 10+ hours on their computer and cell phone each day, taking a break from technology and spending time with your friends and family is a great way to decompress and build meaningful and valuable relationships.
Take an old friend out for coffee. Jump on Facetime with Mom or Dad. Spend 30 minutes on a Friday volunteering at a local food shelter. Make this a weekly habit and you’ll really start to see a difference.
Conclusion:
The path to happiness, health, and success is paved with habits that support our well-being and personal growth. By consciously adopting and nurturing positive behaviors, we can make significant strides towards a more fulfilling life.
The 10 habits discussed in this blog provide a roadmap for cultivating happiness, improving health, and achieving success. Remember that change takes time and consistency, so be patient with yourself as you work towards incorporating these habits into your daily routine.
With determination, self-discipline, and a commitment to your personal growth, you can transform your life and unlock the happiness, health, and success you desire and deserve.
