Do you feel stuck in a routine that does not seem to move forward? Are you finding it tough to complete your day-to-day tasks without feeling stressed? Do you feel that changing your life is next to impossible as you would have to alter many things at once? It is normal to get apprehensive when faced with the possibility of change. But that is the only way one moves ahead in life. Your transformation need not be difficult or strenuous. We bring you some effective tips you could turn into regular habits in your life to embrace the much-required change.
Morning Habits: To kickstart your day
As you wake up in the morning, thank the bed, pillow, quilt and cot, before getting off your bed, for letting you sleep comfortably. Thank the supreme one for another day that has come your way. Make your bed before you get busy with the morning routine.
Remember to take your medicines at the same time each day.
Always make it a point to have your breakfast as it would give you the much-needed energy to face the day’s challenges. Eating a full breakfast makes one cheerful and less stressed.
Make it a point to do light stretches or exercise as it would leave you feeling light and charged up.
Try and get up at the same time every day, to save you the morning rush that could leave you feeling stressed and worn out even before your day begins.
Tackle the important chores that cannot wait until the evening as you don’t want to come back tired to a waiting pile of chores.
Meditate for at least a few minutes in the morning and at night before calling it a day. This ensures peace as you begin and end the day.
Leave for work on time every day with a little planning and scheduling.
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Evening Habits: Prepare for the next day
Wash the dishes and tidy up the kitchen for the next morning so that things are ready for use, saving time and effort.
Chop the vegetables in the evening, to save you time in the morning as you go about cooking peacefully.
Tidy up your space every evening as this habit makes sure you have a clean house to come to, every day.
Keep your clothes and other accessories ready the previous night itself as you would just have to slip it on in the morning. The time taken to choose the outfit and ironing can be done the night before.
Make a schedule for the next morning, the night before and go through it so that you have things in order.
Try and go to bed at the same time every night so that you can wake up at the same time in the morning. This is good as it won’t disrupt your morning routine.
Remember to put your mobile phone on charge every night.
Before you sleep, review the day that went by and learn from the mistakes and plan better.
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Habits that can help you manage your time in a better manner
Keep a to-do list every day and keep ticking the tasks completed. You may reorder the list according to the priority of that moment.
Book appointments as soon the current appointment gets over to get the best slots that work for you.
Make a list of all birthdays and occasions you need to buy presents for and make all the purchases together to save time.
It is important to add contingency time, travel time and time for the actual task while scheduling tasks so that you get a realistic picture which can help you plan better.
Never leave anything for the last minute as that could stress you out immensely.
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Filing and Paperwork Habits: Get organized
Sort out the day’s paperwork at one time and bin the useless stuff so that you file only what is required.
Open your letters and post when you are attending phone calls or watching TV etc. This allows you to use your leisure effectively.
Use different colored files for different documents for easy identification.
Use a sorter to store your files in a neat and organized manner.
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Money Habits: Keep your finances in order
Maintain a file that stores all your receipts. Make it a point to include the day’s receipts in the file every day. This way it will be easy for you to locate your bills.
It is wise to keep some extra cash in your wallet to meet unexpected expenses.
Keep some change in your car for tolls and cark parks.
Indulge in shopping only after making a list of the items that are absolutely required. This would check impulse shopping and save your time and money.
Try and compare prices before buying as that could save you some money.
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Quick fix Habits:
Wipe the shower after each use to ensure a dry bathroom each time.
Scan every room as you enter it to keep away stuff elsewhere to maintain cleanliness and be guest ready.
Always put back things where they belong immediately after its use. This would ensure that you find things easily whenever you wish to use them.
Wash clothes every day to avoid piling as that would cause you stress when you do not find clean clothes that you need to wear.
It is good to cook an extra portion of food while cooking a meal and freeze them for use during times when you don’t cook.
Clean the kitchen immediately after using it to save time and maintain hygiene.
Keep a list of regular items you use and tick the items that are nearing exhaustion. This would make sure you don’t miss buying it on time.
Fill your car with gas each time you are at a bunk so that you never get stranded.
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Mind, Body and Wellness Habits
Try and eat balanced meals every day.
Take out time to meditate, do yoga often as it relaxes your mind, body, and soul. Booking a spa session is also a good option during weekends as it could help you unwind from the week-long stress.
Practicing positive thinking and affirmations is a good way to remain focused.
Going away on a short road trip on some weekends is a good way to recharge yourself.
Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to build up immunity.
Listen to soothing music either in the morning as soon as you wake up or before you go to bed at night to set the mood.
Try a new recipe often as it would help keep up your cooking interest levels.
Visit your friends often as that would make you happy and feel good about yourself. Added to that is the importance of a good support group in your times of need.
Entertain friends at home. Maybe you could all bring one food item and enjoy an evening together sans the stress of cooking and cleaning.
Make it a point to express gratitude each night before you sleep. When you live in gratitude, you attract more situations in your favour.
Do get into the habit of reading good books. Reading a page of your favourite book before you sleep makes for sound sleep.
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Miscellaneous Habits:
When you come across any good write up, make it a point to save it so that you can read it again when you wish to.
When you enter your home, make sure to hang your keys, coat, bag and identity card in the same place each day so that you don’t have to look for them in the morning.
Answer only urgent phone calls during your, ‘’me time’.’’ The rest of them can text you if it’s important.
Keep updating your to-do list every day to save time.
Carry a notepad to jot down important information whenever you come across them.
Learn to say NO to stuff you can’t get done that others ask out of you. Make it a point to honor your time before committing elsewhere.
Learn a new hobby or some skill that can help further your creativity.
Follow the schedules and routines that you have created as the discipline is important to get things done on time.
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When you embrace these little tips and follow them regularly, they turn into effective habits. Getting into a habit is of paramount importance to bring about significant changes in your life.