With the New Year approaching, perhaps you’ve had fleeting thoughts of setting some new goals. And perhaps those thoughts quickly dissipated as you realized how darn busy your schedule already is.
Take heart! We’ve compiled a list of 20 micro habits you can adopt that, over time, have the power to change your life. Honestly!
So, even though life gets busy, taking care of your health and wellness doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complex. Here are 20 five-minute habits that can significantly improve your overall well-being.
For Your Physical Health & Well-Being
- Morning Stretch: Start your day with simple stretches to wake up your muscles and boost circulation.
- Walk Around the Block After Dinner: A quick walk aids digestion and provides light exercise.
- Drink a Glass of Water: Adequate hydration is an easy solution to numerous little ailments. Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or between tasks.
- Eat Fresh Fruit or Veggies: When hunger strikes between meals, avoid the chips and cookies and grab a piece of fruit or a handful of veggies for a nutrient-packed snack.
- Relaxation Exercise Before Bed: Try deep breathing or gentle stretches to relax and unwind. This simple activity can help you fall asleep faster and get healthier, more restful sleep.
For Your Emotional Health & Well-Being
- Appreciate or Acknowledge Someone: Send a quick text or give a heartfelt compliment to someone you appreciate. This could even be the person who bags your groceries at the store, or the one who hands you your coffee at the counter.
- Journal: Write down thoughts, feelings, or memorable moments to process emotions and reflect.
- Breathe: Pause for five minutes of deep breathing to calm your mind and reduce stress. This is especially helpful when your emotions feel overwhelming.
- Get Some Sunlight: Step outside and soak up natural light for an instant mood boost.
- Do a Small Kindness: Perform a random act of kindness, like holding the door open or leaving a kind note. Lightening someone else’s load is one of the best ways to instantly feel better yourself. Win Win!
For Your Mental Health & Well-Being
- Daily To-Do List: Jot down your top three tasks for the day to stay organized and focused.
- De-clutter / Eliminate Something: Toss out or donate one item you no longer need. A clutter-free environment helps you stay focused and enhances creativity.
- Organize Something: Tidy a small area like your desk, a single drawer or a shelf. It’s truly amazing how much this tiny activity can improve your overall productivity.
- Take a Break (Outdoors, if Possible): Step away from work for a quick outdoor break to refresh your mind.
- Learn Something: Read an article or watch a short educational video on a topic that interests you. It’s a mini-workout for your brain!
For Your Spiritual Health & Well-Being
- Prayer: Spend five minutes in prayer or contemplation for inner peace.
- Meditation: Practice mindfulness or guided meditation to center yourself. We like the Calm app, which has a free version and is full of quick guided or timed mini-meditations.
- Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple act fosters positivity and enthusiasm.
- Study the Bible or Other Spiritual Text: Read a short passage for inspiration and spiritual growth.
- Do Something You Love / An Act of Self-Care: Engage in a hobby or activity that brings you joy and recharges your spirit. It can be as simple as enjoying a cup of tea on your back patio or listening to a song you love (dancing to it is highly encouraged 😉).
Life-changing habits don’t have to be monumental in scale or complexity. You can adopt any one of these micro habits and experience a difference in your overall health and well-being. Start with one or two habits and build from there—your future self will thank you!
