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Most of us have a daily routine that we have to stick to for one reason or another. Whether we’re getting the kids ready for school, rushing to get to work on time, or scheduling meetings as a business owner, there are tasks you complete every day to help your life run smoothly.
However, there may be times when you are tired of the routine and need to engage in other activities that will make you feel more fulfilled and get more accomplished. If your schedule is very busy, you may have little to no time to engage in healthy habits. Fortunately, there are some changes you can make to your daily routine to improve your mental and physical health. Here are a few tips you can try.
Start the Day With a Mantra
The Mayo Clinic asserts that positive thinking can improve your health by reducing your stress levels. A simple phrase like “I’m going to have the best day” will help shape your mindset for the day. Be sure to keep your mantra in mind as you go through the day so you can make the mantra true for your life.
For instance, if you’ve declared that you’re going to have a great day but you get stuck in a traffic jam on the way to work, keep repeating the mantra to yourself so you’ll be in a better mood once you get to the office. It may also be helpful to write your mantra down on a sticky note and post it on your mirror. When you write things down, you’re more likely to remember it.
Make Time for Exercise
When you make exercise a part of your daily routine, you’ll reduce your risk of health conditions like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Working out for as little as 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in the way you feel and boost your energy levels. If you want to work out at home before you leave for work, you can invest in equipment like electric bikes and elliptical machines that are compact and small enough to fit in your closet.
When exercise is a normal part of your day, you may find that it’s easier for you to concentrate at work or school since working out activates your neurotransmitters and provides more oxygen to the brain.
Avoid Getting Online First Thing In the Morning
Your reflex may be to check your email or social media first thing in the morning. However, this could lead to more stress. Once you see something troubling on social media or see an email that indicates that you need to work on a new project or task, you’re likely to be overwhelmed. It is also easy to spend much more time than you intended online when you’re supposed to be showering, getting dressed, or making breakfast.
Instead, take the first few minutes of the morning to focus on yourself. Express gratitude for the day and think about what you want to achieve. Pay attention to your emotions and determine the best ways to manage your anxiety or restlessness, i.e. taking a jog, having a cup of coffee, meditating. This sets the tone for your day and can help you stay more organized.
Read a Book
There is scientific evidence that proves that reading books is good for your mental health. Not only does reading make you more intelligent, but Emory University shares that reading books can boost the power of your brain for up to 5 days. Reading can also make you more empathetic toward people and can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
You may also find that you are more relaxed when you read regularly, which is beneficial for all aspects of your life. Even if you only read a few pages of a book a day, this can make a huge difference in the way you think and feel.
These practical suggestions for bettering your health can make you feel noticeably better in a matter of days. The longer you incorporate these tips into your day, the more they will become normal behavior for you. You’ll find that you’re more productive and look forward to waking up in the mornings and having wonderful new experiences.
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