Mind

Gemma McCaw’s good habits for a great life

8 habits to adopt for a happier and healthier you.
Woman making a bed on a crisp sunny day

Bad habits are a bit like a comfortable bed – easy to get into and hard to get out of. The great thing about developing good habits, though, is they grow stronger over time and are a lot easier to follow as they become automatic.

If you’re on the journey to increase your wellness, here are eight simple actions you can make every day on the road to a happier and healthier you.

Make your bed

Starting your day by making the bed has been shown to improve your mood. It may be a small accomplishment, but it starts you off in the right direction.

Plus, coming home after work to a tidy house and beautifully made bed always feels better.

Start exercising daily

This could be the best habit you will ever get into.

Just 15 minutes of exercise a day will boost your mood and keep you healthy.

Prioritise sleep

Science tells us that sleep should be our number-one consideration when it comes to wellness. It’s impossible to be at your best when you are exhausted, so develop a consistent habit of prioritising sleep.

If you consciously go to bed even by just half an hour earlier each night, you’ll feel a big difference.

Embrace random acts of kindness

Do one kind act for someone each day.

It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture, but something as simple as making a hot drink, leaving a nice note or helping someone at work. In the end, it’s the little things you do every day that make the biggest difference.

Put down your phone

In our hyper-connected world, we are so reliant on our devices.

Make it a habit to avoid your phone first thing in the morning. Instead, invest in a real alarm clock and actually start the day by saying good morning to your partner.

The same goes before bed – read a book or have a conversation. Your body and brain will feel better for the technology rest.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast

Start your day right with a healthy breakfast to fuel your body and brain.

You have been fasting overnight and this is a sure-fire way to kick-start your metabolism and set yourself up for a great day.

Turn that frown upside down

Smile every day to your friends, families and also strangers!

Smiling is contagious and it spurs a powerful chemical reaction in your brain, making you feel happier too.

Keep hydrated

It might sound boring, but increasing your water consumption is the easiest habit you can adopt.

Start your morning with a big glass of water and aim to get two to three litres in during the day.

If you’re not a fan of plain water, add some lemon for a fruity flavour. Not only do you need it to feel good and function well, but it is also key in maintaining your weight, reducing constipation and keeping your skin supple.

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