Every now and then, we start looking for ways to change our lives in major ways, because we want to see drastic improvements in as little time as possible. This is an attitude often perpetuated by the media with so many trends and health fads popping up everywhere, pushing us to believe that we need that new diet or that new exercise routine to genuinely improve ourselves. The simple truth is, a little can often go a longer way than any of those extreme changes, and all of those little steps of change are firmly within our grasp right now.

This very moment, you can choose to call your best friend instead of scrolling down your Instagram feed. You can nibble on an apple instead of those cookies, and you can definitely say no to a Friday night happy hour with the gang at the office if you feel like going home to rest instead.

Let’s look at several of the most essential habits you should introduce that will make a huge difference for your mindset and your health.

Learn to say no

Sometimes, it’s not about what we do, but what we choose not to do that will make us feel at ease. Too many people commit to events, relationships, and obligations out of politeness. By learning to say no when you truly feel you should do something else, you will own up to your decisions and actions, and lead an authentic life.

Drink more water

Headaches, lack of energy, poor focus, exhaustion, and other issues are just some of the many side-effects of poor hydration. If you don’t pay attention to your water intake, it can become too easy to deprive your body of water, lower your immune system, and feel fatigued on a regular basis. A simple trick to help you deal with your hydration habits? Get a reusable water bottle to keep track of your water intake and to keep your mind and body properly fueled.

Take simple preventative steps

A little can go a long way, as we’ve seen in recent months ever since we’ve all had to change our behavior due to the pandemic. Some little everyday habits such as wearing a disposable surgical mask when you head to your local store have a twofold purpose: they help reduce the spread of the virus, and they make you feel a little safer in your interactions.

Just in case you do have any kind of a cold or flu, wearing a mask helps contain the spread in case you sneeze or cough, and knowing that others wear them helps you feel safer until the pandemic dwindles, which is a win-win for your immune system and your peace of mind.

Listen to your body

We often ignore those many subtle signals our body sends us every day. This might be a good moment to start listening and acting on those signals. If you feel tired, why not rework your schedule to go to bed an hour early and leave your phone and other digital gadgets behind? In case your lower back is acting up, how about seeing a doctor, light stretching, and heading for a walk to improve your energy? By paying attention to all those little cues, you can make a huge difference in your energy and wellbeing.

Take a restorative bath

Even your existing habits can become more relaxing and satisfactory when you “upgrade” them with a few accessories. For instance, what is typically a quick shower can turn into a restorative bath if you just light a few scented candles in the bathroom to create a soothing atmosphere.

You can also use fragrant bath oils to fully enjoy the experience, and then slather on a rich moisturizer to pamper your skin. All of these are simple actions that can genuinely transform your mood and reduce your stress levels easily.

Be more active every day

We all find ourselves stuck at work or too tired to hit the gym regularly, so you can find alternative activities to fill up your day and prevent you from sitting down non-stop. For instance, taking the stairs and cycling to work instead of driving are excellent options, whereas creating a home-based workout routine can help you deal with your energy without wasting time going to and from the sports center.

Start saving up

Making sure that your finances are in order will help you take better control of your choices and invest in short-term as well as long-term goals you wish to achieve. Be it a strong pension plan, a retirement solution, or a fabulous trip to an exotic destination, better money management means that you can start setting aside a nest egg for emergency purposes, or a wide array of plans you have.

This will allow you to greet your silver years stress-free and not feel like a burden on your family. Financial independence is one of the key pillars of happiness through life.

It might seem impossible to completely transform your existence in one major change. That is precisely why you shouldn’t take any disruptive measures that you know will fade into oblivion in a week, but try embracing smaller, more impactful changes and decisions that can generate real results, quickly, and the kind of actions that will help you claim control over your life. This is a perfect moment to take a breath and start leading a more mindful life, in the hopes of being happier and healthier in the long run.

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