“Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do).” - Stephen R. Covey

While working on habit change we often focus on some major habits that we know we need to change, start or learn how to do. When working towards a healthier lifestyle these habits can take up to 66 days to become ingrained in us and just part of our daily routines. 

It’s important, too, to adopt seemingly small habits that can over time make huge differences for the better also. 

Here are 10 easy-to-do habits that can make a big difference over time:

1. Balance on one leg for 10 seconds at a time, then switch to the other leg.

This simple exercise is something you can do while brushing your teeth or standing in a line. It’s a part of neuro-motor training, which helps you improve your balance, agility and mobility — all things you need in everyday movement and in other forms of exercise.

2. Enjoy a mini—mind vacation every day!

Take time to meditate or just take some moments in your day where you fully relax, work on jus letting your thoughts come and go easily. YOu only have to do this for 5-10  m minutes a day to feel recharged.  A mini-mind vacation is a moment in your day when you can just totally rest and relax. Lie back and stare off into the distance. Let your brain wander.  This will rejuvenate you and can be really beneficial for your focus, creativity and energy levels for the rest of your day!

3. Plan when you will go to bed so you can relax and fall asleep so that you get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep every night.  Consistently not  getting enough sleep has been shown to influence risk factors of heart disease. On the other hand, getting enough sleep plays a part in a healthy heart, gives you more energy, and helps with healthy eating goals because when you’re short on sleep, it reduces your body’s production of hormones that suppress appetite, which can contribute to weight gain.

4. Focus on sitting up straight.

Having good posture can prevent aches and pain and it can also reduce stress on your ligaments. Sitting up straight with good posture helps strengthen your core muscles and protects your back. Put reminders at your desk or wherever you sit for long periods of time if that helps!

5. Read every day. Books are wonderful and the minutes you spend reading are never wasted ones. Take 30-60 minutes a day to read. Get off your devices for those minutes and read a novel you will enjoy or one of the many inspiring and educational books that can help you transform your life. Books truly can change your life! Fill your brain with some good words that enriches your life and you will actually feel better, relaxed, and you will learn and keep growing and maybe even try new things or reach for larger goals in your life!

6. Use the stairs!

If you have stairs at your home or office, take them every chance you get. Take one or two breaks short from work daily  and walk up a few flights of stairs. This is a quick way to get some movement into your day and if you do it with intensity you can even strengthen leg muscles and get in a mini-cardio workout. Start with a limited number of repetitions, stairs or floors then increase as you gain strength. 

7. Pack your lunch.

Preparing your own lunch and snacks for the office, school, or travels is a good way to eat on the go. Not only will you save money, you’ll avoid excess sodium, sugar, fat, and chemical preservatives in meals at fast food restaurants. You will know exactly what’s in your meals and be able to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need. 

8. Practice daily gratitude.

We often have a lot that we want, but we don't usually appreciate things until they're gone. Make it a habit of writing down 3 things you're grateful for every single day. Do this when you wake up and again when before you are falling asleep. 

9. Laugh! Every day! Find the things that make you laugh, things you know will tickle your sense of humor. Follow someone funny on social media, or watch some funny video, or joke with friends. A good belly laugh especially shared with others but even just by yourself, can feel like good medicine and lighten your day a lot! Laugh at the little things you see  as you are  going about your day. Find humor where you can and have a laugh at something every day!

10. Do a kind thing every day.

Do one kind thing for someone you know or a stranger every day. It can be free! Give a compliment, help someone with a task, surprise someone with something small you know they’d love, share something with someone, or call or text someone you haven’t in a while. Giving makes us feel good and it has a much bigger impact on others than we might imagine. 

Habits Spark!: Try to incorporate some or all of these fun, healthy habits and watch how your own joy increases!

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