Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we can easily get so caught up in all of the things we think we need to do, that we end up losing sight of what really matters. At some point throughout each of our lives, this is inevitable, especially as our world grows increasingly complex day after day. This is why, after years of personal reflection and lifestyle minimalism, I have come up with the 5 most essential and holistic daily habits to maximize your happiness, success, and overall fulfillment.
- Meditation/Mindset (Mind)
Every morning, devote some time to reflecting inwards and clearing your mind. The benefits of meditation are too many to list, but anyone who has meditated consistently for even a couple of weeks can tell you it is absolutely life changing. You can spend anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour in meditation and/or prayer, but each individual varies and it can change over time; the important thing is to remain as consistent as possible. You are free to choose between the many available styles of meditation, but if you’re a beginner then a short and simple guided meditation is a great starting point.
For me, this time includes my mindset routine, journal/blog, and organizing my calendar and lists. I also check my phone at this time, because I personally feel a lot more clear-minded after I’ve responded to texts, emails, and social media messages. This helps me to stay off my phone and be more present throughout the day. Altogether, this routine takes me about an hour, but to me it is the most important part of my day. For you, this can also be a much shorter amount of time consisting of a simple brain dump, mind map, gratitude list, visualization or affirmations (or anything else that helps you get into a clear and organized mindset so you can be present). - Movement (Body)
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), the minimum recommended time to exercise is 150 minutes per week. This can be broken down in the manner of your choosing throughout the day or week. This includes anything that gets your body moving and blood pumping, whether it be purely cardiovascular such as walking or Zumba, strength training such as HIIT workouts, or flexibility routines such as pilates and yoga (I always recommend alternating but personally love gymnastics and ballet). Additionally, on the days I *intentionally* move my body for at least 30 minutes, I find that I am more mindful of the foods I am putting into my body and more prone to other healthy habits such as getting enough water and rest. You can also keep track of your diet/workouts using a smart watch or apps such as MyFitnessPal or Noom, but of course this is entirely optional. - Connection (Heart)
As human beings, it is simply not enough to just take care of our own mind, body, and soul. We are social creatures, and lack of connection can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even physical exhaustion and illness. Especially in today’s technologically-driven western world where most of us do not reside within an engaged community, it can take some awareness and effort to build true connection. Whether that be with family, friends, and close companions, or whether it be with coworkers, clients, and perfect strangers, it is necessary to feel some sort of connection outside of our own self on a regular basis. Even when you are connecting with people using technology or social media, try to be intentional and aware of the time spent online. On days where you simply do not want to engage in human interaction, you can also feel connection through a beloved pet or spending time outside in nature. - Purpose (Work)
It is almost impossible for me to suggest what daily habit you should partake in to fulfill your life purpose, without considering all your unique factors as an individual. However, the key takeaway here is that it is vital to partake in a daily habit that combines your passion, skills, and potential for profit if and when possible. For me, this is my Spirit Life blog, wellness and business. For others, this may be an artistic hobby or voluntary service. And for the lucky ones, this is their full-time career. If you’re not sure what yours is, you can sign up for a free Alignment Assessment call with me so we can figure it out together. Whatever you decide, just remember that when we take consistent, daily action towards one thing every day, that aspect of our life will inevitably grow and bloom and provide a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment. - Joy (Play)
Last but not least, do not underestimate the power of play. Take care of your self in the morning, work hard and help others during the day, and spend time every evening or night unwind – life should never be taken too seriously, and you deserve it! During this time, you can do absolutely anything you want that brings you joy. Whether it means to partake in a hobby, go somewhere fun and exciting with loves ones, relax with a warm bath and a good book or simply enjoy a nice dinner and catch up on Netflix, setting aside free time will ensure that you remain joyful as you move through life’s ups and downs and give you something to look forward to every day – even if it’s only for a few minutes!
The key to happiness and success lies within the consistent daily habits of an individual over time, and in our increasingly complex lives, it is the simple truths of each day and moment of our lives that collectively write our story. No matter where you are or what responsibilities are piling up around you, you have the choice every single morning to take aligned actions that leave you with peace and satisfaction at the end of the day. For many of us, it may seem incredibly complicated to put in the effort to change our routines, but if you are able to break it down into 5 simple habits and stick with them daily, then you are bound to see immense positive changes in every aspect of your life.
