Hello My Friend,
What would you say are your top 7 daily habits?
Said another way…what do you do every day, just about, without even thinking about it?
Let’s not count teeth brushing and bathing, having 5-6 healthy meals and snacks or your modes of transportation. By “top” habits let’s look at those habits that are both deeply rooted and connected to who you are….positive or negative.
Some examples would be: reading an hour (or any amount of time) a day, watching a particular news program consistently – perhaps even at a certain time, sitting in a particular chair, physical exercise, coffee and other morning must-haves, rushing and lateness, morning or nighttime routines executed without fail, prayer and/or meditation time, family time, strolls and walks, playtime and talk time, gossiping, quiet time, daily/weekly rituals of any kind, worry and anxiety (this may be a habit to the point where it’s not even recognized as a “thing” you “do” anymore) scripture reading, any kind of personal or professional development activities, sleeping to the sound of the TV, affirming, etc., etc.
Reflect on your top seven. Are they creating the virtues and outcomes you seek?
How about trying on a few new or tweaked daily habits for the next seven days?
If you already do these, or some version of them, try pumping up the volume and do them with a twist by adding more time, focus or intention.
My 7 Most Powerful Daily Habits:
- I devote 15 – 30 minutes each morning, soon after I open my eyes ( sometimes even before) to vivid imagination playtime – I see my day unfold as I would like it to with all the highlights, outcomes and courageous actions I am capable of
- Morning stillness – prayer and meditation to receive my divine guidance
- As I drift off to sleep and as I rise… I say “thank you God” for at least 3 things — variety is my goal (keeps it interesting) and, I find myself going through the day looking for and remembering “my 3 or 6 things”
- Learn a new thing or a new word…no matter how small, every day – with Social Media, this is so easy it’s an ongoing opportunity to exercise self-discipline 🙂
- Do at least one RAOK (random act of kindness)…again, size does not matter. This adds tremendous fun to my days!
- I listen to at least one inspiring, spiritually stirring and emotionally uplifting piece of music as I work. Sometimes (and even better) I listen as I sit still with my eyes closed
- JUMP into action…I get physically active, heart rate up for at least 20 – 30 minutes (5x per week)
This one is not daily but it is so good…taken from Oprah.com. (Small Habits Than Can Make a Big Difference)
Brush Your Teeth with Your Other Hand
“Using your nondominant hand to do simple chores can improve your mood and your memory; that’s because the action stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that encourages the growth of neurons linked to long-term memory and mood. “When you’re depressed or under stress, your brain’s production of BDNF plummets,” says Moses Chao, PhD, professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. (One of the lesser-known effects of antidepressants, he says, is to raise the levels of BDNF.) Anything unexpected—smelling rosemary first thing in the morning, for example—can activate BDNF.”
Try these on for a week – just 7 days and see the magnificent difference in your life! Even after a day you will feel a swell of optimism and a deeper sense of well-being. I do, so I know you will too!
Wishing you a abundance of self-discipline, love and joy – each and every day…
~♥~