Daily Non-Negotiables
Image c/o Pinterest, source unknown
“The secret of your success is in your daily routine”
Just a few years ago my life looked totally different. Monday morning would roll around and I’d have a long list of to-dos to get my life together so that I’d finally feel “better”. The changes would last until Wednesday, when I’d swear that I’d stick with it again after the weekend.
Often we think we need to make big changes in our lives to receive big results, but the reality is that it’s the small things we do every day that create long-term impact on the way we see and move about the world.
Below, I share four things I do daily to keep myself feeling my best. If you’re looking to implement some feel-good habits, I recommend to start with just 1, and aim to do it for 3-5 days in a row. Take a day off, and notice how you feel without the habit.
Ideally, the small daily action step will create a shift in the way you feel, providing motivation to keep doing the habit. Once the ritual is so intertwined with your life that you no longer have to think about doing it, add in another habit and repeat the process.
My Daily Non-Negotiables
Meditation
Meditation gives us the ability to respond and not react, allowing you to witness your actions and choose differently. Your version of meditation could be 3-5 mindful breaths each day, I start with this and add on an 11-minute kundalini meditation.
Walk Outside
Although I like to come up with excuses on cold and moody days, I always feel better after getting out of my house and seeing the world outside of my problems. Bonus points for walking first thing in the morning, as it helps clear your mind and expand beyond ruminating thoughts.
Eating Something Nourishing
My normal diet focuses on healthy eating, as I’ve noticed that foods affect the way I feel. I’m still not at the point (and don’t know if I’ll ever be!) where I don’t enjoy some margaritas and burgers, but when I don’t eat anything healthy in a day I feel gross in body and mood. Enter my goal to eat at least one nourishing fruit or veggie a day, to keep a little bit of balance and do something that makes my body feel alive.
Movement
Your movement could be a daily walk, kitchen dance party, or a workout you enjoy. I rarely used to move my body, but it creates a much needed shift from mind (overthinking/anxious thoughts), to feeling, among many other health benefits. As with all these habits, start small (5 minutes) and exactly where you’re at, and your activity should feel “good”. If your movement of choice feels miserable, it’s unlikely to become a habit you commit to daily, so choose another one and try again.