It’s a fresh, new Monday again. And what better than a little bit o’ inspiration to get that motivational fire in your belly ready and roaring. Health coach and all round expert on self-development, Danielle Dowling, shares her advice on opening your mind to some new-found healthy habits. Which one will you try?
Growing up, there were many, many pieces of advice my mom repeated ad infinitum…
“Write a thank you note.”
“Make sure you’re on time.”
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
And, as someone with a doctorate in Psychology and a devout reader of all things self-help, there are just as many snippets of wisdom that I see repeated through books, articles, and lectures.
“We teach people how to treat us.”
“The only thing you can control is yourself.”
“Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s good for you.”
Every time I’d encounter my mom’s advice or read another book that reiterated a point, I’d think..
“You’re right! I should do that!”
And then I’d go on my merry, occasionally-late, forgetting-about-the-thank-you-note way.
It’s been said that we need to encounter an idea 15 times (!) before it really sticks. It’s also been said that creating good habits is one of the most surefire ways to create a life you love.
With those two facts in mind, I’d like to remind you of 8 good habits everyone should aim for. Already doing this? I raise my latte to you. If not? No worries. Just recommit to doing what you know you need to do.
1. Put your well-being first
Many of us have a tendency to let our egos and bank accounts make decisions for us. If we don’t go to that party, they won’t invite us next time. If we say no to that client, they won’t put us on retainer. If we don’t order a cocktail and appetizer, they’ll think we’re boring or broke.
Our emotional and physical well-being often falls to the wayside. Take those personal days, drink water and eat a salad, turn down things that feel wrong. (MNB Note: If you wanna party, why not do it the MNB way? Run your peepers over the MNB Girl’s Guide To The Festive Season – some quality mocktail recipes in there!)
2. Call family members just to say “hi”
Your mom would love to hear your voice and your sister would love to hear all about your trip to Mexico. So call them! Don’t save phone calls for those ‘figuring out travel plans’ or ‘what should we get Dad for his birthday’ situations.
3. Disconnect from technology
Let’s turn our phones off – especially at dinner. Institute a ‘no phones on the table’ rule. We don’t need to spend all our time documenting our lives for social media. Contrary to the popular saying, yes it did happen – even if it’s not on Instagram.
4. Laugh
The average 4-year-old laughs 300 times a day, the average 40-year-old laughs four. How can you up your laugh quota? Surround yourself with funny people, learn how to tell a joke, subscribe to some hilarious podcasts, or just search Youtube for funny videos.
5. Make time to do nothing
Yes, even if you have to actually schedule it into your calendar. Doing nothing could be going for a walk, cuddling your pet, taking a long bath, or just laying on the sofa and staring into the middle distance. Down time and a little bit of solitude is required if you really want to recharge your batteries.
6. Get dressed up
I know that track pants are incredibly comfortable. But sometimes we need to take the time to shine our shoes, put on some red lipstick, and get out of our pj’s. Even if it’s for no good reason! Make your own reason – drinks with the girls, a gallery opening, dinner at that cool new restaurant.
7. Think before responding
Since we’re constantly returning texts and replying to emails within five minutes, we’ve gotten into the habit of responding to situations immediately. And that’s fine when your friend is just emailing to say she’ll be ten minutes late.
But when you receive important news – good or bad – sit with it for a while. Give yourself time to work through it and feel your feelings. You’ll probably be much happier with your response if you give yourself some time.
8. Go to sleep one hour earlier
Those emails will still be there in the morning, as well as Netflix. Close the screen and go to sleep.
Building new habits can be hard and we all fall off the wagon from time to time – it’s human! But let’s make a pact (I’m pinky swearing from the hills of West Hollywood right now) that we’re going to really, actually do the things we need to do to make this life great.
Deal? Deal.
Try and implement one, or even a few of these into your every day routine, and maybe, just maybe it will turn into a healthy habit!
Not only does Danielle Dowling hold a Masters and Doctorate in Psychology, she is also a relationship expert, a life and business coach, and a writer based in Los Angeles, California.
Danielle’s goal is to inspire women to live inspiring and authentic lives in order to achieve their dreams and experience a life better lived. When she’s not changing lives, she’s out enjoying nature, sipping on a green juice, flowing through a yoga class, or laughing it up with her close girlfriends.
For more information on this fabulous firecracker, check out her website, or connect with her on Pinterest or Twitter.