Let’s be honest, for most people maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle can be difficult when you have so much going on in your day to day. You wake up and look at your to do list for the day: go to work from 9-5, attempt a workout at some point, have to cook dinner, clean, etc. It’s exhausting.
Well, it doesn’t have to be. You don’t always have to get everything done. Living intentionally starts with the small habits you do each day. It’s hard to go after those big goals without that self discipline. This list is was curated to provide you with small wins throughout your day which in the end will serve you more than you could imagine.
10 Simple Ways to Live Intentionally
This list is made up of things that I have incorporated into my daily life. They’ve actually worked for me and I believe that with consistency and time they will help you as well. Don’t knock it until you try it.
- Drink Water First Thing in the Morning
Sounds simple enough, right? If you look back at pretty much a majority of my blog posts you’ll know that I am a huge advocate of this. Hydrating first thing in the morning jump starts your digestive system and wakes up your body. If you’re an avid coffee drinker then this goes double for you. Make sure you’re hydrating before caffeinating. (Quote borrowed from my IG friend and fellow True Crime Junkie Lindsae Metz)
2. Daily Affirmations
Alright, you’re reading this thinking, hmmm do those really work though? YES THEY DO! Find something that speaks to you. If you need help I have a couple options for you here. Daily affirmations set the tone for your day and remind you that you can and will kill it!
3. Get a Reusable Water Bottle and Bring it Every Where
Yes, this is another water tip. If you’re someone who just can’t seem to drink enough water throughout the day, this tip is for you. Buy yourself a cute, practical, reusable water bottle. My favorite can be found here. By carrying this water bottle around with you all day everyday it’s more likely that it’ll be within your eyeline prompting you to take that little sip you need.
4. Opt For The Stairs Or The Further Parking Spot
Simple but effective. Opting to get those extra steps in won’t hurt you. If you’re like me and you sit at a desk 8 hours a day, trust me your body will thank you.
5. Smaller Plates Are A Game Changer
I have seen this habit tip pop up on multiple outlets and let me tell you it’s one of my favorites. Using a smaller plate to eat from tricks your mind into thinking that you have more food in front of you. This illusion is great to keep you from over eating without getting extreme.
6. Eat Slowly & Chew Your Food Thorouhly
This tip helps aid in the digestion of your food. Taking a moment to chew your food is beneficial because the smaller the piece the easier it is for your body digest and you will get full faster!
7. Don’t Just Put It Down. Put It Away.
This is something I’m still trying to teach my boyfriend. lol When you get into the habit of putting things away you’ll have less to clean up long term. Work smarter people, not harder.
8. Be Present
This was one of the hardest habits I had to learn. How many times have you drove home from work and not remembered the drive? Or you got to take a shower and just speed through it because you’re just on autopilot? Just be present. Focus on the task at hand.
9. Make Sure Every Meal Has A Veggie
Nutrition is something a lot of people struggle with. It’s not the easiest. But starting with something small like making sure you eat veggies with meal is putting you on the right path.
10. Filter Out Negative Self Talk
I have found that a lot of my anxiety stemmed from my negative self talk. Little comments I would make about myself that would usually contain words like “can’t”, “shouldn’t”, and “won’t”. I started actively changing the way I spoke about myself. It completely shifted the way I thought about myself and how I handle situations in my life. It made my anxiety more manageable.
I hope these tips are as helpful to you as they are for me. Remember small habits matter too! I’d love to hear some of your tips! Please feel free to share any intentional habits you do on the daily that aren’t listed on here in the comments. 🙂
