Habits are intentional changes—like starting your day with a glass of lemon water, setting clear boundaries, and practicing self-awareness. Small habits like these can lead to profound improvements in your life. Here, you’ll find 9 actionable habits, inspiring insights, and advice to help you develop habits that support your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Helpful Quick Links
Habit 1: warm lemon water when you wake up
According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking lemon water in the morning can be beneficial because it kickstarts your metabolism, supports digestion, and helps rehydrate your body after a night’s rest.
The article also states lemon water provides a good source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity. The citric acid in lemons may help prevent kidney stones and improve skin health due to its antioxidant properties.
*** Please note that this contains affiliate links to Amazon, and as an associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. you can see more info here.
This stainless steel kettle is one of the most affordable! They also have a glass carafe as well. It helps make tea and hot lemon water easier in the mornings. 🫖😎
2. Coffee After Breakfast
Talk about bad habits… Consuming coffee on an empty stomach can lead to a spike in cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially causing increased stress and other health issues. Eating a balanced breakfast before your morning coffee can help this by providing nutrients that promote stable hormone levels. Learn more from Baylor Scott & White Health.
Habit 3: Reading before bed
Reading before bed is a great way to relax, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Studies show that reading can calm the mind, signaling to your body that it’s time to wind down. Paper books are recommended as light from phones and other devices can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep.
If you prefer digital books, an e-reader like a Kindle may be a better option than reading on a smartphone or tablet, as it uses E Ink technology that minimizes blue light exposure.🥱💤
Books like The Power of One More by Ed Mylett and Atomic Habits by James Clear are excellent choices for inspiring personal growth while still helping you unwind. These books provide practical advice on building good habits and maximizing your potential, making them perfect for ending your day on a positive note.
See the full list of book recommendations here. 📖
4. Journaling/BIBle Study
Journaling and Bible study are excellent habits that promote personal growth, emotional well-being, and spiritual development. Journaling provides a space to process thoughts, reflect on experiences, and set goals, fostering mindfulness and self-awareness. It can also help reduce stress by offering an outlet for emotions and creating clarity in decision-making.
Bible study nurtures spiritual health by deepening the understanding of faith, offering guidance for daily life, and fostering a sense of peace and purpose.
Related Post:
5. Self-Awareness
Definition from Oxford Languages: “conscious knowledge of one’s character, feelings, motives, and desires.”
Self-awareness is key to personal growth and living authentically. It helps you understand your emotions, habits, and how your actions affect others. With self-awareness, you can make better choices, improve relationships, and handle challenges more calmly. It’s about knowing yourself so you can live with purpose and grow into the best version of you.
HERE ARE 5 STEPS TO BECOMING MORE SELF-AWARE:
- 1. Practice Reflection: Spend time journaling or thinking about your actions, feelings, and reactions. Ask yourself why you feel or act a certain way when you are in certain situations.
- 2. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted mentors for honest input about your strengths and areas for growth. Be ready to take in constructive criticism.
- 3. Triggers: Notice situations that spark strong emotions, and explore why they affect you.
- 4. Self Care: Self Care isn't always facemasks and shopping time. It could be getting comfortable being your true self.
- 5. Set Intentions: Be intentional about aligning your actions with your values and goals. Keep promises to yourself and others.
6. Morning Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight first thing in the morning has numerous benefits for your health. Morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and aligning your body’s internal clock (NIH). It also boosts serotonin production, enhancing mood and promoting emotional well-being (Healthline).
Additionally, sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune function, and overall vitality (Harvard Health). Spending 5-15 minutes outdoors in the morning can help energize your day while supporting your physical and mental health.
7. Focus on the Controllable
We can’t control how people act or the circumstances we face, but we have full power over how we respond to them. By focusing on our reactions, we reclaim our peace and maintain emotional balance, regardless of external chaos. It’s about choosing not to let others dictate our mood or actions. Practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and reframing challenges can help us stay grounded, allowing us to navigate situations with grace and resilience instead of frustration or anger. Control over our response is the key to thriving in any environment.
Habit 8: Boundaries
Definition from Merriam-Webster: something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent.
Struggling to say ‘no’ or set limits in your life? Boundaries is the life-changing book you didn’t know you needed. Discover the freedom, confidence, and healthier relationships.🫱🏼🫲🏽📖
Boundaries are the limits you set to protect your time, energy, emotions, and well-being. They help you define what is acceptable in your relationships and interactions with others. Having boundaries is an essential habit because it promotes self-respect, prevents burnout, and fosters healthier connections. Clear boundaries ensure you prioritize your needs while still respecting others, helping you maintain balance and avoid feelings of resentment or being overwhelmed. They’re a key part of living authentically and cultivating mutual respect in your relationships.
Keep in mind it’s a helpful practice to respect others’ boundaries regarding the same topics.
Habit 9: Give yourself time in the morning
Start your day with a small, intentional habit that can set the tone for everything that follows. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee, a five-minute walk, or a few pages of reading, giving yourself this time allows your brain to transition into the day ahead gently. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate—just a brief pause to prepare your mind and support your brain’s neuroplasticity as you take on whatever comes your way.
