How to Develop Healthier Habits
Hi Beautiful,
If you are anything like me; a woman who has focused on everyone else but themselves.
Then you know it's time to start turning some of that focus to ourselves and getting that much-needed self-care time and action. I've been doing just that, taking the time for myself and doing all the little things that I love. This has helped me get back to feeling like me and working through different aspects such as skincare and perfume to get them in order and find out what I like again. Developing healthy habits; from day to day each week has allowed me to feel good about myself and keep up with my self-care needs.
With God's love, I am able to love myself again, enjoying the amazing things that life has to offer.
Here are 10 Healthy Habits for Change
1. Feeling and looking good
I feel good when I’m looking cute. I love when I have a nice shower using lovely products, lathering up in nice lotion and body sprays then putting on something cosy to spend the day in. If you need to sort your wardrobe out then do so, declutter and find things that you love and want to wear. Follow your heart, and be influenced by suggestions not replication from social media. Feeling and looking good can set your mood for the day. Who said there was anything wrong with looking cute? Not me
2. Declutter daily
Find or make a great cleaning schedule for the week and monthly. Then when you get into a great habit of cleaning, have a daily cleaning schedule to the top of and keep on top of the main cleaning. Having a clear space to live and work in (some of us are work from home) so it's nice to have that clear space. There are times I can't get into my main cleaning for whatever reason and the daily top up actually helps and makes a difference, so I'm not struggling at the end of the week.
3. Taking vitamins
I usually take my tablets and vitamins in the morning, but you can plan a time that suits you and your lifestyle of course. I take multivitamins which have been great and made a difference in my appetite and mood for myself. I also take iron tablets for low iron and I find that every other day works best for me. Please speak with your Dr on how to take iron tablets or anything other medication first, always follow guidelines and your body. There are many types of vitamins also to cover many needs, make sure you do your research and find what works for you.
4. Stop talking negatively
You are beautiful and amazing! In case no one has told you that today. God loves you!
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14
Do not let other people’s opinions of you shape you. If you don't know yourself, God's love for you and your worth. It's so much worthwhile going through life knowing what you are meant to do, what you stand for and creating boundaries for yourself and with others. When you get to know God and His word, nothing anyone can say can change your thoughts. I have been there before when after talking to someone I've realised I've said too much or too little and you have that weird regretful feeling that you can't shake. Encourage yourself always and know that you are capable to do anything you set your mind to.
5. Compliment yourself
I love this one. It's nice to be nice to yourself and start complimenting yourself. You (and myself) have come a long way, so much has happened and we made it through. When I look back and realise how naive I was or how much pain I went through, it’s so good to see how far I’ve come. I've learned so much about myself, life around me and finances and people in my life. Take the time to sit and think how proud you are of yourself.
6. Be thankful and start a gratitude journal
Having a journal is a great way to reflect and connect your thoughts. It's therapeutic to write and reflect, I always date my entries to be able to look back and compare moments or merely see how far I've come. Write how you are feeling, the day that you've had and everything that you are thankful for in the day, week, month and year.
7. No phone/no socials
This way you can appreciate life and your time a lot more and focus on the space you are in. Taking phone breaks helps with mental health and not thinking about what everyone else is doing. Coming back to reality is very important, set some days in the month to do so and use that time to read, catch up or rest. Sometimes we can be guilty of being on our phones when the kiddies are talking and it's very important to show them firsthand what it's like to have undivided attention, eye contact and active listening. Whether we realise it or not children watch and copy all we do, and they have feelings too. We wouldn't want them to feel like we do not care about their painting or funny little story.
8. Do things to induce laughter
I love to laugh and giggle and have been doing so since a little girl. It's helped me get through some tough and awkward moments, by making a joke or laughing at something or with someone. I love watching comedy stands and rom-com movies. I enjoy fun times with my husband and children. It can be such a great habit-inducing laughter every day, it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown.
9. Pay your bills
A great habit is to make sure your finances are in order. Pay your bills on time, avoid late charges, pay over for credit cards, etc, and sort out your debt. A great saving tip is to have sinking funds ( small pockets of savings you put away for specific things you need and do in the month each month) for example Christmas and birthdays come around every year at the same time, start putting away a certain amount each month and use it when you need to.
If you are struggling with bills and finance, take time to let companies know and seek help to get back on track.
10. Talk to someone
This leads to the topic of talking to someone, as mentioned earlier if you have any issues, take the time to contact someone or a great team for help and advice.
It is so good to connect with others and socialise and fellowship with different people from different walks of life, you can learn so much. The worst thing you can do is have all your thoughts going on and on in your mind and not release that in some sort of way. Being by yourself can bring negative emotions. I have been there before, being down and depressed and so lonely, I really don't want that for you. Even someone at work or at the shop, just say something! It could help alleviate some of the stress or pain you are going through.
Having healthy habits can help motivate you and others, put things into perspective and change the way you see life from now on. I encourage you to take some tips here and implement your own as well. You’ve got this x
Be Beautiful and Choose Happiness x
Journal prompts for gratitude
Write a love letter to yourself
What are five things that you have done that you are proud of?
What is my knowledge about health and how can I improve?
What is your negative self-talk?
Who are you most grateful for having in your life?
What habits do you need to stop?
What habits can you begin to encourage self-love?
