There are certain small things that compound over time.
Just the other day, I watched a Youtube video that captured this perfectly.
The creator showed how the way we wake up can affect the flow of the rest of our day. In one scene she got right out bed when her alarm went off, and got started with her day, while in the other, she snoozed and stayed in bed scrolling through social media.
I believe her video captured the power of doing small, yet meaningful habits consistently.
And in this post, I will be sharing 10 simple strategies and ideas that will help you transform your life.
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10 Small Daily Practices You should Incorporate into Your Life.
1. Rest before Major Tasks.
The idea here is that the quality and quantity of our work tends to be better when we are well rested.
Being well rested before you take on major or important tasks means you are better able to work from a place of clarity, insight, and serenity.
This is one of the reasons why I recommend naps, even at work. This is a standing policy in my business. I would rather you take a 30-minute nap before you send me a report, then you trying to work on it when you’re tired or distracted.
You are more likely to be well rested and calmer first thing in the morning before the demands of the day arise. This may be why productivity gurus suggested people tackle their biggest tasks first thing in their workday (while our energy levels and attention are still high).
2. Use a Timer to Build Focus.
One of the most expensive currencies in this century is our attention. Focus is our way of buying it back, but it is no easy feat.
Using a timer can provide guided structure while working.
Right now, I am using a timer to write this post.
I have set it to 25-minute intervals. I have found that doing this for short periods of time helps me pull back from all the other things vying for my attention.
I know that once that ping goes off, I can go on to do something else or continue, so that expected freedom, makes this temporary restriction necessary.
If you struggle with distraction and procrastination, then using a timer may be the way to go. The Pomodoro method is a popular technique.
3. Walk for at least 30 mins to Inspire Ideas.
If you think I talk about walking in every productivity post I write, you will be right. I believe walking is one of the most beneficial practices of the human body. It has a myriad of benefits, and even beyond the usual health benefits, research shows that walking invigorates our minds and improves our creativity.
Did you know that Charles Dickens created some of his most memorable and beloved characters while walking? He was said to walk up to 30 miles on some days. Yes, you read right. To put this into perspective, the Boston marathon is 26 miles, 385 yards.
4. Read out Your Sentences before You hit Send.
I know a few writers who stand by this. Here’s the thing: our minds can often play tricks on by us adding words that are not there or making sense of something that makes no sense. To combat this, especially is if it is an importance piece of information, read out the words. Take it slowly and make sure you are loud enough.
This allows you the check the flow, identify any missing words or punctuation errors, and of course, make your writing much better.
5. Carry an Idea Book.
Ideas have been known to come of their own accord and they usually come in the at the most unusual times. Carrying an idea book can be the difference between documenting the next big idea or beating yourself up for missing out on the next Facebook (just kidding).
Yet again, the principle here is to find the best way to capture your ideas. It does not need to be a physical book; you can record it on your phone (I use the Notes app on my iPhone) or some other device. Avoid relying on your memory.
You’re human and fallible.
6. Test out your Big Idea with a trusted friend or mentor before you publish.
You want to speak to someone who is likely to be objective but also kind. You want someone who can provide constructive criticism, not someone who will tear you down or given you exaggerated praise, both of which can be harmful.
7. Tidy Your Corner.
I recently learnt about the Law of Entropy and how it affects us in the real world. This law says things move from order to disorder (or chaos) without any intervention.
In essence, for order to reign we must live with intention. Your desk and bed will not automatically get tidy, decluttering and tidying your environment, even if for a few moments can have a positive impact on your mood and emotions, which can in turn fuel your productivity.
8. Drink Loads of Water.
You’re probably not drinking as much water as you should. Need some help?
Get a measuring water bottle like this.
Use your phone timer and set hourly intervals that remind you to drink water.
At the end of the day, you can track how much water you consumed that day. Try this for a few days and see how you do.
Remember that staying hydrated can increase your clarity and by extension, your productivity.
9. Floss after each Meal
I wore braces as an adult, and I must say that one of the practices that has stayed with me all these years has been the practice of flossing after most meals. It reduces the risk of infection, discomfort, and mouth odour, all of which can affect your life and productivity.
These are great reasons to imbibe better oral care.
10. Eat at least one fruit and two veggies a day.
There are several studies which show a link between what we eat and our productivity. What we eat and when we eat it can affect our bodies natural rhythm (circadian rhythm). The wrong foods eaten at the wrong times can slow us down, deplete our energy levels, and leave us feeling tired and lethargic.
Incorporating healthy food options can improve our alertness and energy levels.
GET YOUR FREE TINY HABITS CHECKLIST
Do you need a way to track these 10 daily habits?
Then get our Tiny Habits Checklist here. You can print off a few copies of this sheet and tick whichever task you complete.
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