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3 Habits That Will Make a Big Difference In Your Life

I believe in the power of small habits. Little changes that add up to make a big difference. For one, they're much easier to implement and give us that feel-good feeling. It's kind of like the method of little steps that will eventually lead to success. 

Research has shown that it takes 14 days on average to form a habit. Developing one requires some work but it becomes effortless after a while. Once a particular behaviour transforms into a habit, it feels natural and you'll find it difficult to imagine life without it. 

The 3 small habits that I'm going to outline below also once required some work, but now these form a part of my everyday routine and help me greatly in many ways. I hope they'll help you too!

1) Ditch your phone at least 30 minutes before going to bed

Mobile phones give us that constant stimulation. Whether it's a dopamine rush we get from an entertaining WhatsApp group chat or the variety of bright colours that pop up on our screens when we watch a YouTube video.

Some people leave their mobile phones outside of their bedroom overnight so that they're not the first thing they look at in the morning, some download time management apps that will lock your phone after you use it for a set amount of time. 

While these are both great solutions for those who catch themselves spending too much time on social media, a good and more subtle way of calming down your mind before going to bed is simply reserving those last 30 minutes for reading or meditating.

Not only will this give you some mental comfort and peace of mind but you'll fall asleep faster because of the lack of excessive external stimuli!

2) Turn negatives into positives

Attitude is everything. If you look at everyday problems as challenges with a lesson to be learned at the end, your entire outlook will change. 

Think of it this way: life can sometimes throw some obstacles our way, but whatever it is - it's something we are capable of dealing with. Every experience, whether good or bad, teaches us a lesson. So, through challenges, we develop, learn and ultimately become better people.

It might be difficult to find positivity in situations when we feel hurt or upset, especially when that feeling is fresh. But if you manage to find the good in the bad, you're a step ahead of everyone else.

This applies to literally everything:

Your car broke down? Ok, well it's a nice day today and you may as well walk or cycle to work, some fresh air will do you well!

Your friend canceled on you last minute?  Not going out for dinner & drinks will save you a few quid that you can spend on treating yourself in a different way.

You were given a difficult task by your manager and you're not sure if you can complete it? It's okay to ask your colleagues for help + it's great that you're being challenged in the workplace, that means you're learning something new!

3)  Express gratitude daily

Life is all about appreciating the little things and enjoying them as they happen. Learn to notice the small (and big) victories and express gratitude every day. Not only will this give you a mood boost, but it'll attract more positivity into your life. 

You might think that there isn't much good happening in your life but once you become more mindful, you'll begin to notice more great moments coming your way.

I for one always feel heartbroken for the homeless that have nowhere warm to go during the wintertime. On the positive side, it makes me realize how grateful I am for warmth and a roof over my head when I get home from the cold. We all have a lot to be grateful for! 
* * * 
Do you have any habits that help you stay positive? 

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