Sunday Thoughts (microhabits)

I give a lot of advice.

And some of it may seem hard.

So many “big” changes. Especially if you’re not in the habit of doing things “the right way.” 

But today is going to be different. I’m not going to suggest any big changes, or things that are hard to do.

Because I’ve come to learn that even small changes add up over time. 

And when you realize how little time these things take, it’s hard to argue with giving them a try.

It’s funny how certain things get built up in your mind as a burden or tiresome, but if you really stop and think about it, it takes more time to NOT do them than to actually just tackle the job.

I was thinking about this when I walked up to my dishwasher yesterday. Staring me in the face was that little green light. 

It meant the dishwasher was full. The dishes were clean. And somebody needed to empty it. 

Once I realized that somebody was me, I was starting to feel a bit of dread. 

But I realized I probably was being silly. So I looked at the clock on the microwave. And I decided to see just how long it actually takes to empty the dishwasher and put things away.

The verdict: 4 minutes. This is something I was stressing over? 

Ok, I think you get the idea. When in doubt, as Nike says, Just Do It.

So with that in mind, here are a few “micro habits” you can work into your day. They take no time at all. And over time, they can make a big difference. 

First, before you get up in the morning, lie on your back and hang your head and shoulders off the bed for a minute. 

Yes, just one minute. 

This little stretch helps open up your chest and get the blood flowing to your heart and brain. And it actually feels good, especially if you spend time hunched over a desk all day.

Ok now, here’s another. When you brush your teeth in the morning, balance on one leg. At night, balance on the other. 

Your balance doesn’t get much attention until it goes “poof.” Balance decreases as we age, and it can lead to painful falls or worse. 

So sneaking in a little balance work daily can add up to really important protection over time. And you’re going to brush your teeth anyway, right?

Finally, here are two more that have to do with eating. First, drink a glass of water before any meal. We often mistake thirst for hunger. Many of us are chronically dehydrated. 

A glass of water will help you digest food better, and actually keep you from eating as much too.

And never go shopping on an empty stomach. People who shop hungry impulse buy, and fill up their cart with cravings for food. 

These are not hard things. They are not time consuming. But they do add up. Trust me on this.

Which one are you going to try? 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.