How to hack your habits in 10 minutes or less 💫
Simple ways to boost your mood and wellbeing
As we emerge from the never-ending month of January, I’m pretty pleased to say that I’ve actually made some new habits, stuck to them and feel much better for it.
Now I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, in fact, I started making some of these small changes back in November when I was sick and tired of, well, being sick and tired. Let’s face it, having a lively four-year-old (who is a smaller version of me with an even bigger attitude) to contend with along with juggling work and any kind of social life, had left me feeling a bit frazzled and run down. And don’t even get me started on the preschool bugs…
They say it takes 66 days to build a habit, so I knew that finding things that were quick and easy to build into my daily routine would guarantee I’d stick to them. And if I can stick to them anyone can…
‘Ok, shut up Kat and get to the good bit’ I hear you say…
My 10-minute hacks to give you a boost:
YouTube yourself fit – I found MonikaFit on YouTube and her 10-minute workouts are great. They’re focused on feeling good and boosting your mood rather than losing weight. There are loads of free videos on her channel to choose from. I simply cast from my iPhone to the TV and away I go (sometimes awkwardly joined by my daughter and the dog!). I feel much better in myself and less anxious by simply moving and stretching a little bit every day.
Pop on a playlist – Whether you’re a raver, a rocker or a pop princess (I’m a bit of all three!) listening to a couple of your favourite songs is good for the soul. I love a good dance and sing-along, especially at my desk in between client calls - it certainly perks me up. If you don’t have time to set up a playlist, why not try Spotify’s Happy Hits! - it’ll be Murder on the Dancefloor in no time :)
Write away your troubles – Getting things out of your head before bedtime helps you sleep better. I’ve been using the free Happyfeed Journal App to note down things I’m thankful for each day and it‘s helped me stop worrying about things out of my control. If you prefer a pen and paper, why not treat yourself to a beautiful diary or journal to get those words out?
‘But I haven’t got 10 minutes’, I hear you cry… Don’t worry I’ve got you covered…
My five-second hacks to give you a boost:
Spray your favourite scent - I find simply spraying on my favourite perfume or some aromatherapy spray and taking a couple of deep breaths helps me clear my head and centre myself if I am feeling stressed out.
Pop a pill or powder – No nothing illegal here! I’m talking about a vitamin supplement. Armed with knowledge from my natural health PR days, I take vitamin D3 and B12 and sprinkle some collagen powder onto my porridge each morning. Not only has this helped build my immunity, but it’s also helped with my gut and joint health, and helped improve my post-baby hair and skin – after all, I’m closer to 40 than I am 30 now, so it’s worth the investment.
Have a hug – Snuggle your pet, squeeze a loved one or even a cuddly toy. Hugging creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation because we release the "cuddle hormone" oxytocin. You’ll often find me scooping up my pooch when I need a lift - much to his annoyance.
These are some of the small changes I’ve been making daily for the last couple of months. I don’t always do them all on the same day but try to combine them where I can. There will always be write-off days, but I don’t beat myself up about it. It’s all about baby steps to keep my mental and physical health on the straight and narrow.
I hope you’ve found some of these hacks helpful and give them a try. If you’ve got any suggestions for small ways to make yourself healthier and happier, I’d love to hear about them and give them a try.
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Kat x