6 Habits That Will Improve Your Quality of Life

It’s true what they say—life’s a journey, not a destination. You have the power and ability to change the quality of your life, and thus your journey, at any given point. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” person, and not just because perfection is subjective and doesn’t exist. Humans are innately flawed and can fall into a variety of traps. However, addiction is one of the most dangerous, and it can be impossible to untangle yourself without the help of experts.  As we begin a new year, challenge yourself to a better, healthier, and more enjoyable life.

Here are six habits that can make a huge difference:

Be honest with your technology addiction and get help if necessary. Drug and alcohol addiction is well-known, but  technology addiction can be a little murkier. After all, it’s conceivable in western culture to avoid alcohol and drugs for good, but not technology. Most of us need tech for work, to connect with loved ones, and simply to enjoy activities of daily living. There’s also the issue of “technology addiction” being made flippant (kind of like OCD). It’s not taken as seriously by mainstream society, but that’s starting to change. There are recovery centers prioritizing tech addiction and can help sufferers identify tools to better co-exist with technology. An addiction can be defined as any habit or substance/product that interferes with other parts of your life including health, work, and relationships.

Give appreciation freely and honestly. This goes for both those around you and yourself. It’s amazing how something as simple as a genuine compliment can turn a person’s entire day around. Every day, try to find an authentic way to compliment at least one person. It kickstarts the cycle of caring and compassion, and you’ll benefit from an endorphin rush of making someone else feel good. (Plus, if you believe in karma, there are some excellent karma points to enjoy). Also, appreciate yourself and speak kindly about your worth, whether aloud or to yourself. Silence that inner critic.

Get outside for at least 20 minutes a day when weather allows. There are  countless studies touting the benefits of the great outdoors. If you live in a metro area, try to seek out a park so that the greenery can feed your soul. Try to avoid bringing any technology with you. Spend time appreciating the beauty of nature, whether it’s a leaf or a nearby river. You’ll be energized and may even be able to ditch that afternoon cup of coffee.

Swap coffee for tea at least once a day. Green and black tea have both been tied to a number of health benefits including being potential arthritis and dementia fighters. They have a gentler caffeine boost than coffee and can be a great way to start your day. Choose a cup of green tea instead of java first thing in the morning if you’re a coffee addict, and consider a decaf “sleepy time” tea as part of your sleep best practices.

Find out how many hours of sleep you need on average. Many people think eight hours is the standard, but that’s just an average. People need various amounts of sleep, and the only way to find out is to figure out how many hours you require to wake up without depending on an alarm. This is the first step in creating better sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is a set of best practices to optimize quality sleep. Additions include ditching screen time at least two hours before bed and making sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and tech-free.

Move at least once a day for 30 minutes. Movement doesn’t necessarily have to be hardcore exercise. Movement should be joyful and desirable. Try out a new dance class, check out urban hiking trails, or find a gently used bike and explore your neighborhood in a new way. Moving is essential for energy, joy, and health.

Healthy habits don’t have to be a sacrifice. There are many ways to up the quality of your life without making a huge commitment. How will you be better to yourself in 2018?

Emily Walters is a freelance content writer. She has written for a variety of industries including business, beauty, healthcare, technology, and travel. Aside from writing, Emily enjoys traveling, gardening, and paddle boarding.