Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could do just a few small things to drastically transform your life? In this post, we’ll discuss 8 small changes that can make a big difference in your life. These are simple habits that, if done consistently, can have a profound impact on your well-being and overall appearance.
There is a trend going around the internet about these 8 small changes that can make a big difference in your life. Most of the time they are described as life altering changes that, if done for 30 days, will make you unrecognizable. While this does sound very exciting, I worry that statements like that open us up to disappointment if we don’t complete the full 30 days. After all, we’re human, most of us have busy lives. Even with the best of intentions, we may miss a day here or there, especially when we’re starting a brand new habit.
When embarking on a journey of positive changes, it’s better to shift your mindset from considering it as a temporary 30-day challenge to embracing it as a lifestyle change. Why? Because true transformation occurs when we integrate these positive habits into our daily lives, making them a part of who we are.
Instead of thinking, “I just need to do this for 30 days,” remind yourself that these changes are long-lasting and have the potential to bring continuous benefits to your life. Embrace them as part of your personal growth and well-being journey, knowing that each day is an opportunity to build upon your progress.
It’s also important to remember that no one is perfect, and it’s completely okay to make mistakes along the way. The key is not to be too hard on yourself when you slip up, or forget. Instead of dwelling on the mistake or feeling discouraged, choose to view it as a learning experience.
If you miss a day of exercise, indulge in a sugary treat, or skip a meditation session, don’t beat yourself up over it. Remind yourself that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh opportunity to get back on track. Embrace the mindset of resilience and self-compassion. Learn from your mistakes, identify what triggered the slip-up, and make adjustments moving forward.
Remember, change is a gradual process, and it’s the consistent effort that counts. Each day is a chance to recommit to your goals and make progress towards becoming the best version of yourself. Embrace the journey with kindness and understanding, knowing that setbacks are part of the process.
Failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of success.
Small changes that make a big difference
1. Prioritize sleep
Make it a goal to get a solid 7+ hours of sleep every night. Quality rest rejuvenates your body, improves focus, and gives you the energy to tackle each day with enthusiasm. By consistently prioritizing sleep, you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the world!
If you’re a mother of little ones, you’re probably going to find this one hard to do. You’re in a season of your life where your babies are not going to allow you to take good care of yourself. Accept it, it will pass, and do the best you can by taking disco naps whenever you can.
2. Keep yourself hydrated
Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated throughout the day. Water is essential for maintaining healthy skin, aiding digestion, and promoting overall well-being.
By staying hydrated, your skin will become more radiant, and you’ll feel more alert and energized. Water helps flush out toxins, leading to a clearer complexion.
3. Embrace the sun
Put on your sunscreen, then spend time outdoors and soak up some natural sunlight. Sunlight provides you with Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and boosting your mood. Fresh air and nature can provide a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Plus, the warmth of the sun can give you a natural energy boost.
4. Cut out the sugar
If you’re addicted to sugar, (like most of us), this is a hard one! Challenge yourself to cut out the sugar. Replace sugary treats with healthier alternatives like fresh fruits or natural sweeteners. You’ll notice fewer energy crashes, clearer skin, and improved overall health.
Cutting out added sugars can lead to reduced cravings, improved dental health, and stable energy levels throughout the day. You may even notice weight loss and a healthier relationship with food.
5. Feed your mind
Make it a habit to read for at least 30 minutes every day. Choose books or articles that inspire and educate you. Reading stimulates your mind, expands your knowledge, sparks creativity, and broadens your perspective. You’ll gain insights and discover new ideas that can positively impact various aspects of your life.
6. Get moving
Aim to exercise at least three times a week. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s going for a jog, attending a dance class, or practicing yoga. Regular exercise boosts your mood, improves cardiovascular health, and helps you build strength and stamina. You’ll feel more confident and notice improvements in your body composition and stamina.
7. Fuel your body with goodness
Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals. These nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your immune system and enhance your overall health. You’ll likely experience increased energy levels and improved overall well-being.
8. Practice mindfulness
Take 10 minutes each day to meditate and practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment. This simple practice reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and enhances your overall well-being. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and let your thoughts settle as you connect with your inner self.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and be proud of the progress you’ve made. Focus on the positive changes you’ve incorporated into your life and the benefits you’ve experienced. Recognize that transformation takes time and effort, and you are on the right path.
If you fall off the wagon, be gentle with yourself, forgive your mistakes, and approach each day with renewed determination. Remember, tomorrow is another opportunity to continue your journey towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
One of my favorite books is The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson. It’s a book about how small changes can make a big difference in your life.
From one friend to another
While these tips are easy to do, they might be hard to implement, long term. The one I had the biggest challenge with was eliminating sugar, so I thought I’d add my 5 cents here.
I was addicted to sugar for yonks. I knew it was bad, but I just couldn’t kick the habit. What finally worked for me was when I needed to lose weight for a competition. I wasn’t overly strict though–I allowed myself treats on special occasions. For example, when it was the twins birthday, I ate lots of cake, but the next day I went back to cutting sugar.
I believe there were four reasons this plan worked for me.
- I was really motivated;
- I didn’t tell myself I could never have sweets. I think if I felt deprived, the plan would have been unsustainable.
- I started seeing results, and once that happened, I wasn’t going to waste my efforts on a piece of candy. For special occasions, we buy cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and for those cakes, I am happy to make an exception.
- I lost my sugar cravings after about two weeks.
If you’re having your own challenges with sugar addition, I hope this helps.
