We’re almost a month into the new year, and over the past few weeks, I have shared several resources for you to ace your 2025; however, all of this falls flat if your habits are not in place.
That’s right—your habits.
All those big or small actions you do every day to live your life. Because it is these actions that ultimately pave the way for your goal and success.
That’s why, today is the best time to rethink how you live your days.
So, without any more buildup, let me get straight to the point and dive into the 10 habits that aren’t just healthy for you. They’re life-changing.
➡️ Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier Than Usual
You’d be surprised how much difference 15 extra minutes in the morning can make. Use this time to stretch your body, breathe deeply, or write down what you’re excited about for the day.
Starting your morning calmly helps reduce stress and makes you feel in control. For example, spend those minutes sipping tea or sitting by the window instead of rushing out of bed and feeling panicked.
➡️ Give Your Phone a Bedtime
If you’re glued to your phone before bed, you’re not alone. But did you know the blue light from screens messes with your sleep, your eyes, and ultimately your mind in the long run?
Now, I know how essential is a phone for all of us (me included), so in no way, will I ask you to go for digital detox.
Instead, what you can do is set a “phone bedtime,” like 9:30 PM every night, and stick to it. Turn your phone off or put it in another room. Fill that time with calming activities, like reading or listening to soft music. Treat this period like you are tucking your brain in for the night.
➡️ Plan a "Joyful Thing" Every Week
I don’t know who else has felt it, but the last time life was relaxing for me was probably around my school days. Because post that life got so busy that I forgot to enjoy it.
And if you too are going through that phase of a “busy life” you need to bring joy into your life. And the best way to do this is by scheduling one thing that makes you happy every week.
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It doesn’t have to be big. It can also be a super simple task that puts a smile on your face such as painting something, watching your favorite show, or going for a long walk in nature.
For me, I decided that for the entire 2025, I am going to grab a cup of coffee and sit at any place outside once a week.
Because, ultimately these moments of joy will recharge me and remind me why life is worth living.
➡️ Eat One Meal Without Any Screens
Be honest with yourself and answer this. When was the last time you truly tasted your food?
Can’t remember. Right?
Well, this is happening mostly because we generally have built a habit of consuming our food by either watching TV or scrolling our phones. This doesn’t let our brain activate the sensory nerves that ultimately help us process the food we are eating because it is busy processing the content we watch at that time.
And no matter, how much of a multitasker you might feel. Your brain doesn’t feel the same.
That’s why make a habit of eating at least one meal a day without distractions—no phones, no TV, no laptops. Focus on the flavors, textures, and smells instead.
For example, notice how crunchy your salad is or how creamy your soup feels. It might sound simple, but this mindfulness makes meals more enjoyable and also helps you avoid overeating.
➡️ Say "No" More Often
Do you know what's the easiest thing to do on this earth?
It's saying YES.
It’s super easy to say yes to every invite or request, but what if you fail to notice the aftermath of that one yes?
Now, I don't mean that you don't say yes to anything, instead choose where you say yes.
Excessive yes can leave you drained and burned out in the long run.
Be selective about your choices and practice saying no to things that don’t align with your goals or priorities.
So, the next time someone asks you to help with something but you’re already swamped, politely decline.
Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s self-care.
➡️ Turn Your Worries into "Action Steps"
This is something I recently implemented in my routine and believe me the results were terrific.
So, for all the overthinkers this habit is especially for you.
Whenever you’re overwhelmed by worries, don’t let them float around in your head. Instead, write them down, and for each worry, think of one small step you can take to solve it.
For example, if you’re stressed about an upcoming exam, create a study schedule.
This habit reduces anxiety because by writing it down and taking action on it you feel like you’re taking control of the situation instead of just thinking about the problem.
➡️ Practice the 20-Second Hug
Did you know that hugging someone for 20 seconds releases oxytocin, also called the “love hormone”?
As per psychology, hugging also helps in the reduction of stress and strengthens emotional bonds.
So, try it with a family member or close friend. You might feel a little awkward at first, especially if you are not a big fan of hugging, but this simple yet powerful habit is a game changer.
➡️ Keep a "Done List"
If you look at people around you, most of them are focused on building a to-do list, but what about celebrating what you’ve already accomplished?
Isn’t that important as well?
Well science believes it is equally important if not more to celebrate your accomplishments.
You must have noticed, that the day you make your bed the moment you wake up, your productivity stays a little higher than those days when you don't fix it right away.
This is because, when you complete a task, your brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward creating a loop so that subconsciously you finish your other tasks too with maximum productivity and efficiency.
So start a “done list” where you jot down everything you’ve completed, no matter how small.
For example, “sent that email,” “folded laundry,” or “drank enough water.”
When you see what you’ve done at the end of the day no matter how much is left in your to-do, it will boost your confidence and remind you that you’re making progress.
➡️ Try a "Reverse Gratitude" Exercise
Gratitude isn’t just about listing what you’re thankful for—it’s also about noticing what didn’t go wrong.
Counting gratitude on days when something exciting is happening can be super easy. But what about those days when life was tough? When did you feel your day falling apart? Did nothing good happen that day?
So, for those of you who like to count your gratitude every day, try this reverse gratitude exercise weekly if not daily.
The process is very simple. Think of anything that happened in your day or week that you should be grateful for.
Pick those minute details here. Things like “I didn’t get stuck in traffic today,” or “My Wi-Fi worked all day.”
This twist on gratitude helps you see the little blessings that are easy to overlook. It also trains your brain to focus on what’s going well, even on tough days.
➡️ Celebrate Your Life
You don’t need to wait for a big accomplishment to celebrate.
Start celebrating your life first.
Celebrate all the small things happening in your life. Celebrate living your life to the fullest.
Did you drink an extra glass of water?
Walk for 10 minutes?
Reply to a difficult email?
Clap for yourself.
Because ultimately these tiny celebrations will keep you motivated and remind you that every little step matters.
These habits might seem simple, and some of you might already know a couple of these but the amount of impact these 10 can bring you is massive when practiced over time.
But, here is a pro tip. Do not start all at once. Club 2-3 relatable ones from this list, then stack them one after the other and watch how they transform your days—ultimately your life.
Which set are you picking? Comment below and let me know.
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