5 Daily Habits that will Make You Richer (Mentally and Physically)

1) Exercise

With a new year in sight, what better time to get on the band-wagon than now? We’ve all heard about the wonderful things that fitness does for your body, the obvious being staying healthy, but what about the other benefits? For starters, exercising releases endorphins in your brain, which improves your overall mood. Remember when Elle Woods coined the quote, “Exercising gives you endorphins, endorphins make people happy and happy people just don’t kill their husbands?” Well, the dynamite blonde was onto something. Exercising gives you the personal time you need to de-stress and push all other thoughts away. With a heavy workload and your daily social responsibilities, working out could be the time for you to release all of your worries—and not worry about swimsuit season!

2) Dedicate to a Small Hobby

I know what you’re thinking, how is finding a hobby going to help me when my schedule is packed enough? Well, the key is to not picture your hobby as a scheduled appointment, but rather, a new icebreaker, skill on a resume or a personal growth commitment. How many times have you find yourself admiring all of the accomplishments of others, such as how one individual can play several instruments or another is a ski instructor on the side? Ever wish you could have an interesting skill? Well, this is your chance! Devoting small amounts of time to a new craft, or fun activity, could help release a lot of stress and give your mind the mental break it needs. Also, the next time you’re applying for a job, or connecting with others, you’ll be able to bring the wow-factor.

3) Go to Sleep

This habit is easy—get some well-deserved rest. Running yourself ragged while subsisting off of caffeine only worked in college. As a working adult, your brain needs the time asleep to process information and heal your body. Just like your phone can function without a charged battery, neither can you. Let your brain refresh.

4) Count Your Blessings

Many things can cause stress: work, financial difficulties, complicated family schedules, etc. However, when all you’re focusing on are the negative aspects of your life, you forget all you have to be thankful for. Taking the time to reflect on your blessings, or positive factors, in your daily life is essential to living well. By focusing on the good, you eliminate the bad. It sounds cliché, but how many times have you felt better after thinking positively? Take the time each day (even if it’s only five minutes) and reflect on what’s going right—even if it seems like nothing is. Your mood will improve and you’ll be better equipped to connect with others.

5) Push Yourself

Trying something that scares you can be extremely frightening. But, no one is asking you to conquer your fear of snakes or heights today. Rather, try incorporating something into daily routine that pushes you farther than you were the day before. Maybe you’re trying to eat healthier? Or speak more confidently? Perhaps, you’re just trying to be more efficient in the workplace? Whatever makes you a bit uncomfortable, encourage yourself to conquer it each day. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and breathe. Rome wasn’t built in a day! However, your ultimate goal should be to make small improvements each day, so that you end up tackling your fear. Remember, growth happens in being uncomfortable.