✨ Habits for 2023

006 - Habits for the new year to improve my overall well-being

Hey friends! 👋🏻 

As we welcome the new year, it's an opportunity to reflect on the past and set new intentions for the future. To kick off 2023 on the right foot, I've compiled 8 habits that have the power to enhance my overall well-being. While these habits aren't ranked in any particular order, they are all habits that I am incorporating into my life this year. I hope these habits will be a source of inspiration for you too. Let's make this year our best one yet!

Getting enough sleep each night
I noticed last year that I don't always keep a great sleep schedule. This year, I want to make sure I am getting enough sleep each night to ensure I am well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead. I'm aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep and to keep a consistent sleeping/waking time. I've also thrown away my bottle of melatonin and instead opted to start taking magnesium glycinate about an hour before sleeping.

Staying hydrated throughout the day
I've never really been the type of person that drinks a lot of water. I've always preferred beverages like coffee or juice. This year, I am looking to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Not only will it keep me feeling refreshed and energized, but it is also essential for my overall health and wellness. I've actually been drinking a lot more water lately because of my Invisalign treatment. While I'm wearing my aligners, I only drink water as anything else would likely stain my trays. 

Creating daily to-do lists
When I was a student, I used to create daily to-do lists somewhat religiously. I haven't been doing it as often lately and it's something I want to pick back up. Having a daily to-do list will allow me to better visualize all of the tasks that need to be done and prioritize them based on their level of importance. I've also decided to purchase the Analog Starter Kit by Ugmonk. I'm looking forward to writing down daily tasks on these tangible cards and placing them into a beautiful wooden holder that sits on my desk.

Cooking more often
I really do enjoy cooking whenever I get the chance. I find that it relieves stress and it's rewarding when I get to eat a meal that I've prepared. But at the same time, it's so easy to skip a meal or to order in whenever I'm feeling tired or lazy. I definitely want to cook more often this year and continue building my culinary repertoire. 

Keeping my living and working spaces clean
In general, I think that I keep my home relatively tidy and clutter-free but I really want to be more intentional about keeping things organized. In many ways, my workspace is like an extension of myself. If my workspace gets cluttered, I can start to feel stressed. The opposite is true as well. Keeping my workspace clean and organized gives me a sense of control over my surroundings which makes me feel more in control of my life. 

Spending more time outdoors
It's so important to spend time outdoors to get natural sunlight and fresh air. It's something I don't do enough of. Natural sunlight is a rich source of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system. Spending time outdoors also helps to improve sleep. The natural light and fresh air will help regulate my body's circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning. 

Reading everyday
I want to make reading a daily habit. Reading helps improve cognitive function and brain health by improving memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills. Reading can also improve vocabulary and language skills. The more you read, the more words you are exposed to. Currently, I'm re-reading Atomic Habits by James Clear on my Kindle and making highlights that get synced to my Readwise account. Lots of great insights in that book and it's the inspiration behind this newsletter issue!

Appreciate the good things in life
Focusing on the good things in life, rather than dwelling on the negative, can help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. Whether it's a beautiful sunset, a kind word from a friend, or a delicious meal, I will make sure to take a moment to appreciate the small things that bring me joy.

By making these habits a regular part of my daily routine, I will be well on my way to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling year. Not only will these habits improve my well-being, but they will also help me to be more productive and efficient in my personal and professional life.

As always, thanks for reading!

Austin