Change is hard. Getting into a new groove takes massive effort, and it’s tough to start when the payoff is uncertain.
That’s why you need to focus on high-impact habits – the new routines that will grant the most bang for your buck.
Top High Impact Habits
Are you ready to improve your life?
Incorporate these top 12 high-impact habits into your routine to boost productivity and improve overall wellness.
Journaling
Journaling is one of the best things you can do for your life. It can improve mental health, boost productivity, and help you remember crucial tasks. The benefits of journaling are nearly endless!
If you’re looking for a high-impact habit to improve productivity, consider using a bullet journal to plan your day, organize your tasks, and track your goals. Those who need to get their thoughts on paper and work through complex emotions should stick to a typical line journal, while people who want a creative outlet can try an art journal.
Consistent Routines
Consistency is the key to anything. If you want to slay your day, try settling into a consistent routine that works for you.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – even on the weekend. Eat lunch and dinner at specific times. Have a “walk time,” “shower time,” and “self-care time.”
Develop a morning routine that you can stick with to keep yourself on track for the day.
Walking
Nothing beats heading outside for some fresh air. The key to getting the most out of a walk is not worrying about where you’re going. Let your mind wander and enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes.
You’ll feel refreshed and ready to continue your work when you return.
I take a 15-minute walk every day to clear my head. It keeps me fit, keeps me motivated, and helps me focus when I get back.
Limiting Time-Sucking Habits
Sometimes, the most impactful thing we can do to improve our lives is to stop a bad habit rather than start a good habit.
You don’t have to cut out your doom scrolling completely. Give yourself a time limit. Allow yourself 20 minutes to enjoy reels before diving back into work. But stick with it!
Quit Drinking
Giving up alcohol will change your life. It will improve your productivity, help you sleep, and increase your overall health and wellness.
If you want to develop just one habit that will significantly enhance all aspects of your life, putting down the drink is it.
Drink Water Instead
Most Americans are dehydrated. We suck down sugary soda instead of water and wonder why we feel so tired and bloated.
Replace the pop with water. Order water at restaurants. Take a bottle with you on the go. Turn drinking water into a habit and marvel at how much better you feel.
Reading
It’s too easy to pick up our phones and start doom-scrolling first thing in the morning. Instead, one user recommended you pick up a book and read.
You could also develop a nightly reading habit, which would help you fall asleep faster.
Daily Planner
Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.
It’s as true in war as it is in daily life. Use a productivity technique like time blocking to plan every minute of your day, or use a to-do list to decide what you will accomplish.
List the hours available and decide how you will spend them, rather than chasing every little thing that pops up.
Get Small Tasks Done
Sometimes we get overwhelmed because we procrastinate on all the small tasks. These little things add up, and if we don’t deal with them, they can balloon into massive problems.
Force yourself to do the small things. Give yourself a block of time to answer emails or return phone calls. Allow yourself to handle short, 1-2 minute tasks as they pop up so they don’t pile up.
To-Do Lists
New Africa via Shutterstock.com.
Writing to-do lists is game-changing. Take five minutes in the beginning of your day to write out everything you want to accomplish.
Some find improved productivity when they create their task lists the night before. It frees up precious time in the morning when you’re most productive.
However it works for you, writing out a to-do list can ensure you get stuff done.
Eat Well
You can’t outrun a bad diet. If you’re trying to lose weight or get fit, you must eat healthy meals.
Unfortunately, eating well tends to be more expensive and difficult than snacking or ordering takeout, but you can eat well on a budget without wasting your time.
Meal prepping on the weekend can take the guesswork out of lunch. Healthy dinners, like stir fry, salads, or grilled chicken, don’t have to be five-course meals.
Stretch
I get that you don’t have an hour for a workout, but you likely have two minutes to stretch. Stand up and reach for the stars. Bend at the waist and touch your toes. Rotate your neck, arms, and shoulders.
You’ll be shocked at how much better you’ll feel after simply stretching for a few minutes.
Practice Gratitude
Your life gets better when you stop thinking about all the things you want and start appreciating everything you have.
A daily gratitude practice is a high-impact, low-effort habit that boosts productivity, increases happiness, and improves overall well-being.
When you take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful things in your life, you start to realize there’s no reason to be stressed or unhappy, and you can find more joy in everyday life.
Forming Habits Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Most of the high-impact habits we discussed here aren’t actually that difficult. We’re not asking you to wake up with the sunrise, work out for 3 hours per day, or stick to a specific (expensive and labor-intensive) diet.
Instead, you can form these high-impact habits with only minor changes to your daily routine. Pick a few and try them out.
You’ll be shocked at how much better you feel!