5 Simple Steps to a Better You

With the start of a new season and all that it brings, it can seem like a great time to overhaul some of your habits, practice better self care or look at ways to make your day more productive. The best part? You can do all of this just by making a few simple changes.

Set your morning alarm for just fifteen minutes earlier. Giving yourself just a tiny jump on the day can make a big difference. Whether you use that time to sip your coffee before anyone else is up, do a short workout or start your workday commute before rush hour hits, it’s a small change that is totally manageable.

Make a five-minute declutter routine. Focusing on a major clean and tidy session, especially on a weekday, can seem like an overwhelming task. Instead, set aside five minutes per day to clear things from surfaces like kitchen counters, dressers or your coffee table. Doing this consistently will keep your space just a little bit more organized.

Make weekly to-do lists on Sunday. Get a head start on your weekday and break it down into bite-sized chunks by creating to-do lists for each day. Bonus: Crossing tasks off your list feels amazing and boosts productivity, as well as focus.

Focus on mindful eating. If you’re one of those people who eats breakfast behind the wheel or dinner on the couch while watching television, here’s a simple project for you. Allocate time to eat your meals without focusing on anything else. Not only does this increase fullness and promote better digestion, but it’s a way of working in just a tiny bit of “me time” as you savour your morning coffee or enjoy your workday lunch before heading back to your desk.

Cut out electronics before bed. Do you fall asleep while scrolling through Twitter or responding to emails on your tablet? Screen time can negatively affect your sleep cycles and is more likely to leave you feeling stressed out or preoccupied before bed. Instead, try reading a book or meditating before you drift off.