Many people fear change -- not because of the change itself but because they always assume it will take a lot of time, patience, and sacrifice to make a difference in their lives. However, this is not always the case – there are plenty of small activities you can implement into your daily routine and watch your life get better. What’s even better – none of these takes up more than 5 minutes of your day.
Begin your day with lemon water
If you want to improve your digestion and give a boost to your immune system, all you need is a cup of lukewarm water and a few drops of lemon in the morning. This magical beverage serves as a natural flush for your body while vitamin C from lemon boosts collagen production, thus making your skin look smooth and radiant. It can also help you maintain your weight, so start your day properly.
Don’t neglect flossing
Although flossing isn’t the most amusing activity, doing it daily is essential if you want your teeth to stay healthy and your breath fresh. Unlike a toothbrush, which cleans only the tops and the outer surface of your teeth and gums, floss is designed to be an interdental cleaner – it can get into the tightest gaps between teeth, so do it daily to save money on future dental bills.
Dry brush your skin
Besides regularly cleaning and moisturizing your skin, you should dry brush it daily to keep it as smooth and silky as possible. Dry brushing is an ancient technique that provides your body with lymphatic support and increases your energy and blood flow. That’s why doing it in the morning before showering is the best – brushing gently towards the chest area will get you energized for the day.
Get inspired
According to research, inspired people see themselves as more creative and that results in an actual increase in creativity over time. That’s why reading, watching or listening to something inspirational every day is so important – not only will it help you start your day on a positive note, but it will also facilitate your progress towards your goals and help you be more successful.
Get your focus on breathing
Meditating or simply taking a deep breath and relaxing for five minutes a day can boost your energy, enhance your mood, and reduce everyday stress. Whether you’re at work or at home, take a 5-minute break to relax your muscles and focus on breathing. It will encourage oxygen exchange in your body and help you clear your mind whenever you need it.
Exercise and be ready to exercise
With the trend of workleisure arising, the excuse of having no time to exercise is going to history. Workleisure is all about comfy, workout-inspired clothing you can actually wear to work. Also, it’s very important to have proper equipment to minimize the possibility of injuries. For example, if yoga is your thing – invest in a non-slipping mat.
Hug more
It’s a no-brainer that physical intimacy can make you feel better, but did you know that even a two-minute hug can reduce stress and help you unwind after a long day? Hugging releases endorphins and raises dopamine levels, so it’s good both for your physical and mental health. Besides, it encourages bonding and there’s nothing better than getting closer to a person you like.
Show your gratitude
Writing a thank you card, email or text won’t take more than 5 minutes of your day but it can inspire people around you to want more interactions with you. In other words, saying thank you is a way to show good manners and build stronger relationships with your friends, family, and colleagues. And studies show that acknowledging your gratitude also makes you a happier, more positive person – it’s a win-win.
Put some effort into kindness
Greeting your neighbors and colleagues or being kind to people that serve you in a supermarket or in a coffee shop costs nothing and it can actually make you feel happier. Besides, scientists claim that kindness is contagious, so if you want to see a kinder world, be that change you wish to see.
Set a low bar for happiness
Knowing how to enjoy little things is one of the most important skills you can learn. You can practice it day by day: get up in the morning and decide that’s the day when you’ll be enjoying that delicious breakfast, a good sip of coffee, or the fact that the weather is nice. That will fill you up with energy, change your perspective, and inspire you to work towards your goals.
As you can see, a change in life can be achieved through 5-minute rituals, so go ahead – tweak your daily routine a bit and make the most out of your life!
