25 Small Habits by Manoj Chenthamarakshan

 

The key takeaways are:

1. Smile as soon as you wake up and smile often: It has health benefits as it stimulates the brain to release neuropeptides and serotonin for relieving stress and improve mental health. Be thankful for the small things and smile. 

2. Be grateful as it will improve your life by helping you focus on important things. It will also positively boost the person who helped you. 

3. Meditate as it helps to calm the mind. It decreases beta waves that direct attention towards cognitive tasks. It improved present moment awareness. Focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale. 

4. Nature gazing nature improves health. 

5. Exercise makes us happy, improves mental clarity and makes you healthy. Workout the whole body.

6. Eat healthy and include fresh fruits, whole grains, nuts-seeds, fresh vegetables, legumes and lean protein.

7. Emulate a role model who has a strong character, someone who loves what they do and have qualities that inspire you. A role model helps you from being distracted.

8. Get into a habit of reading as it exposes you to fresh things, provides new ways of achieving goals, and is the key to self development.

9. Write down your ideas as it becomes cemented in your brain.

10. Write down your goals. It helps you achieve more as it motivates you. 

11. Have a visualisation board: When you are visualising, you are emitting powerful frequency to the universe. It helps to increase focus.

12. Write To-Do Lists: It's a reminder and helps you prioritise

13. Journaling: It helps you know yourself better

14.  Practice positive affirmations: It is the key spark self-change. I am strong, I am healthy, I am enough, I get better everyday, I am proud of myself, and I am in charge of my life are positive affirmations. 

15. Take short naps it improves memory, increases creativity and health. The author suggests a 90 minutes nap between 1-3 pm. In our busy lives, this is difficult. 

16. Carry a water Bottle: Increases chances of losing weight, reduces chances of stroke and heart attack, improves skin health, joint health and prevents headaches. With so many benefits, it's important to have at least 1.5-2 litres water everyday!

17. Walk more for better health and immunity

18. Have a daily questionnaire: How am I going to make the most of my day? (Morning questions) What did I learn today? (Night question)

19. Saying thank you matters

20. Stand and work for better health and less fatigue

21. Be mindful of your self talk. It's a conversation with the universe

22. Have anchor words that inspire you to get moving

23. Appreciate others: It motivates them and boosts your self esteem

24. Learn to contribute: It helps alleviate poverty and you get personal satisfaction

25. Take mini-breaks during the day: It helps you take a step back and ensure you are accomplishing the right things.