20 Habits That Improved My Life

Ate Jo's Podcast

In this episode, I’m sharing 20 habits that have significantly improved my life. These habits have helped me become more focused, healthier, and at peace with myself. Whether you're looking to establish a better morning routine, reduce stress, or simply find ways to live a more intentional life, these habits might inspire you to make small but meaningful changes.

1. Wake Up Early: I’ve always been a morning person, waking up before 6 AM 90% of the time. Since most people are still asleep, there are fewer distractions, allowing me to focus on the things I need to accomplish.

2. Prioritize Sleep: I make sure to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily, which has greatly improved my physical health and energy levels.

3. Journaling: I journal at least once a week (though I'm aiming for more consistency). It helps me process emotions and reflect on my experiences, especially when I need a private outlet for venting.

4. Thinking Time: Once a month, I set aside dedicated time to review my finances, assess my goals, and evaluate what’s working and what isn’t.

5. Decluttering: I regularly declutter by giving away things that no longer serve purpose in my life. For every new item I buy, I make sure to remove something else.

6. Turn Off Notifications: To avoid distractions, I’ve turned off notifications on my phone. My family and colleagues know to call me if something is truly urgent.

7. Evening Quiet Time: I have at least 30 minutes of quiet time each night for meditation, listening to jazz music, or reading. This routine helps me wind down and relax before bed.

8. Regular Exercise: I exercise 5-6 times a week, either through yoga or walking. This routine has greatly improved my overall health.

9. Avoid Stressful News: I stopped watching news that causes stress and anxiety. This change has greatly contributed to my peace of mind.

10. Mindful Eating: I practice mindful eating, which has helped address issues like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, leading to improved overall health.

11. Watch Positive Content: I choose movies or series that make me laugh and avoiding stressful content. However, I still enjoy watching documentaries!

12. Limit Social Media: I limit my social media usage to 30 minutes to an hour daily, which helps me stay focused on more important tasks.

13. Manage Expectations: I’ve learned to lessen my expectations of situations and people, which has greatly benefited my mental and emotional well-being.

14. Read Self-Help Books: I read self-help books on various topics. My father always encouraged me with the words, “Read, read, read because you will learn a lot from reading.”

15. Remove Toxic People: I’ve removed toxic people from my life, whether friends or relatives, to protect my mental health.

16. Learn to Say No: I’ve embraced the power of saying no, allowing me to prioritize my needs and set clear boundaries.

17. Quality Over Quantity: I prioritize quality over quantity in all areas of life, including relationships and commitments, to ensure everything aligns with my values.

18. Stop Rushing: I stopped rushing through life and embraced the mantra “Great things take time,” a lesson inspired by my partner’s long-held phone wallpaper.

19. Intentional Decisions: Before making decisions, I always ask myself, “What is my intention?” This practice helps me stay aligned with my values and avoid impulsive choices.

20. Focus on What You Can Control: I’ve learned to concentrate only on the things I can control, which has helped me reduce stress and manage my emotions more effectively.

These habits have profoundly impacted my life, but remember, not every habit will work for everyone. The key is to find what resonates with you and take small steps to incorporate them into your routine. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope these tips inspire you to make positive changes in your life!

Thank you for listening!