7 Daily Habits for a Fulfilling Life

Socrates once said, “The soul, like the body, accepts by practice whatever habit one wishes it to contact.”

Previously published on HuffPost.

You are what you put energy into. If you focus on developing good daily habits, it can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life. But when you’re lost in the hustle and bustle of the world, it’s not always as easy as it sounds.

To help find the pathway to a happier existence, here are seven habits to incorporate into your daily life.

Drink Plenty of Water

According to health experts, waking up and drinking a warm glass of water with lemon can jump start your metabolism. Keep it up and carry a bottle of water with you at all times because H20 will not only keep you hydrated but also fresh and energized.

Meditate

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says meditation can ease your nerves, increase blood flow and stimulates the brain. If you are having a stressful time at work or have a busy week ahead, take at least 10 minutes to slow your mind down.

Try to start your morning with meditation to set the tone for the rest of the day or take a quiet break in the early afternoon. Time off from the noises of life can be refreshing and one of the best tools to battle mental hurdles.

Use a Daily Planner

Staying organized can alleviate a certain amount of stress in your daily routines. It is a great tool to stay on schedule, remind you of future tasks and help you reflect on the last time you did something or went somewhere important.

You will also have a likable personality in the office because you will be among the first to say “Happy Birthday” to your co-workers. To track your appointments, events or to-do lists, purchase an uplifting pocket size calendar you can fit in your suitcase or purse. With so many to choose from, you can certainly find one that will be useful and inspirational.

Exercise

Working out not only burns calories but also enhances your mood and energy. You are strengthening your lungs, heart and joints no matter how vigorous the activity. Just taking a walk around your office or home is a step in the right direction.

Keep a Journal

Writing down your thoughts is another way to ease anxiety and stimulate the mind. Taking the time to express how you feel through written words can be therapeutic. There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you put down in a journal. Topics can range from emotions to future plans to dreams you’ve recently had. When you look back at past entries, you will find that many of your anxieties have come to pass.

Smile

Maybe you didn’t wake up on the right side of the bed. Don’t let the morning blues keep you from having a great day. Wash your face, take a second to look in the mirror and tell yourself something that makes you smile. The mere act of showing your pearly whites can change your outlook and start you off on the right foot. And you know what they say, smiling is contagious!

Power it Down

A great way to end your night is to turn off your electronics before bed. Staring at the screen of a cell phone, laptop or television strains the eyes and prevents the mind from relaxing the way it should before bed. Reading a good book, writing in your journal or meditating are great alternatives to the noise that technology can bring. Unplugging can help fight restlessness and promote a good night’s sleep.

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy 5 Types of Joy Stealers and How to Overcome Them. Read her posts on Inc., and HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Diane’s latest book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is available on Amazon.