What are the best habits to adopt for health, wealth and\/or happiness? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re seeking change but are unsure where to start, this article will probably seem like a rant, because deep down, you already know what to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet we engage in overcomplication because we’re too lazy to put in the hard work of disrupting our comfortable lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you’re tired of self-delusion and want some high leverage activities that offer an outsized impact, let’s take a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growing up, I never followed strict habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time, this was fine, as the schedules were largely externally imposed and easily followed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, entering adulthood, the training wheels are suddenly removed and we become our own boss, having to take responsibility for getting things done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is where good habits<\/a> start to slip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Work takes over and instead of exercising after a long day in the office, we hit the bar for drinks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than honest self-assessment, we placate ourselves by judging indulgences as well-deserved rewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, over time, these treats easily become an ingrained part of the routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Humans are often subconsciously motivated by consistency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perform an action enough times, even an unhelpful one, and we’re inclined to maintain the pattern, mirroring earlier behaviours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem? These actions and their effects begin to compound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whereas we might escape the weight gain of a poor diet during adolescence, the effects are obvious as we age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Arguably, as our minds and bodies become more fragile, we might paradoxically invest less in our ongoing health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, it’s vital to reverse this process and re-integrate high-leverage habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is so extremely obvious, it’s almost annoying to write. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet so many people are confused when they contract health conditions after stuffing their faces with doughnuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You wouldn’t feed a racehorse McDonald’s, so if you desire improved performance, why do you continue to gorge on highly processed foods? Mental. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it really surprising that industrialised food companies and big pharma don’t prioritise our health? <\/p>\n\n\n\n You have to step up and get more intentional with what you consume. Unsurprisingly, this involves eating more fruit and vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a boozehound? Cut back on the sauce and drink more water instead. It’s not rocket science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I overhauled my diet after being diagnosed with a health issue, I experienced a large (unintentional) shift, not only in weight but also energy levels and mental clarity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One piece of advice that I’ll throw into the mix is about intermittent fasting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve written previously about my failed experiment with eating one meal a day<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now I practice finishing dinner by 8pm, skipping the normal early-morning breakfast and eating again at 12pm the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a 16-8 eating schedule, with emerging research<\/a> suggesting it can help with a range of health metrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is another habit that is patently obvious to all but the most delusional and is clearly linked to improved health outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of getting a sweat on, however you want to do it, are undeniable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And before you enter a mire of searching for the best Lulu Lemon workout gear or researching the best trainers to correct your dodgy biomechanics, just stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n None of that crap matters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you haven’t got a solid exercise routine in place, stop procrastinating and start with the basics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use what you already own and get moving every day. Take action<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n That could be a simple daily walk or taking your old, tatty trainers for a run. If you prefer cycling, get on your bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But cardiovascular exercise is key – when I started every-ish day running, I enjoyed such a mental health boost, that I couldn’t believe I’d let the habit lapse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every morning after getting home, I feel amazing. The runner’s high is real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On missed days, I really notice the difference, consumed by an antsy sense of irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Only after you’ve got some cardio nailed should you add extras like strengthening and stretching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although a few years ago, meditation might have been considered slightly strange and esoteric, I think enough celebrities bang on about it that by now, it’s pretty mainstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe 3 best habits to adopt for success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meditation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n