Much ink has been spilled about the power of habit. Good, bad, or indifferent, habits shape our daily routines and can even influence decisions.
Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”
―
In the topsy-turvy world of surviving military life, here’s some smart advice on creating positive habits that can help calm the chaos.
Comparison is the Thief of Joy
OK, so this isn’t advice, exactly, but it can become a bad habit to compare your situation with someone else’s. Instead, focus on your own journey. Along these lines, make sure to take a social media break regularly and get outside for fresh air, sun, rain — whatever the weather — just go for a walk or bike ride daily. You’ll feel so much better afterward.
Drink Plenty of Water
In the words of the American military, hydrate! We all know we should drink more water, but it really does help you feel better. Get a fabulous water bottle and refill it all day long. Your skin will thank you! In a few days, this habit will be one you’ll never want to give up.
Wear Sunscreen
Enough said, right? Your skin will thank you (doubly so if you’re hydrating!). Make it a habit to add this to your daily routine.
Love What You Do
When you love what you do, the other aspects of your situation become less important, more like background noise that does not affect your happiness with your work. You can do your job anywhere and get along with pretty much anyone because what you do matters more and you truly love it. Positive thinking is a habit — cultivate it!
Have a Hobby
We all need something that puts the fire back into our soul. Pursue your passion, you’ll only regret not doing so. Even if you already love what you do, you still need something to do simply for the joy it brings you. The habit of healthy self-care is a good one to keep you motivated even on bad days.
Give Grace and Kindness in Abundance
No matter how rude the person, kindness always wins. Habits of kindness speak volumes about a person’s character — give them something good to talk about!
No matter what changes you wish to make, remember the words of Jim Ryun: “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
Want to make less screen time one of your positive habits? See the very real ways you can Call it Quits with Your Phone.
Photo Credits: Pixabay | Unsplash
