Life-changing Habits to Start Implementing Now

The reason why I am choosing to focus more on habits instead of goals is because I see habit-building as more effective and rewarding. Here are some life-changing habits that I have implemented or am currently working on implementing and why you should consider developing these habits as well. 

Reading Quran regularly

If you haven’t been reading Quran, I know how tough it can be to get into a routine of reading it. This is something that I personally struggle with. It can be especially difficult for those who don’t speak Arabic. If you find yourself in this situation. My friend, who also happens to be my cousin-in-law, invited me and other family members to participate in a one page a week of Quran challenge. My first thought was one page a week, really? That’s easy. But after thinking about it more it’s actually genius especially for those of us who struggle with reading Quran. It’s a good way to get you started and if you end up reading more, great! It’s a simple habit and yet it’s so incredibly rewarding. 

I was actually listening to NPR’s Life Kit podcast and there was an episode with the author of the book Tiny Habits and he talks about how we should start really small with our habits. 

The harder the habit, the more motivation we need. And since we won’t always be motivated, he suggests making the habit super easy, just enough so we actually do it. The example he gave is if you want to read more, start with the tiny habit of reading a paragraph a day, you can read more if you want, but focus on just reading that one paragraph. And when you do more, it feels like extra credit, so it feels good and it makes you feel accomplished. 

Take this approach with all of your habits and see how it works for you. 

Daily movement

I know that so many people preach this and you’re probably so sick of hearing it, but I’m going to talk about it because it’s so important and has a significant impact both physically and mentally. Tom Corley, who wrote the book Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, surveyed 233 wealthy individuals, most of which were self-made millionaires, on their daily habits. He found that the wealthy people had a bunch of habits in common, and one of those habits is that they make exercise a priority. 

Move your body. It doesn’t matter for how long, remember we are starting off small..but get yourself to move. You know where you are at in terms of movement and exercise level so I am not going to suggest what you should do, that’s something that you and your doctor should determine, but choose something that you enjoy doing and exerts some physical energy. Personally my habit is to do a cardio or strength workout for 30 mins 5 times a week and just make sure I am moving my body in some way on the other two days. I have built up to this but when I first got into exercising and working out I started small. 

Stay hydrated

Our bodies are made of 60% water so it’s no surprise that we should be drinking water consistently. Nowadays we have so many other drinks that distract us from water, but let’s not lose sight of how important it is to get our daily recommended amount of water in. I know, you’re probably like, well I don’t want to pee all the freaking time! I get annoyed by it too, from time to time, but try to view it as a sign of you being healthy. Honestly it gives me so much joy to see my pee clear. Sorry, I know it’s gross, but seriously, once you start drinking your water amount, you’ll notice that other things in your life will start to improve as well -- your energy, mood, digestion, weight loss and so many other benefits. 

A lot of the times we think we are hungry, we are actually just thirsty. Get yourself a nice water bottle and get those sips in. 

Eat more fruits and veggies

For some people this may be a breeze, but for others, it could really be a challenge. At least it is for me. I love fruits and I really like some veggies but to incorporate them in my diet everyday is a real struggle sometimes. We have so many options available at our fingertips and oftentimes the things we crave aren’t actually good for us.  

I’ve found that when I eat foods that are nutritionally dense over processed foods, I am happier and feel healthier. The habit that I have built and continue to work on is to make sure I am eating a couple servings of fruits and veggies everyday. I am not forcing myself to eat foods that I don’t like, I am choosing the nutritious foods that I LOVE and eating those. I know that we have complex relationships with food and there’s so much that goes into it, but try to incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet and see how it affects you. 

Read books you enjoy

This was a habit I’ve always wanted to implement and then got sidetracked and just frankly, didn’t take action on. It was a wish, and that was all. And that’s what really differentiates people who actually achieve their goals and habits from those who don’t. The ones that do show up and take action consistently no matter how small the habit is, are the ones who follow through with their habits. 

In the past year or so, I’ve gotten back into reading for fun and it’s turned into a self care activity for me. It’s also time for me to increase my personal growth and knowledge. Doesn’t matter what you like to read if that’s novels or nonfiction, choose a reading habit that’s easy enough for you to follow through on and start there. Join a book club or choose a book to read with your friends to help you stay accountable. 

Tidy up a little everyday

This is a habit that I am still working up to. I naturally tidy up around my space everyday, but I am not as intentional about it. I just don’t like seeing clutter so I get rid of it, but I want to be more intentional about keeping my space clean. I tend to let things pile up until the weekend and then clean, but I would actually prefer to clean up a little each day so that it doesn’t pile up and I can spend more time doing that things that I love. Spending even 15 minutes listening to a podcast or music while tidying up has been so helpful and therapeutic. I’ve heard so many great things about Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.”  I’ve only watched a couple episodes of her Netflix show but the book is on my reading list.

Write down what you are grateful for everyday

Allah says in surat Ibrahim, ayah 7, 

لَيِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَازِيدَنَّكُمْ

“If you give thanks, I will give you more;”

When you appreciate what Allah has blessed you with, He will bless you with even more. 

In addition to the five daily prayers, duaa and dhikr, I like to write down at least 3 things I am grateful for everyday and thank Allah after each one. It’s easy to get caught up in what isn’t going “right” for us. This practice has helped me look at my day and name my blessings. Obviously we are blessed with so much that we don’t even realize but doing this helps you become more aware of things you can be grateful for, and overall a more positive person. 

Write down your dreams regularly

If you are clear about your vision and the dreams that will help you get there, this practice will help you manifest and visualize your dreams regularly. I started doing this when I bought the Start Today journal, which incorporates daily gratitude prompts and a place to write your 10 dreams you’re working to reach. It’s crazy how fast things will start happening for you when you start to focus on them and keep them top of mind. 

Meditate/incorporate a mindfulness practice

I started meditating in 2020, and I don’t know what took me so long. It truly has brought a calmness to my life that wasn’t quite there. Doing a 10-minute meditation in the morning even if it’s a couple times a week has helped me so much. It has helped me reach a place of calm that helps me conquer the rest of the day and what lies ahead. We lead such busy lives and when you take the time to breath and pause, you feel more connected to yourself, God and your overall purpose.