Shifting the Grounds of Success: Unusual Habits for a Better Life

Diligence and tenacity may have been traditionally regarded as the bedrock of success, but the future is rapidly shifting these fundamentals. Make no mistake, perseverance and a strong work ethic will always be of great import, it’s just that the landscape we are navigating is becoming more demanding. This constant strain seeks balance in the form of efficiency, wringing out maximum benefits from lean resources. Let’s explore a succession of unusual yet effective habits that can incrementally enhance physical and mental well-being, productivity and innovation, while also welcoming a surprising amount of leisure time!

Embrace the morning sunlight as the first order of business after waking up. Undoubtedly, rushing onto your veranda immediately after departing the peaceful realm of sleep isn’t the norm, yet doing so can help reset the crucial circadian rhythm responsible for managing your biological clock. This cycle is primarily governed by two key hormones: cortisol and melatonin, which sunlight exposure can help regulate.

Consider delving into the study of Stoicism. As a writer, I found immense wisdom in its teachings, yet I’ve discovered that an in-depth understanding of Stoic philosophy eludes many. Despite its ancient origins, Stoicism still holds immense value in a contemporary world riddled with anxieties. The prerequisite for appreciating this philosophy, however, is finding a way to untangle the complex webs of its original texts.

Regularly affirm your life purpose. Noteworthy longevity expert, Ben Greenfield, identifies living with purpose as the ultimate recipe for a lengthy, satisfying existence. Jot it down and recite it daily. This reminder each morning sets your compass for the day, stimulating motivation towards achieving your aspirations and fostering a richer life experience.

Seek solace in self-assurance. Deep down, each of us simply yearns for the feeling that everything will work out fine. I begin every day by affirming to myself that no matter the challenges that arise, everything will be okay.

Start each day by reflecting on life’s fleeting nature. The struggle against indulging in delectable foods may be a common one, but taking a brief moment every morning to pause, become acutely aware of sensory distractions, and contemplate their transient nature, could help shifting your perspective on indulgences.

Switch up your morning routine by brushing your teeth with the hand less often used. It may seem trivial, but enhancing dexterity and fortifying neural connections are the hidden benefits behind this neuroscience-backed practice.

Adopt the time management strategy known as time-blocking. The brainchild of Cal Newport, the technique revolves around organizing your day into 30-minute increments, each harboring a specific task. Not only does time-blocking alleviate the need for spontaneous decision-making, it also offers a viable solution to combat procrastination.

Wash your produce with a vinegar infusion. The alarming reality is that nearly 5.6 billion pounds of pesticides earmark global agriculture annually, with the United States contributing one billion of this astronomical figure. There’s merit in amending your produce washing habits by mixing one part vinegar to four parts water.

Kick-start your meals with a brief burst of exercise. Regulating glycemic variability might just be the key to longevity. Try incorporating short bouts of exercises such as jumping jacks, squats, or burpees, just before eating, followed by a calming stroll post consuming your meal for optimum benefits.

Practice mindful eating by using smaller cutlery. Various studies indicate that using smaller spoons can lead to reduced calorie intake, largely by minimizing both the size of bites as well as the rate of consumption.

Incorporate the practice of Hara Hachi Bu into your meals. A tradition that originates from Okinawa, it embodies the concept of eating until you’re 80% full, promoting a healthier eating pattern.

Implement ‘start today, keep it small’ into your work ethic. We all have a lingering project we’ve been meaning to tackle. The philosophy here is simple: start small, but start today. Even if you just complete a single sentence of a long-awaited article, that’s your initial step forward.