Tiny Daily Habits to Prioritize Yourself Every Day

The only moment that truly belongs to us is the present.

Recently, I've been reflecting on the meaninglessness that sometimes accompanies life. Despite our hard work, unforeseen events can render our efforts pointless. The unpredictability of life often makes striving for a better future feel futile.

What would it be like to sacrifice your present for a future that may never materialize? The reality is that we can only control the here and now. Our current experiences are the only certainties we possess; everything else is shrouded in uncertainty. Focusing on the future can lead us astray.

The Stoics encapsulate this concept with the phrase Memento Mori.

> “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

With this in mind, I’ve developed ten small habits that I practice daily to maintain my sanity and lay the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow, should it exist.

Here are these habits, complete with scientific insights into their benefits, so you can choose to prioritize yourself every day, regardless of circumstances.

1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

We dedicate a significant portion of our lives to sleep. Ensuring quality rest is essential. Research indicates that establishing a consistent bedtime can significantly enhance sleep quality.

To achieve this, create a nightly sleep routine and adhere to it, even on weekends. This practice can help you:

Align with your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Improve your nightly rest.
Boost your daytime energy levels.

Initially, this habit was challenging for me, as minor deviations disrupted my schedule. I set alarms for 11 PM and midnight to remind myself it's time to wind down.

Though a minor adjustment, it sends a strong message that no job is worth sacrificing sleep.

2. Stay Active

Having a pet has made walking 8–10k steps part of my daily routine. The mood boost I experience after walks around my neighborhood is remarkable.

If 10k steps seem daunting, remember that a healthy mind thrives in a healthy body. Avoid sitting in front of a computer all day; instead, spend time outdoors to clear your mind.

Walking in nature offers:

Enhanced mental clarity.
Fresh ideas drawn from your surroundings.
Physical benefits from stretching your muscles.

> “A large cohort study of runners and walkers found that after 6 years of follow-up, when expending an equal amount of energy, moderate-intensity offered similar benefits as higher-intensity running in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.” — The Nutrition Source, Harvard University School of Public Health.

3. Hydrate Before Caffeine

Until recently, I relied on morning coffee to feel awake. Aiming for self-improvement, I recognized my dependency on caffeine wasn't ideal.

In January 2023, I consciously decided to swap my morning coffee for a glass of water. Research shows that drinking water first thing in the morning can:

Enhance cognitive performance.
Kickstart metabolism.
Rehydrate your body after a night’s sleep.
Help manage calorie intake throughout the day.

4. Stimulate Your Mind Each Morning

You can do this by dedicating 30 minutes to reading as soon as you wake up.

You may argue that mornings are too busy for reading. But consider what you reach for first when you wake up. If it’s your phone, you likely spend the next half hour scrolling through social media or catching up on the news.

What if you replaced your phone with an alarm clock? This simple change can prevent information overload in the morning and allow time for reading.

Regular reading broadens your knowledge and perspective, making you more insightful.

> “The way you get good ideas is to do two things: 1) Read two hours a day. 2) Write ten ideas a day. By the end of a year, you will have read for almost one thousand hours and written down 3,600 ideas. One of these ideas will be a home run.” — James Altucher.

5. Be Mindful of Your Nutrition

I once disliked cooking, often opting for takeout or relying on others to prepare meals. However, the pandemic prompted me to learn how to cook, and I discovered it can be a deeply fulfilling experience.

Preparing your meals lets you take charge of what you consume. You become more appreciative of every bite and can enjoy the health benefits of home-cooked food.

How can you incorporate this into your daily life? Simply commit to cooking at least one meal for yourself each day as an act of self-love. This fosters mindfulness about:

Eating healthily.
Reducing reliance on processed foods.

6. Journal Before Jumping into Work

If you’re someone who dives straight into work upon arriving at your desk, consider setting aside a few minutes for reflection and planning.

When you sit down to work, instead of immediately starting tasks, take time to:

Open your journal.
Reflect on your long-term goals.
Outline the small steps you need to take today.
Plan your time effectively.

This approach helps ensure that you take meaningful steps toward your objectives each day.

> “It’s not always easy to keep track of everything you need to do, so start each morning by writing down your goals for the day.” — Matt D’Angelo, Business News Daily.

7. Floss After Brushing Your Teeth

A friend's dentist once remarked, "Not flossing after brushing is like wiping your butt cheeks and not your butt after pooping."

For those curious about the benefits of flossing, research from the University of Illinois, Chicago states:

Flossing helps eliminate food particles and plaque from areas toothbrushes can't reach.
It effectively removes bacteria that cause bad breath.
It aids in plaque removal from below the gumline, preventing enamel erosion and tartar buildup.

8. Embrace Boredom

Instead of reaching for your phone during dull moments, allow yourself to be bored. Research suggests that letting your mind wander can spark creativity.

Here’s a fascinating video from Veritasium discussing the science behind embracing boredom:

9. Incorporate Micro-Workouts

Initially, I viewed exercise as a chore that required time and motivation. Recently, I’ve started integrating micro-workouts into my day, which invigorate me during breaks and enhance my overall well-being.

Studies suggest that micro-workouts improve circulation and keep you active.

> “Micro workouts done the right way can produce the results you want while building your endurance in the process.” — Dr. Robin B, Pharm D., NASM-CPT.

Some micro-workout ideas include:

Doing 20 push-ups every two hours.
Performing 10 squats before sitting down.
Opting for stairs instead of elevators.
Parking farther away from your destination.

10. Wash Your Face Upon Waking

This simple act can:

Remove excess oil accumulated overnight.
Refresh you and prepare you for the day ahead.

Bonus: Follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen for a straightforward skincare routine. Incorporating this into your morning routine, alongside reading for 30 minutes, can significantly enhance your productivity and mental health.

Final Thoughts: Ten Tiny Habits to Prioritize Yourself

Transforming your life doesn’t always necessitate monumental changes. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant results over time.

In summary, here are ten mini-habits to practice daily to prioritize yourself:

Maintain a consistent bedtime.
Walk 8–10k steps each day.
Drink water before your morning coffee.
Read for 30 minutes daily.
Cook at least one meal for yourself.
Journal before starting work.
Floss after brushing your teeth.
Allow yourself to be bored.
Include micro-workouts in your day.
Wash your face after waking up.

Which of these habits do you already practice? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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