We all strive for a better life. I can say that over the last 3-4 months, I have dramatically changed my life around for the better. Going from just an average guy who was just coasting through life meaninglessly to running DapperHabitz, working with great sites like MotivationGrid and Gent’s Lounge, and reviewing great style companies for my site.
I’ll be honest and say it wasn’t due to some enlightening moment or an epiphany, but due to small changes in my daily habits and routines. In fact, if anyone wants to reach their next level in life, all you need to do is to take baby steps on a daily basis. So below I have listed 4 things I do that make each day better than the last.
4 Things I Do Daily For A Better Life
Listen To A Podcast
I tried to get involved in listening to podcasts over a year ago, but I didn’t see a point in listening to people talk about things I can find on YouTube. So about 3 months ago I was walking around the neighborhood and my music app wouldn’t work right. I then decided to get on Soundcloud and go and listen to the School of Greatness Podcast. 3 months later, I am still listening to that podcast and about 5 more.
Podcasts are more convenient because you can always be listening to one. Whether you’re in line at the store, driving to and from work, working out or just chilling, you can always find the time to listen to one. The amount of knowledge you’ll receive is extremely valuable. I also listen to the Model Health Show on Stitcher and have learned so much about health.
Strive to just listen to one podcast a day. I can easily get in about 6 now, but I always strive for just one. A few good podcasts to listen to are:
• School of Greatness
• Menprovement
• The Model Health Show
• How To Be A Grownup
Take A Cold Shower
I can see the rejection of this tip on your face, but just hear me out. This is by far the best moment of my day. Whether it is in the morning, after a workout, or before retiring for bed, I have to get my cold shower. I started this habit after listening to a podcast about the benefits of a cold shower.
Not only does it strengthen you mentally, but it also has great health benefits.
1. It burns fat- There is the good brown fat and the bad white fat. White fat is the fat we all know and hate. When your body consumes more than it needs, then the excess is stored as white fat. However, brown fat is the fat that keeps you warm, and when you take a cold shower, it burns calories to keep you warm.
2. Speeds up recovery after exercise – After a good long workout most athletes take ice baths. I don’t go to that extreme, but I do take a quick cold shower. This will stop the buildup of lactic acid. Eat a bit of protein and you’ll be good.
3. Strengthens immunity and circulation- By having to speed up your metabolic rate to activate the brown fat, your body also activates your immune system. This will release virus-fighting white blood cells. This will help you strengthen your immune system.
The benefits are a mile long, but I would say the best benefit of them all is that fact it strengthens my willpower. Being uncomfortable for at 3-5 minutes in cold water takes determination, discipline, and willpower. Now when I approach any uncomfortable situation, I know I can handle it.
Go For A 20+ Minute Walk
No matter if it is my rest day, I still take my daily walk. While I am not big on meditation yet, I seem to be able to clear my mind during a nice long walk. I also pop on a podcast as well.
Not only does this allow me to get my recommended 30 minutes of fitness, but it also allows me to think and be one with nature. I also stand behind the fact that I am in the best shape of my life due to walking daily. Even on leg day I still walk at least a mile or two.
Don’t be afraid to get out there and just walk. It is more about the time than the distance. If you’re trying to kick start your healthy habits, then this is perfect. If you want to be like me and not think of it as exercise, but more like my meditation, then do that. Just try adding this to your daily routine because you won’t regret it.
Journaling
Without my daily journaling, I’d be nowhere near the man I am today. It allows me to de-clog my mind when I put it all on paper. It also allows me to go back and track my growth. The best thing about journaling is the ability to evaluate certain situations. For example, my wife and I had an argument. I was mad up into the point I started to journal about it. That’s when I realized I was in the wrong and the argument was blown out of proportion by me.
I suggest you journal at least once a day. I sometimes journal twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, but I always journal at night. You don’t need a fancy notebook or anything. You can even use your laptop or tablet. Whatever your preference, just strive to go 15 minutes per journaling session. Write whatever is on your mind.
I hope this article has brought value to at least one reader. Remember that great success starts with small changes. You also have to be consistent. You won’t receive the deep benefits of journaling if you do it once a week. You won’t get the true benefits of a cold shower if you do it every few weeks.
Be sure to comment your daily habits that make your day better. What is it that you have to do daily? Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful morning, evening, or night!
