Hi! – I’m so glad you’ve stopped by today, and I really hope you’re looking forward to getting an amazing list of great habits that can truly change your day to day life. Let’s get started straight away, shall we!

WHY CREATE NEW HABITS?

Life can be hard – rushing around all the time and never feeling like you actually get anything you really want done…

Habits can help. They’ve helped me to get more organised and find more time in my day – and I’m sure they can do the same for you.

After I read the amazing book “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg** (which I would really recommend if you want to understand about why and how we create habits – it’s fascinating…), I was struck by how powerful habits really are.

Habits are things that become part of your life without you even thinking about them, and because they don’t take up any brain space they tend to give you more time without you even realising it.

Let me ask you a quick question… – when you brush your teeth each day, do you think about not doing it at all, or do you just get on with it?

You will more than likely have thought that a strange question – after all, we all brush our teeth every morning and evening – it takes a few minutes and then is done. We don’t talk ourselves out of doing it as we know it needs to be done, and we know what time and when in our day we should do it. It has become so simple to do that we just do it.

It’s become a habit.

If we can make lots of positive things in our life a habit like this, things that after a while become second nature, then we can help ourselves and our lives will run more smoothly each and every day.

1 FOR EVERY WEEK OF THE YEAR!

In this post I have written down some of the best habits to try out in your own day – 52 in total!

Having a new habit each week for a year means that over the next year you can set up a day to day life that really works for you – giving you a less stressful and easier life.

Of course, you may already be doing some of these – and some may not suit the way you live (or who you live with etc…), so feel free to make a list of your own – let this be your inspiration and a guide to get you started.

MAKE IT EASY TO GET MOTIVATED…

I have made things even easier for you as well, by listing not only all the habits, but also a benefit for each one.

This is because knowing the “WHY” will motivate you to do it.

If you clean your teeth, you won’t need as much dental work, you will have fresh breath, and your teeth will stay in good condition. We began to clean our teeth knowing all these facts, and when we were little that is what we were told each day to make sure they were cleaned. Once it became habit we still new the benefits, but they mattered less as they were now instilled in us.

The benefit will be the motivation you can use to keep doing something until it becomes that habit.

SPLITTING HABITS INTO CATEGORIES

52 habits is a lot, I know – and so I have split the habits up to make them a little more organised (I can’t help myself!) – so you will find the following categories as you read through: –

Habits for your morning routine

Habits for your evening routine

Habits for your time management

Habits to get your paperwork under control

under control Habits for your money

Habits to help with housekeeping

Habits for your health and fitness

Habits for your life in general

GET THIS CHECKLIST (it’s FREE!) Your very own copy of the 52 Habits is waiting for you in the Free Printables Library. To get FREE access to the entire library simply click the button below – hope you enjoy!

You can take a look at any of the categories that you are particularly struggling with at the moment, or try them all – totally up to you! So, let’s get started, and what better way than with your morning routine: –

MORNING ROUTINE HABITS

#1 – Make the bed each morning – ideally let it air while you are in the bathroom and getting ready. BENEFIT : automatically makes your bedroom feel clean and tidy and gives you a sense of order

– ideally let it air while you are in the bathroom and getting ready.

#2 – Take any medication you need at the same time each day (I do this before I get out of bed so I don’t forget) BENEFIT: This will stop stress when you realise halfway through the day that you haven’t taken it – use a medicine storage box** to make it easy to make sure you’ve taken them (it splits it up into days).

(I do this before I get out of bed so I don’t forget)

#3 – Always have breakfast BENEFIT: Sets you up for the day – and people say you tend to snack less on unhealthy foods if you eat at the start of the day



#4 – Unload the dishwasher each morning BENEFIT: You always start the day with all the items of your kitchen clean and ready to use



#5 – Leave the house as you would like to find it when you come home – tidy and clean BENEFIT: saving hassle in the evening and giving you a calmer welcome home!

tidy and clean

#6 – Try and get up at the same time each day BENEFIT: Lie ins at the weekend can do more harm than good, making you feel sluggish for the rest of the day. Balancing your body clock will have a huge effect on your day! (If you struggle to get up, an alarm clock that wakes you with a sunrise type light** may well help make the habit easier)



I struggle with my mornings, so am definitely trying to get all these habits into the start of the day as I know it will help me get more done and be calmer.

But what about the rest of the day – evenings are the next place to tackle…

EVENING ROUTINE HABITS

#7 – Wash dishes and/or set the dishwasher straight after tea BENEFIT: You can have the dishes washed before bed time and ready in the dishwasher for the following morning. Waking up to clean plates and a clean kitchen is so much nicer! – and it takes less time to clean pans when they are newly dirty rather than leaving food on them to harden overnight



#8 – Tidy the house each evening – 10 mins is plenty BENEFIT: waking up to a tidy house is so much better a way to start the day and you won’t end up with loads of tidying to do at the weekend!



#9 – Set the table for breakfast the night before BENEFIT: to save time each morning



#10 – Hang out what clothes you need the next day ready to go BENEFIT: You don’t have to rush in the morning, or find too late that something is in the wash or needs ironing



#11 – Check your diary for the next day – and ensure you have everything you need ready to go BENEFIT: no stress in the morning! (you can also check the time you need to get up if its different to usual for any reason)

and ensure you have everything you need ready to go

GET THIS CHECKLIST (it’s FREE!) Your very own copy of the 52 Habits is waiting for you in the Free Printables Library. To get FREE access to the entire library simply click the button below – hope you enjoy!

#12 – Try and go to bed at the same time each night BENEFIT: As with getting up at the same time each morning, this will help to regulate your body and help you feel much better each day



#13 – Put your phone on charge every night overnight BENEFIT: You will never run out of battery during the day



#14 – Review your day last thing at night BENEFIT: Use my SMILE acronym will help create a balanced day – or focus your mind on where you need to work on tomorrow



I totally love reviewing my day at the end of the day as I tend to forget all the little things that have happened, and how much I have achieved, even when I don’t think I have. I think #14 is therefore one of my favourite habits of all!

Which do you think would make the most difference to your day?

TIME MANAGEMENT HABITS

#15 – Keep on top of your diary – schedule in all events, TO DO’s etc… BENEFIT: This will keep you a step ahead, and help you to organise your day much better when you can see whats required and whether there are any clashes etc…



#16 – Book in appointments as soon as you have had your last appointment – while you are still there. BENEFIT: You save time and don’t have to add to your TO DO list . You will also be able to get an appointment time that works best for you rather than having to have whatever is left at the last minute

– while you are still there.

#17 – Check all birthdays and events you need to buy presents/cards for each week – and do in one go BENEFIT: to save time at the shops/post office – grouping errands is a great time management tool

– and do in one go

#18 – Always add contingency time, travel time and time for the actual task into your diary – not just the task itself BENEFIT: You will then be able to see exactly how much of day will be taken up, and not overbook yourself. Its much more realistic way of doing things as a lot of people simply write in a start time and forget about all the surrounding time required

– not just the task itself

#19 – Don’t leave things until the last minute – do immediately or plan in a time (that allows for contingency as well) to get it done BENEFIT: you will feel so much less stressed.

– do immediately or plan in a time (that allows for contingency as well) to get it done

PAPERWORK HABITS

#20 – Handle incoming paperwork once only – don’t leave in a pile to do later – add them into your paperwork system BENEFIT: will ensure that things get done and you don’t mislay anything. It also saves time because as soon as you have to read something again you are duplicating effort for no real reason.

– don’t leave in a pile to do later – add them into your paperwork system

#21 – Bin rubbish (junk mail, envelopes etc…) as soon as it comes into your home (recycle if possible) BENEFIT: Simply saves time and energy (shred** what you can as well for security – anything with your address or personal details is vulnerable if just put into your usual rubbish/recycle bin)



#22 – Open your post when you have time to action items (make phone calls, pay bills etc…) BENEFIT: You will be able to get things done in one go and not have to make little piles of things to do later.



So much to try out! – on the next page we talk about money habits – these are key to creating a positive attitude for your finances, which can really make all the difference…

FINANCE / MONEY HABITS

#23 – Keep all receipts in your wallet/purse each day and transfer to a file each night/week BENEFIT: Always know where everything is, great if you need for tax reasons or simply if you need to return something



#24 – Always have some cash in your purse/wallet for unexpected things BENEFIT: Never get caught out – things like items for your childrens school, shops that only take cash etc… all crop up without warning



#25 – Have some spare change in your car for car parks and toll roads BENEFIT: you don’t get caught out



#26 – When shopping, always ask yourself if you need the item, and whether you can get it cheaper elsewhere BENEFIT: This makes you question your purchases and therefore save money, and reduce clutter in your home. I have a 2 week rule for this which you can read more about HERE.



For me, habit #25 can be a complete life saver when I am out and about and have forgotten my purse – or have to change in it. And it’s so easy to do!

GET THIS CHECKLIST (it’s FREE!) Your very own copy of the 52 Habits is waiting for you in the Free Printables Library. To get FREE access to the entire library simply click the button below – hope you enjoy!

HOUSEKEEPING HABITS

#27 – Wipe down the shower / bath after every use BENEFIT: saves time when it comes to cleaning – I use a shower squeegee** which works a treat!



#28 – Ensure that when you leave a room you scan to see if anything needs to be taken out of it – then do it! BENEFIT: will keep you on top of tidying and keep your home GUEST READY



#29 – Do a load of washing daily (if required) to keep on top of the washing and drying system BENEFIT: no more wanting items that aren’t available as yet – or needing to grab the iron to do one thing last minute



#30 – Always put things back where they should go BENEFIT: you will always find things when you need them



#31 – When cooking, cook an extra meal and freeze BENEFIT: You will always have something quick and healthy to eat when there’s no time to cook



#32 – When cooking, wash up and keep tidy while you go BENEFIT: leaving less to do afterwards when the last thing you want to do after eating is get up and tidy up!



#33 – Tick items that you use up on a shopping list – when you have used them up BENEFIT: you don’t need to remember everything, and then you can grab it whenever you are going to the shops, knowing that everything is on there that you need.



#34 – Fill your car up with petrol when you pass a petrol station BENEFIT: saves time going specifically to do this when you are running low (works well if you do it after you have used about 50%)



HEALTH & FITNESS HABITS

#35 – Eat 5 a day – at least! BENEFIT: A balanced diet can help you be more productive, healthier and so many more benefits its hard not to have this as one of your key habits!



#36 – Take a multi vitamin BENEFIT: that extra boost can only be a good thing!



#37 – Try a new recipe each week BENEFIT: stops boredom setting in! – have a list of recipes you’d like to try close at hand so you have no excuses!



#38 – Do some exercise each day – Whether it be a gym visit, run, walk, playing with your children, a fitness video** or some simple sit-ups and press ups – you can always fit in a little each day BENEFIT: It gives you more energy, and a zest for life!

– Whether it be a gym visit, run, walk, playing with your children, a fitness video** or some simple sit-ups and press ups – you can always fit in a little each day

HABITS FOR LIFE

#39 – Once you have read a magazine, rip out any good articles and add to a personal file for reading specific to you – then recycle the rest immediately BENEFIT: no more piles of magazines! A bug bear in many households



#40 – Follow any schedules and routines you have created – make them habits too! Morning routine // Evening routine // Paperwork System // Finances System // Household Jobs Schedule // Time Management (day, week, month, seasonal and annual plans)



#41 – When you come through the door always leave your bag, keys and phone in the same place each time BENEFIT: saves wasted time looking for them!



#42 – Write everything that you need to do on your TO DO list or schedule immediately in your diary AS SOON AS YOU THINK OF THEM BENEFIT: You can forget about them until you have the time to do them



#43 – Create some ME TIME in your week – whatever is important to you, and fun, do it! – even if you only get half an hour – make it count!. (starting a hobby is a great idea for this – something that’s completely for you such as baking, reading, musical instrument, etc… – or why not take a magazine to a coffee shop and have some quiet time) BENEFIT – you will be able to function better when you are doing things for you as well as others, as you will feel more fulfilled.



#44 – Carry a notebook around for any websites, addresses, tel numbers etc.. you get during the day and transfer them to your home file / diary etc… each evening BENEFIT: No more little bits of paper crumpled in pockets and at the bottom of your bag – destined to be mislaid!



#45 – When on the phone, use the time to exercise (walk), drive (hands free of course), or any job around the house that needs doing (sorting washing etc…) BENEFIT: Multi tasking here works – I don’t always advocate as its usually better to focus on one thing at a time – but easy jobs can be ticked off your TO DO list so why not!



#46 – Create some relaxing time each day – 5 minutes of meditation, deep breathing, stretching etc.. can be all it takes to de-stress BENEFIT – Its important to stay sane!



#47 – Have a date night at least once a month with your partner BENEFIT: Relationships are vital to your general happiness so its worth making the effort



#48 – Create time for your children each day BENEFIT: they grow up so fast, and its so vital to develop this relationship



#49 – Have a one in, one out policy in your home for new purchases (works especially well with clothes and toys!) BENEFIT: you will never suffer from “Too much stuff” syndrome again!

(works especially well with clothes and toys!)

#50 – Answer your phone only when you have time – if its urgent they will leave a message BENEFIT: It won’t rule you anymore! or distract you….



#51 – When at the shops look for possible presents that are on sale BENEFIT: saving you money and time – add them to your present drawer and then you will always have something to give!



#52 – Learn to say NO BENEFIT: this will free up so much for you including time, energy and stress – we all do things because we think we should – so learning that its OK to say no will really make a difference to how you feel every day.



GET THIS CHECKLIST (it’s FREE!) Your very own copy of the 52 Habits is waiting for you in the Free Printables Library. To get FREE access to the entire library simply click the button below – hope you enjoy!

And that’s it! – 52 amazing habits to try out right now!

Your task – should you choose to accept it, is to write in your diary at the start of each week your chosen habit for that week. If you have it written down then you are much more likely to do it – and can refer back to it – see how many you can add into your daily routine and see for yourself how much of a difference they make!

Want more like this? – if you want to grab even more ideas for creating new habits in your life – then CLICK HERE for habits of a clutter free home, and HERE for habits for a clean home – good luck!