1. Read
If you do nothing else on this list, READ! Reading is a cheap (or free) way to learn about any subject you can find a book on and it can also be incredibly relaxing and fun. President Obama, J. K. Rowling, and Bill Gates are all book lovers who know the power of reading. Go to your local library (or just check it out online) and take advantage of the free education waiting there for you!
2. Toss It!
Clutter can slow us down and distract us from productivity. It’s easy to be distracted by stuff and what it means to maintain it. Constant cleaning, organizing, and contemplating over what to keep are all ways that having too much clutter can get in the way of time you should spend elsewhere. Toss it out, let it go, and feel a whole lot lighter!
3. Stay Active
An active body aids an active mind. Many of the most successful people in the world make time to be active every day. Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour plays tennis for an hour every day, Tony Robbins is known for speaking about the mental benefit of staying fit, and even Steve Jobs used walking for exercise, problem solving, and contemplation. Not only will you work better when you are healthy, the time you spend working out often helps you clear your mind and come up with better solutions to problems that you need to tackle.
4. Stay Passionate
Did you know that Warren Buffet plays the ukulele? How about Pierce Bronson’s fire eating ability? Did you know that in her spare time, Taylor Swift makes snow globes? Making time to be passionate about things besides your job is essential. It helps you stay well rounded, balanced, and happy. Hobbies have been known to help us deal with stress as well as help us stay passionate about our careers.
5. Get Up Early
This is the habit that is admittedly my least favorite but I can’t lie about how effective it is. Not only am I more productive throughout the entire day when I wake up early, I also sleep better at night. Research has also shown that early risers tend to be more effective problem solvers and are more optimistic.