CHANGE YOUR LIFE in 15 minutes
New Idea|March 28, 2022
FOLLOW THIS EXPERT ADVICE TO FEEL MORE PRESENT, PURPOSEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE
CHANGE YOUR LIFE in 15 minutes

Remember those resolutions you made way back at the start of the year? Did life just get in the way of fulfilling them? We all lead busy lives, so to make any change can seem like a huge undertaking. But we can make positive changes in just 15 minutes a day that can truly improve life. Here’s how…

START A JOURNAL

Writing down your thoughts for a few minutes each day can have a positive impact on physical wellbeing. US psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker believes that regular journaling strengthens immune cells. According to his research, writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with whatever it is that is worrying you. “By writing, you put some structure and organisation to those anxious feelings,” writes James. “It helps you to get past them.”

TRY HABIT STACKING

Here’s a genius way to introduce a new habit. James Clear, author of bestseller Atomic Habits, recommends habit stacking, that is, ‘stacking’ new behaviour you want to adopt onto current behaviour in order to remember to do it. For example, let’s say you want to do 15 minutes of journaling a day. We’re already in the habit of cleaning our teeth before bed, so by adding this new habit to the end of that routine, you are more likely to do it. The brushing of teeth becomes the anchor to help secure a new habit in place.

PAUSE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

This story is from the March 28, 2022 edition of New Idea.

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This story is from the March 28, 2022 edition of New Idea.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.