Tiny Habits Lead to Lasting Results

Lifestyle changes can be intimidating, especially with the flood of social media content that encourages ambitious goal-setting, fitness transformations and life hacks. While seeking self-improvement with a motivated mindset is important, it can be overwhelming to navigate the constant stream of influencers pushing drastic change and promising quick results. 

Balancing personal wellness, academic pressures and social life as a student at university is a skill that takes time to master. The constant scroll through transformation stories on social media can make it feel like everyone else is thriving while you're still figuring out how to keep up. Perhaps the idea of embracing small, intentional changes may make this journey feel less intimidating. Sustainable lifestyle changes happen through consistency, gradually building habits that help you to reach your goals. 

Tiny habits still require effort. Adjusting, adding to or changing a routine requires determination, but with practice and consistency, these changes can become second nature. The process can be incredibly rewarding, leading to a healthier, more balanced version of yourself. The goal is not to feel overwhelmed by choosing change or growth but instead to feel more empowered and motivated by taking more achievable steps. 

It's worth noticing that the "life changes" and “life transformations”  we see on our social media feeds aren't necessarily tailored to each individual and might only work for the influencer that posted them. Those highlights are oftentimes oversimplified in 15-30 seconds, hiding the real complexity of the steps that make up that journey. Personal growth is unique to everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. If those curated snippets of change aren't resonating with you, focusing on small, consistent habits may help you stay motivated and achieve a version of progress that feels right for you.

Here are a few tiny habits that can help build consistency through small steps and might be worth adding to your daily routine.

Hydration

Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up is a simple way to start your day feeling refreshed and hydrated. Whether you notice it or not, sleep can dehydrates the body, and replenishing with water before your morning coffee or tea can help jump-start your metabolism, boost energy levels and improve concentration.

Gratitude

Incorporating a few minutes of gratitude into your daily routine can also have a powerful impact on your mental health and overall mindset. Gratitude can be practiced in many ways, such as journaling, writing down things you’re thankful for or taking a moment to appreciate good parts of your day before bed. The individual impacts of gratitude may seem small, but the cumulative effects can be profound. 

Pick Up a Good Book

Scrolling in moderation can be a good way to unwind or learn something new, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless scrolling. Taking a break from the usual scroll and replacing it with reading a book or listening to a podcast can be a healthier way to reset your mindset. Engaging in activities that stimulate your mind or spark creativity—such as reading, writing, or drawing—can be a more fulfilling alternative.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Turning off your phone 20 to 30 minutes before bed can also promote deeper sleep and help you wake up feeling more refreshed. The blue light from screens disrupts the body's natural sleep cycle, so giving your brain time to wind down naturally can improve sleep quality. 

Gentle Hobbies

Finding a gentle hobby that fits into your routine can provide a much-needed break from a stressful day or offer a positive way to channel creativity. Gentle habits could include stretching, gardening,  journaling or watercolor painting—the options are endless. 

James Clear, a habit expert and bestselling author, explores the science of behavior change and how small habits can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Tiny habits can have a more powerful impact than you think and may be worth a try. If you're still unsure, BJ Fogg's book "Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything" also delves into how small adjustments can lead to big results over time.