10 Simple Habits That Just Might Change Your Life

If you’re an overwhelmed overthinker who struggles to form habits, it can be challenging to simplify and streamline your life. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 simple habits to change your life for the better and how you can implement them in your own life.

With a few changes, you can start to develop powerful daily habits that will help you achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being for a more intentional life.

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The Power of Simple Habits

Good daily habits – especially simple habits – can help you make progress toward your goals, reduce decision fatigue, and create a sense of structure in your day-to-day routine. By committing to small, achievable habits, you really can make lasting changes in your life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to form better habits, you’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to stick to new habits and routines, especially when they’re already busy or stressed from everyday habits that drain your energy. However, the good news is that simple GOOD habits can be incredibly powerful.

When we talk about simple habits in this post, we’re referring to shifts in actions and thoughts that you can incorporate into your daily routine, as well as new habits that can help you live with more intention and focus.

These habits can add up over time, eventually simplifying your life and reducing stress. Plus, because they’re so powerful, they’re more likely to become habits that you can stick to long-term.

Of course, simple doesn’t always mean easy. It can be difficult to form new habits, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed. However, by starting small and focusing on one habit at a time, you can gradually build up your routine and create a more streamlined, simplified life.

Don’t expect to see results overnight, and don’t beat yourself up if you slip up or miss a day. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection, and keep working toward your goals. With time and patience, you can create the simple, streamlined life you’ve been dreaming of.

The Relationship Between Overthinking, Overwhelm, and Habits

If you’re an overthinker, you’re probably all too familiar with the feeling of overwhelm. Overthinking can lead to analysis paralysis, which can make it difficult to take action. The good news is that by learning a few new habits, you can reduce overwhelm and make it easier to stick to your goals.

Overthinking and overwhelm are closely related to habits because forming new habits requires a certain level of mental and emotional energy. When you’re already feeling overwhelmed, it can be challenging to muster up the energy to form new habits. That’s why it’s essential to start with small, simple habits.

Focus on one habit at a time until it becomes automatic. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Don’t overthink the order here… either start with the thing that you know will make the biggest change in your life, or keep things really simple and just start with the first item on the list and work in order.

It really doesn’t matter where you begin, because eventually you’ll get to all of them!

10 Simple Habits To Change Your Life

By incorporating these 10 simple habits into your daily routine, you can change your life for the better.

Habit 1: Practice Daily Writing

Implementing a daily writing session can help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and gain clarity on your thoughts and emotions.

Take 10 minutes each day to write down your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Or — and this might be even more fun for you — try creative writing like flash fiction or poetry. Whatever you try, I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how much more focused and productive you become.

More ideas for daily writing:

Habit 2: Keep Up With Laundry and Dishes

When life gets busy, it can be easy to let laundry and dishes pile up. And hey, let’s face it, we’re not all stellar housekeepers. But if you can make it a habit to do laundry and wash the dishes every day, you’ll feel more organized and less stressed.

These tasks are at the core of my habits for a clean and tidy home.

And here’s a little tip: Unless you live alone, there’s no reason YOU have to always do these tasks yourself! Everyone in the house can take turns or even simply be responsible for their own stuff.

Habit 3: Declutter Something Every Day

Clutter can weigh us down physically and mentally, so make it a habit to declutter something every day. It may not seem like much, but you’ll notice a big difference by taking 10 minutes (or less!) each day to organize a drawer, clear out some old clothes, or sort and recycle the mail pile.

With consistent effort, you’ll transform your living space into a life-enhancing place of calm.

More help for clearing clutter:

Habit 4: Do Food Planning and Prep

Planning and prepping ingredients for your meals can save you time and money, and help you eat healthier. Set aside time each week to plan meals and do some quick food prep. You’ll be less likely to grab fast food or unhealthy snacks when you have healthy foods ready to go.

This always SOUNDS like a great idea, but it’s sometimes tricky to put into practice. To make it easier for yourself if the idea is new to you, start small: plan 3-4 simple meals a week, then build up your repertoire from there.

Grab my Essential Meal Planning Printables Collection to help you get organized and plan in a way that works for YOUR lifestyle.

Habit 5: Shift Thoughts From A Victim Mindset To A Victory Mindset

A woman peacefully reflecting as the sun sets, symbolizing mindfulness and personal growth – key themes in simple habits to change your life.

I have to say, I think this is THE single most impactful habit I’ve adopted in the past decade. And it wasn’t easy, but it was/is absolutely worth the effort!

My mindset transformation came about as a result of learning to recognize when I was in ‘victim mode.’ Victim thinking is when you look at situations and circumstances that come up in your life, or even just little daily frustrations, and take on the mentality that you are somehow powerless to do anything about it.

Victim thinking often involves thoughts such as:

‘I can NEVER catch a break!’
‘This place is so cluttered. I’ll never be able to clear it out, so why bother trying?’
‘Nobody around here does anything to help out.’
‘I’ll never have enough money for a comfortable life. There’s just no way to catch up, let alone get ahead.’

Victory thinking looks at the SAME situations and recognizes the opportunity to grow, learn, get creative or take inspired action. Victory thinking is powerful because it gives you back your power!

When I started to notice thought patterns and consciously shift my mindset from victim to victory, a whole new world of possibilities opened up for me. The best part was that with every victory thought I had, I became more empowered, capable, and resourceful.

Our mindset plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and outcomes. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts or feeling like a victim of circumstances, cultivate a victory mindset. Take responsibility for your actions, choices, and reactions.

Yes, some bad things will happen that we have no control over. That’s just life. And it’s totally normal and just fine to spend some time feeling the feels in those situations. But when we learn to not stay stuck in those feelings, then we can shift into focusing on solutions rather than problems.

Embrace a belief in your ability to overcome challenges. This shift in mindset empowers you to take more control of your life and pursue your goals with confidence and resilience. Remember, you have the power to shape your own narrative and create a life filled with victories.

Instead of feeling like a victim of circumstances, shift your thoughts to a victory mindset. Focus on what you can control and take action to make positive changes in your life. Start where you can. For me, it was recognizing my usual negative reactions and thoughts and having a list of ‘replacement thoughts’ that I could use to reframe my thinking.

(*Note: This is NOT mental health advice. If you experience constant sadness or negative feelings, please reach out to a professional for help. What I’m describing here are thought shifts that can help us take positive action… it’s a different thing.)

What’s really exciting is that eventually, your attitude of victory may have a positive effect on some of the people around you, such as a partner or children.

Habit 6: Make Faster Decisions

Making faster decisions can have numerous benefits in various aspects of life. When you become adept at making quick choices, you save valuable time and energy. Quick decision-making allows you to seize opportunities as they arise, make efficient use of your operational hours, and reduce your mental load.

Believe me, I know this often feels impossible for overthinkers, when every.single.decision feels monumental. How can you develop the habit of making faster decisions? Start by gathering the necessary information (that means NOT spending days finding ALL of the information available – I’ve found 3 sources are usually enough), weighing the pros and cons, and trusting your instincts.

Making a decision that you may need to adjust later is nearly always better than not making one at all, as it keeps you moving forward and opens up new possibilities for growth and success in your personal and professional life.

Indecision can hold you back and cause unnecessary stress. Practice making faster decisions, even if they’re not perfect. Even when you occasionally make a mistake, you’ll always learn something. Overall, you’ll definitely build confidence and momentum towards your goals.

More help and ideas:

Habit 7: Embrace Mono-Tasking

In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become the norm. However, research suggests that our brains are not designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead, embracing mono-tasking can help improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being.

Make it a habit to prioritize one task at a time and give it your full attention. By eliminating distractions and focusing on the present moment, you’ll experience a deeper level of engagement and satisfaction with your work.

Mono-tasking allows you to work more efficiently, complete tasks with greater accuracy, and reduce stress. So, the next time you find yourself juggling multiple tasks, take a step back, choose one task to focus on, and give it your undivided attention. Make a list of the tasks that need to be done (try this brain dump printable) so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. Then, choose one and set a timer to help you stay focused.

You’ll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your productivity and mental clarity. It’s likely that you’ll usually be able to complete tasks more efficiently and with better quality.

Habit 8: Use Timers

Time management is an essential skill for achieving your goals and maximizing productivity. It’s also something that feels very elusive for those of us who tend to be overwhelmed overthinkers. We often take three times as long as what we believe ‘normal’ people take to finish any given task. Hence, we automatically feel like a failure at managing time.

One habit that can help at least a little bit is using timers. Time the activities that you ‘feel’ take forever. Also, set specific time limits for tasks or activities to keep yourself focused and motivated. Whether it’s allocating a certain amount of time for work, exercise, or leisure activities, timers can help you stay on track and make the most of your time.

For example, I know that unloading my dishwasher takes about 2 minutes. It was something that I often procrastinated on because it ‘felt’ as if I never had enough time to do the job. But after timing myself – and being shocked at how little time it actually took – I was able to make it part of my daily morning routine and take care of it just as the coffeemaker is finishing its brew cycle… all because I know it only takes 2 minutes!

Additionally, timers can be helpful when practicing focused work sessions, such as the Pomodoro Technique. By working in intervals and taking short breaks in between, you can maintain your energy and concentration levels throughout the day.

This why my recommendation for slow decluttering is so effective. I suggest decluttering 10 items or 10 minutes every day… and always use a timer to avoid getting distracted or lost in the task. It keeps you focused and makes the task very doable instead of overwhelming.

Try regularly using a timer or a timer app, and watch how this simple habit transforms your productivity and time management skills.

Habit 9: Digital Detox Hour Before Bed

In today’s digital age, many of us are constantly connected to our screens, which can have a negative impact on our sleep quality and overall well-being. To improve your sleep and promote relaxation, make it a habit to disconnect from electronic devices at least 30-60 minutes before bed. This digital detox time allows your brain to wind down and prepares you for a restful night’s sleep.

Instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV, engage in more calming activities such as reading a book, practicing mindfulness or meditation, journaling, or enjoying a warm bath. By giving yourself this time away from screens, you’ll create a peaceful environment that promotes better sleep and rejuvenation.

Experiment with this by making it a priority to establish this digital detox hour before bedtime. Call it your ‘evening routine,’ try it for at least a month, and see if you experiment any benefits of improved sleep hygiene and overall well-being.

Habit 10: Take 3 Deep Breaths Before Starting A Task

This is probably the simplest habit on the list! Really, sometimes all it takes is some intentional breathing to get your mind ready and to set the tone for success and focus. Before diving into a task, make it a habit to take three slow, deep breaths. This simple practice helps you center yourself, calm your mind, and bring awareness to the present moment.

Slow, deep breathing can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a state of relaxation and clarity. By taking this brief pause, you create a space for intentionality and mindfulness, allowing you to approach tasks with a clear mind and heightened focus.

So, the next time you’re about to start a task, take a moment to take three deep breaths and harness the power of mindfulness to enhance your productivity and overall well-being.

Overcoming Challenges in Forming Life Changing Habits

Forming new daily habits to change your life can be challenging, especially if you are an overthinker or someone who tends to get overwhelmed easily. Here are some simple strategies you can use to overcome common challenges and make habit formation easier.

1. Start Small

One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to form new habits is trying to do too much too soon. Instead, start small and focus on making one change at a time. For example, if you want to start journaling, start by committing to just five minutes a day, rather than trying to write for an hour each day.

You can also try ‘habit stacking’ – check out James Clear’s explanation of how to do this in his book ‘Atomic Habits.’

2. Be Consistent

Make sure you are committing to your new habit every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consistency will help you build momentum and make your new habit feel more natural over time.

3. Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress can be a powerful motivator when it comes to forming new habits. Try using a habit tracker or journal to keep track of your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.

Recommended Resource: The Goal Journey Annual Goal Planner — This printable goal planner is designed to streamline your goal-setting process, allowing you to focus on one goal at a time and adapt as life evolves. Get the extra stuff out of your head, let go of the regrets and ‘should-dos,’ and start accomplishing the goals that really matter to YOU.

4. Stay Accountable

Accountability can be extremely helpful when it comes to forming new habits. Consider sharing your goals with a friend or family member who can help keep you accountable and provide support when you need it.

5. Be Patient

Forming new habits takes time and patience. Some people say 21 days, but I subscribe to the more realistic idea that it takes 66 days – or a little more than two months. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see massive changes right away. Keep showing up every day and trust that your efforts will pay off in the long run.

Concluding Thoughts on Small Habits That Change Your Life

Incorporating these simple habits to change your life can have profound results. By decluttering, changing your mindset, food prepping, journaling, and the other things we discussed, you may be able to simplify your life and reduce stress.

Even as an overwhelmed overthinker, you can make lasting changes in your regular habits and daily routines. It won’t always go smoothly, and the results aren’t always perfect ALL the time, but I believe the habits you choose to keep will certainly be worthwhile as you Build Your Best Life.

You’ve got this!

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