In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the small yet effective changes we can make to significantly influence the way we feel and, at the same time improve our well-being. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, over a million people in Malaysia aged 16 and above (an equivalent of 4.6%) are living with depression, a number that has since doubled from 2019 to 2023. If this is any indication, Malaysians are not only at risk for poor mental health, but also more likely to be prone to other physical health risks like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and more. 

But living well can be easy just by enacting a few simple changes to your daily habits and lifestyle routines, enabling you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking to boost your mind and body, improve your mood, or just get more out of each day, these nine life hacks are easy to practice and do, so you can swap out your old ways today and trade up for a better tomorrow!

1. From Morning Madness to a Calm Start 

Starting the morning right can set the tone for the rest of the day. Instead of beginning your day in a frantic rush, consider establishing a calm morning ritual. This could be as simple as waking up 15 minutes earlier to enjoy a quiet cup of tea, practising some mindful meditation, or doing stretches to your favourite music. Trust us when we say that this small change can significantly improve your entire day’s mood and productivity, leaving you feeling energised and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

2. Replace Negative Self-Talk with Positive Affirmations

Your inner voice plays a huge role in shaping your reality. If you catch yourself being your own worst critic, why not flip the script? It’s important to always be mindful of the internal chatter in your head: practising affirmations can help reframe your mindset and lead you to more positive outcomes when you’re tackling life’s challenges. The next time you run into a negative situation, be sure to pause, reassess, and reaffirm. It’s easy to feel like a victim of circumstance, but never forget to acknowledge your strengths and achievements to channel some good vibes. You’ll be amazed how this small shift does wonders for your self-esteem and overall outlook on life, helping you get back on your feet and moving towards solutions instead.

3. Exchange Screen Time for Quality Time

Let’s be real—screens are everywhere, and it’s easy to get lost in them. The next time you find yourself doomscrolling on your smartphone or swiping endless reels on TikTok and Instagram, try swapping some of that screen time for quality moments sans electronics. Allocate specific hours of the day to spend time with the people you care about or dive into a hobby you adore. Whether it’s reading a favourite book, drawing, or simply sharing a heartfelt conversation over a warm meal, these screen-free moments are sure to enrich your life and strengthen your relationships.

4. Stop Snacking and Go for the Good Stuff!

As the saying goes: you are what you eat. What we put into our bodies directly affects our energy levels and overall health. The next time you find yourself reaching for unhealthy snacks when hunger strikes, consider switching to more nourishing foods like fruits or nuts. Eating as close to natural isn’t just good for your waistline, but also great for satiety – keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Stock up on foods like yoghurt and peanut butter, which are also packed with essential nutrients and proteins. Making this change not only benefits your physical health and digestion but also gives you the energy you need to sustain throughout the day.

5. Instead of Complaining, Why Not Write a Journal? 

It’s easy to focus on the bad things when things are not going right in your life, but this can quickly spiral you downwards towards negativity. Whenever you’re overcome by negative emotions and find yourself in a cynical mindset, writing down things to be thankful for in a gratitude journal can turn things around. Each day, find five minutes to jot down a few things you’re grateful for, which can be as simple as being able to enjoy your favourite foods, meeting your friends, or getting enough rest. This simple habit shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life, fostering a sense of contentment and joy.

6. Reduce Multitasking 

In our fast-paced world, multitasking often feels like a necessity for productivity, but it is actually adverse and can even increase your stress levels. Instead of trying to juggle a multitude of tasks at the same time, consider dedicating a set amount of time throughout the day to work on key responsibilities and jobs. These focused sessions help you hone in on your tasks, one at a time, so you can focus on completing them without interruptions; improving your efficiency, as well as keeping you from feeling overwhelmed.  

7. Say Goodbye to Late Nights, Hello to Better Sleep 

Burning the midnight oil might seem productive, but it’s actually counterproductive and won’t do your health any favours. When you’re tired, you’re also more likely to make mistakes and produce subpar work. Instead, try hitting the sack earlier and starting fresh the next day to tackle any outstanding tasks. Good sleep hygiene is also important: find opportunities to establish routine bedtime rituals that can help you unwind after a long day of work. Put that smartphone away, and listen to some calming music or meditate before your forty winks. Prioritising good sleep is one of the best and easiest things you can do for overall health and happiness.

8. Think Before You Act 

Impulsivity often leads to rash decisions, creating further stress, conflict, and potentially – irreparable damage. The next time you find yourself in an emotionally-charged situation, take a deep breath to keep yourself from making a knee-jerk reaction that you might regret. When faced with such events, consider a more thoughtful approach: assess the situation and potential outcomes. Take the time to respond, which can lead to more constructive interactions and a calmer state of mind.

9. Switch from Carefree Spending to Smart Shopping

Shopping can be a great way to treat yourself, but with so many stores and platforms to choose from these days, it’s easy to get lost in all the different sales and promotions that promise the best value for your money. Thankfully, you can also make some small financially-savvy changes to the way you spend and indulge in retail therapy, so you enjoy purchases that actually bring lasting satisfaction.

This 9.9, consider switching to Lazada’s 9.9 Mega Brands Sale, kicking off from 8 September (8pm) to 11 September 2024. Packed with amazing deals on your favourite international and local brands, shoppers are in for a treat with discounts and deals with savings of up to 90%. Save big with vouchers, free shipping across the entire platform, and more when you switch to the better sale this September! There’s surely a bargain waiting for you! 

#MalaysianBusiness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Lifestyle #Habits #SelfCare #HealthyLiving #Productivity #Lazada #99MegaBrandsSale 

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