2025 is here, and everyone is excited for all the fresh starts. I have been thinking a lot about how we can make the most of this new year, and I have landed on something super simple yet compelling: habits!
Why habits? Because habits are like the foundation upon which we stand, and these habits will determine how we actually live in 2025.
Now, we all want to build habits that will make us have a fulfilling year ahead, but what should we practice and what should we avoid? We want to make a difference, but there is only so much we can do.
So, how to choose from the many habits and make the best of the year?
Well, here are five good habits that I have shortlisted from my own learnings. They include the best (at least in my opinion) of what we can do to make a difference in our lives.
How can five good habits make a difference?
I know what you might be thinking: “Habits! Sounds boring.” But trust me on this one. The right habits are like tiny superpowers that can transform your life in the best ways possible. They are the secret sauce to feeling more energised, focused, and just plain happy.
But why five?
Well, to be honest, at first, I felt like a mad rush flowing in, and I thought I needed to do a lot to achieve the best possible beginning (and an end, too, if everything went well). But the truth is, it’s the quality of our habits that matters more than the number of habits.
You could, of course, choose to do a number of things, but it wouldn’t really matter unless what you are doing has honest intentions. And for intentions, only a few meaningful habits are all you need. After a lot of thought and some ruthless shortlisting later, I categorised everything into five possible broad habits that would make all the difference.
So, here are my five good habits list that would help you find direction (and purpose) in 2025:
1. Trust the magic of morning routines
Stop hitting snooze a million times and start preparing yourself for the best version of yourself by creating a morning routine that actually sets you up for success.
Routines don’t have to be complicated. Even 15 minutes of quiet time with a cup of tea, some gentle stretches, or a quick read can make a world of difference. It’s about starting your day intentionally rather than letting it just happen. I have found that when I start my day with a little bit of “me time,” I feel so much more grounded and ready to tackle anything.
This is one of the simplest yet strongest of the five good habits that can help you achieve a proud version of yourself in 2025.
2. Move your body, but groove your soul
Okay, I am not saying you need to become a marathon runner overnight (unless that’s your jam!). But incorporating some form of movement into your day is crucial.
Whether it’s a brisk walk in nature, a fun dance class, or a quick yoga in the morning or evening, moving your body does wonders for both your physical and mental well-being. It’s like little doses of happy hormones that will help your body and mind relax and recharge!
For instance, this year, I am planning to explore simple (and new) free-form dance styles as one of the five good habits for building a physical fitness routine, with which I can feed happy hormones to my mind and body for wellness and mental healing.
3. Cultivate the art of mindfulness
It is easy to get caught up in the madness of to-dos and notifications because we are constantly urged to be in the flow. Apparently, if we don’t do enough, we are labelled as lazy or not ambitious enough. But that is exactly why I have decided to make a conscious effort to practice mindfulness instead.
I have decided to intentionally take it slow and not let myself feel overwhelmed by the pressure others create for me. Yes, I will not be comparing myself to anyone and focus more on quality over quantity when it comes to achievements or goals. And for this, I am paying attention to the present moment rather than worrying about the future. It’s all about slowing down and appreciating the little things. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for reducing stress and increasing overall happiness.
Being mindful isn’t easy, but once you make it a part of one of the five good habits that you swear by, you will discover the magic of gratitude.
4. Feed your body goodness
No, I am not talking about strict diets or deprivation. Instead, I am asking you to feed your body with everything good—nourishing your body with wholesome, delicious foods that make you feel good from the inside out. Think vibrant fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains—a healthy, balanced diet that makes you feel happy and healthy from within.
But it is also necessary that you feed your body good thoughts and experiences so that there is goodness in your mind as well. It’s about making conscious choices that support your energy positively and your overall health. Think about feeding your body and mind goodness as one of the five good habits that nourish you holistically.
5. Connect and cherish
Last but definitely not least, prioritise meaningful connections with the people you love. Whether it’s a phone call with a friend, a family dinner, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, nurturing these relationships is essential for a happy and fulfilling life.
I believe that human connection is one of the greatest gifts we have, and we must make sure that we are giving it the attention it deserves. Of the many habits you can choose to build, make sure you have at least one among the five good habits that focus on people. There is nothing sadder than not having people on your list of good habits because you might easily get replaced at work or elsewhere, but with people, you are irreplaceable. So, spend time with the people where you matter.
So, there you have it! These are five good habits you can choose to focus on for 2025. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making small, consistent changes that lead to big results over time.
Let’s make 2025 our best year yet! ✨
Looking for more such tips to transform your mind? Check out our Little E-book on Emotional Minimalism.
This blog was written by Ayesha Mollah, a professional blogger who has embraced minimalism since 2023. Being on the minimalism journey is helping her find her "focus" amidst the chaos.