You may have heard of the 21-day habit change theory by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, published in his book Psycho-Cybernetics back in 1960. The idea is that doing the same thing repeatedly for 21 days can help change your behavior automatically.

So, let's turn the crisis of the COVID-19 situation, where many people have to work from home or 'stay home, stop the spread,' into an opportunity for self-improvement. Through these 10 goals, you can use your patience and effort to continue for 21 days until it becomes a habit. It may be challenging, but once it becomes a habit, you will emerge from this situation as a refreshed and improved version of yourself.

1. Wake Up Early for More Life Time

Start by stopping the snooze button every morning. If you're going to wake up early, you need to overcome laziness. Setting an alarm for early morning and waking up immediately will make you feel refreshed and energized throughout the day. If you can wake up early consistently for 21 days, you might not even need an alarm clock anymore, as your body will remember and wake up automatically.

2. Practice Cooking at Home

This depends on your preferences and skills. If you're not great at cooking, start with simple recipes or watch cooking tutorials on YouTube. Dedicate time to cook at least one meal a day. This skill will not only help you survive but also save money and reduce the need to go out frequently.

3. Wash Your Hands, Carry Hand Sanitizer, and Wear a Mask for Personal and Social Responsibility

In the ongoing COVID-19 situation, one thing you must never forget is to take care of yourself to prevent infection and be responsible for society. Always wash your hands before eating or after touching anything outside. Carry hand sanitizer and wear a mask regularly when outside.

4. Clear & Clean: Wash, Wipe, Organize, and Remove Items Daily

COVID-19 can spread through contaminated objects and can survive for several days. Therefore, everyday items like money, wallets, mobile phones, and even car door handles should be cleaned daily. Additionally, keep your home organized and tidy, including organizing unnecessary data or items on your phone.

5. Exercise and Move Your Body

Staying at home and not being able to go out, plus having to cook for yourself, can be overwhelming. Make time to move your body or exercise at least three times a week. Start with simple exercises like jogging in place, sit-ups, or follow along with dance videos on YouTube. Making this a habit will be worth it for your health.

6. Try to Include Vegetables and Fruits in Every Meal

For good health, your body needs a balanced diet. In addition to meat, you should also consume vegetables and fruits. The more you eat, the better your immune system will be. During this time, it's essential to keep your body strong. Don't forget to drink plenty of water as well. When things return to normal, you will be a new, radiant person that will impress your friends!

7. Dedicate 1-2 Hours a Day to Skill Development

The earlier you wake up, the more time you have for this! This is a great opportunity to practice what you love or to think more carefully about your work. Organize your schedule and allocate time clearly and punctually. For example, practice a new language, try your hand at writing, or become an avid reader to gain knowledge and enhance your thinking skills or find inspiration for creativity in your work.

8. Social Detox: Consume News Mindfully!

Keeping up with news and current events is good, but if you become too absorbed in it to the point where you can't focus on anything else, scrolling through your phone for hours is not healthy. Online news comes quickly and can be overwhelming, and social media opinions can be misleading. This can lead to stress and anxiety without you realizing it. Set limits on your news consumption and put your phone down when it's time to engage in activities you enjoy or other hobbies.

9. Plan Tomorrow Before Bed

You increase your chances of failing to achieve your goals if you lack planning and organization in your daily activities. Therefore, you should plan each day before going to bed, deciding what you will do in the morning and at what time. Set your intentions and follow your plan with discipline, practicing consistently to make it a habit while also reflecting on the day that has passed.

10. Stop Using Your Phone Before Bed

This behavior directly affects your body. Not only does it lead to late nights and poor sleep quality, but it also disrupts your brain's rest, affecting your morning wake-up. Therefore, when it's time for bed, put everything down and prepare for a better quality sleep.

SOURCE: www.dooddot.com