Dear Reader,

When it comes to self-improvement, we often feel pressured to make big changes. This is especially true with our health, as poor health impacts every aspect of our lives, making us long for a quick transformation. The irony is that drastic change rarely works.

Fortunately for us, we can experience lasting changes to our wellbeing without a complete overhaul of our life.

Ichinichi ichizen: “One good thing a day”

There is a well-known Japanese proverb ichinichi ichizen (一日一善), which roughly translates to “one good thing a day”. It means that when we are consistent in our positive actions– no matter how small– we can create a lasting impact on both ourselves and the world around us.

Because we may not notice it, but our daily habits have the power to shape the majority of who we are and what kind of person we become.

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Ichinichi ichizen (一日一善) : One good thing a day

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My best simple daily habits

• Make my bed. There is something so satisfying about making my bed that helps set the tone for the rest of the day– like yes, I’m now starting my day! Climbing into a ready-made bed at the end of the day is also a wonderful way to orient my mind for sleep.
• Fresh air. Much easier when the weather’s nice, but even when it’s meh I at least make it a habit to open a window for a little bit. It re-engages the senses– smells, sounds, sensation– in a way that immediately brings me to the present moment.
• Eat something healthy. It’s become increasingly apparent to me that my gut is like a living creature. I’ve been thinking of it like a beloved pet, and I want it to be happy and healthy. I treat it to delicious food too, but ultimately I want it to thrive, so I make sure that I eat at least one nutritious meal throughout the day. If not a meal, at least a vegetable or fruit.
• Move my body. It doesn’t need to be an entire workout, but if I notice I hadn’t left the house all day I might take the time to go on a walk, stretch, or do something to move my body for 10 minutes. I rarely regret a nice walk or stretch.
• Connect with someone. Some days I am spoiled with a full day of conversation with a loved one, but other days I still make it a habit to connect with someone else– a good morning to a barista, thank you to someone who held the door open for me, or a brief phone call with a friend. Connecting with others is grounding.

The "secret" behind what makes ichinichi ichizen effective and unique

Ichinichi ichizen doesn’t need to be a long list, and it certainly shouldn’t feel like a chore. It doesn’t even need to literally be “every day”.

Rather than a list of things to do, the value of ichinichi ichizen is that it's a simple yet effective way for us to check-in with ourselves and our well-being.

By being mindful of our daily habits, we're able to build towards and set a strong foundation for what makes our lives truly meaningful-- whether that be time with family, travel, a passion, or something else.

A healthy routine of simple daily habits can have a big impact on our physical and mental well-being over time. Not only can it enhance our quality of life, but it often leads to a sense of accomplishment and confidence that can spill over into other areas of our lives.

Just one good thing a day.

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What’s a healthy habit you’re trying to get into?

I'd love to hear from you! I read everything that comes my way ❤️

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Warmly,

Kaki

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