17 Two Minute Habits That Will Change Your Life

Starting a new habit can be hard, but if you make it quick and easy, you’re more likely to stick with it. This is where the two minute rule can help! The two minute rule is a strategy by the author David Allen who stated that when starting a new habit it should take less than two minutes.

For example, if you want to start reading more but find it hard to get into the habit, start by reading only 1-2 pages a day. Or, if you want to get into the habit of being more tidy, start with putting away 1-2 things every day.

Once you get used to these two minute habits, over time you can slowly increase the amount of time you spend on them. But for now, just focus on making it quick and easy so that you’re more likely to stick with it.

In this post I have listed some ideas for two minute habits that you can start today which could change your life. I have divided them into six sections:

Personal care
Relaxation
Positive attitude
Organisation
Personal development
Connecting with others.

I hope these ideas are helpful to you, but if you have any suggestions then please leave a comment below.

Personal Care

Drink a glass of water

Water can help you lose weight, keep your skin healthy, and improve your digestion. It’s also a great way to hydrate your body and stay cool on hot days. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is a great way to start your day.

Eat one piece of fruit

Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also a great source of dietary fibre. If you are struggling to eat enough fruit and vegetables in your diet, start by eating just one piece of fruit a day and then add more vegetables and fruit over time.

Stretch

Stretching is a great way to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. It can also help improve your circulation and reduce stress. It takes less than a couple of minutes to do, and can make your body feel great throughout the day.

Apply moisturiser

A good skincare routine is important for keeping your skin healthy and looking its best. Applying a serum and moisturiser to your face each day only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference to the health of your skin.

When Elon Musk was asked what daily habit had the most positive impact on his life he said simply, “Showering.”

Relaxation

Meditate

Meditation has many benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing focus. Even just two minutes of meditation can have a positive impact on your day.

Focus on your Breathing

Deep breathing has many benefits, including reducing stress and improving mental health. Taking a few deep breaths each day can help you relax and feel more calm.

Take a Brisk Walk

Walking is a great way to improve both your physical and mental health. Taking a brisk walk for just a couple of minutes each day can help increase your energy levels and improve your mood.

Positive Attitude

Write down five things you are grateful for

Gratitude has been shown to improve mental and physical health. Writing down five things you are grateful for each day is a great way to start practicing gratitude.

Start a Journal

Keeping a journal has many benefits, including reducing stress and improving mental health. You can start by writing down just a few thoughts each day.

Organisation

Get up Early

This isn’t exactly a two minute habit, but I thought it was important to mention since many successful people are early risers. Getting up early has many benefits, including giving you more time to get things done and reducing stress. If you find it hard to get up early, check out my post on how to wake up early every day without feeling tired.

Make Your Bed Every Morning

Making your bed each morning can help you start your day with a sense of accomplishment. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

Write a To Do List

At the start of the day make sure to set your intention for the day and list anything you want to get done. This will help you focus and make sure you stay on track. Having a to do list also helps to reduce stress as it can be a source of anxiety if we have too many things running through our head.

Tidy up

Taking two minutes to put things away every day can keep your home free from clutter, and help to clear your mind. It will also save you time in the long run as you will be able to find things easier. Start by putting 1-2 things away every day, and you will be surprised at how quickly your home becomes clutter free.

Start Saving Money

This habit can be done weekly, monthly or daily, but start by saving a small amount on a regular basis. Saving is a good habit to get into, and over time the amount you have saved will slowly build up. Each day think about where you could save some money, and put it aside for the future.

Personal Development

Read

Reading has many benefits, including reducing stress and improving brain health. Reading just one page of a book each day is a great way to start incorporating this habit into your life.

Take Action Towards a Goal

It’s important to set goals, but it’s just as important to take action towards those goals. Each day, do something that will help you move closer to your goal. This could be reading a chapter of a book if your goal is to learn more about a certain topic, or going for a run if your goal is to get in shape. Start taking steps towards your goal with two minute actions every day.

Connect with Others

Speak to Someone

Make sure to connect with others every day. Successful people know how important it is to exchange ideas with others, as well as the power of teamwork. Take two minutes out to text a friend, send an email or make a phone call.

Give to Others

Make sure you are regularly giving to others. This could be in the form of giving money to charity, volunteering or sharing something with someone. Every day try to give something to others, or give something back to the world.

Some well known and successful philanthropists who regularly give to other people include: Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Mark Zuckerberg.

Implementing some healthy two minute habits into your life is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. From drinking water to reading a few pages of a book, these simple habits can make a big difference in your life. So start today and see the positive impact that two minutes can make.