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My 5 Daily Non-Negotiables That Stop Me From Punching People

My 5 Daily Non-Negotiables That Stop Me From Punching People
Carly Jacobs
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abits are weird. Sometimes we’re very, very aware of them particularly if we’re trying to create a new one. For instance someone who is trying hard to stop having a muffin with their morning coffee, will really notice not having the muffin. If they weren’t trying to stop having a muffin, they’d just have the muffin and not think about it. The good thing about habits is that they truly do become second nature if you stick at them. Eventually they can even become a daily non-negotiable. I’ve got a few daily habits that started out quite painful but have now turned into non-negotiables for me. I thought I’d share my list just in case there was anything that you might like to try – you never know – your next good habit could be just a day away.

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I must walk 10,000 steps

I just objectively feel like shit when I don’t move enough, so I plan my day around getting enough walking in. I sleep terribly and I feel really grumpy if I don’t do this. Sometimes if it’s cold and I don’t feel like moving, I have to force myself to go for a walk but I just have to remember how much worse I feel if I don’t do this. It’s become almost a craving for me now which is excellent.

I must drink 2 litres of water

I have a Drink Water app on my phone that reminds me to hydrate through out the day. I don’t normally struggle that much on gym days but if I have a rest day, I need that little reminder. It’s also Apple Watch compatible, so it taps me on the wrist if my phone happens to not be near by. If I’m feeling a bit run down and sick at the end of the day, it’s usually because I haven’t had enough water.

I must engage in a pure pleasure activity

Writing and blogging used to be my pleasure activities and now blissfully they’re my job which is obviously amazing, but I do need to make sure I stop at the end of every day and do something else. I’m shocking at sitting still so I need something to do with my hands. I always make sure I crochet, read a book or have a coffee or a glass of wine with someone I love every single day. We all work hard and we should get enjoyment every day. No arguments.

I must eat a healthy lunch

Sometimes I like to self sabotage and eat something stupid like a laksa for lunch. Which is obviously delicious and awesome but then I feel gross and sluggish for the rest of the day. I can handle a laksa for dinner because I only have to sit around and sleep at night but if I have to do things, I need to eat well during the day. That means a shite load of veggies and some kind of lean protein. Not negotiable.

I must have a proper break at lunch time

Every now and then I try to barrel on through my lunch break and this is always a mistake because I just crash and burn at 3pm. I need a decent break, a decent meal and I need to read a book or something unrelated to work for a bit. Not for long – half an hour will do me – but it has to be away from the internet and my phone. Otherwise I’m as good as useless for the afternoon.

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Do you have any non-negotiables in your day? Cuddles with your cat? Calling your bestie? A green smoothie?

 

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16 Comments

  1. Missy D 8 years ago

    Mine is probably my morning coffee as soon as I get up. I get up at about 5/6am and my partner doesn’t get up until 7am, so I have a good 1-2 hours that are just mine. I like to just sit, drink my coffee, not talk to anyone, and do things like read this blog and check my emails. 😉

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Oh I do that too! But partner doesn’t get up until 10am… so I have hours! He stays up late working with his OS partners though so he gets away with it.

  2. Reannon 8 years ago

    Mine has become the gym. I go four days a week & the only thing that stops me is if the kids are sick. Everything else is planned around my gym schedule, not because I’m trying to get fit it lose weight but because it’s become my therapy. Having an hour or two to myself helps me cope with everything else. Some days I really have to force myself to go but I do & I always feel much better afterwards.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Gym is the best! I’ve always been a gym go-er and you know what? No matter how much I don’t want to go, I never ever regret it ever!

  3. Sonia Styling 8 years ago

    I am 100% with you on all of these things! The only extra thing I’d add is getting up at a time that means I’m not in a rush to get ready for work. There’s no surer way to put me in a bad mood if I’m rushing and feeling flustered before my day has even begun. It’s becoming trickier with these darker, colder mornings – but I’m trying my best!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Oh that’s so true! I’ve been doing the same thing – I totally skipped the gym this morning because I was so warm and snuggly and I just couldn’t get out of bed!

  4. Gillian 8 years ago

    Love this list!! Mine are – in no particular order – {1} phone call with my mum/sister/friend {2} not working on computer after 8pm {3} massive raw veggie snack box at lunch time {4} writing a daily task list and ticking off every task {5} spending focussed time (no phone interruptions) with my 3 + 6 year old boys {6} spending focussed time (no phone interruptions) with my husby talking through our day

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Oh I love your number 1! I wish that was mine but my house has no reception so I have to stand on the balcony if I want to call. So annoying. I also try to go screen free at 9pm – I sleep so much better!

  5. Dr Na 8 years ago

    1. Coffee in the morning
    2. At least an hour away from screens
    3. Some vegetables

    And this is purely specific to being pregnant, but right now: some time between the end of the work day and dinnertime spent lying horizontally. Carrying a baby is exhausting!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Oh imagine it is! I can’t believe you’re growing a human that’s crazy talk!

  6. Alix 8 years ago

    Do a 1.5km ocean swim at either 6.30 or 7am. I prefer 6.30am – it’s dawn when we dive in and the sun rises as we are three-quarters of the way through. Such an awesome start to the day that we feel like shit if we don’t do it now.

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Oh wow that sounds like total bliss! I’m super jealous! Although I don’t love the ocean… I love the idea in theory!

  7. Jess Carey 8 years ago

    My biggest one is taking my lunch break, too – I don’t know how some people can be content to stay in the office all day!!! I eat my lunch at my desk while I work, but then I go to a café, get a pot of tea and read a book 🙂 muuuuch better!

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      I try so hard not to do that! It’s hard – I kind of skipped lunch again today but I definitely won’t tomorrow!

  8. mmmmmmmm laksa . . . .

    • Author
      Carly Jacobs 8 years ago

      Don’t tempt me! It’s like the coldest on earth in Melbourne today!

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