Establishing positive habits into your life as a new expat is a powerful way to maintain your wellbeing, ensure a smoother transition, and make the most out of your new adventure. One of the most impactful things both my husband and I have done since our move, is to establish some positive and healthy habits into our daily routines. Here’s how you can incorporate positive habits into your life and make them stick.
Techniques to Make New Habits Stick
START SMALL
Begin with small, manageable changes. Rather than overhauling your entire routine, focus on one or two habits at a time. This makes it easier to stay committed and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
SET CLEAR GOALS
Define what you want to achieve with your new habit. Whether it’s improving your fitness, enhancing your language skills, or adding wellbeing activities into your day, having a clear goal gives you direction and purpose. don't forget to write it down!
CREATE A ROUTINE
Consistency is key to habit formation. Choose a specific time of day for your new habit to help it become a natural part of your day. It helps here to try to keep your daily activities to similar times of day and get some key activities into a regular rhythm.
USE REMINDERS AND TRIGGERS
Set reminders to keep you on track, especially early on. Once the habit forms part of your routine, you may no longer need a reminder to do it. Use triggers, such as pairing your new habit with an existing one. For example, you might decide to practice your new language skills right after breakfast each day, or doing your deep breathing exercises just before bed.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Keep a journal or use a habit-tracking app to monitor your progress. Seeing your growth over time can be incredibly motivating and help you stay committed.
REWARD YOURSELF
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small (this is my favourite part). Rewards can reinforce positive behaviour and keep you motivated to continue. Remember not all rewards are big or costly, it could be having a cup of your favourite tea after finishing that Language exercise, or reading a chapter of your book after doing yoga.
STAY PATIENT AND FLEXIBLE
It's important to understand that forming new habits takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow some flexibility. If you miss a day or encounter setbacks, don’t get discouraged. Simply get back on track and keep moving forward. Get to know what works for you. A client once told me they had a "reset day", where no matter what happened the previous week, they started again on Monday as thought the setback never occurred. Similarly, a friend of mine uses the "good, better, best" model, where she allows herself 3 possible outcomes and gives herself credit even though she didn't manage all she hoped for.
Positive Habits for Expats
LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Depending where you're moving to, improving your language skills not only helps you navigate daily life, but also deepens your connection with the local community. Dedicate a few minutes each day to language practice and get lessons from a local, if possible.
STAY ACTIVE
Regular physical activity boosts your mood, energy levels, and overall health. Find a local gym, join a sports club, or explore outdoor activities like hiking or cycling in your new environment (also a great way to meet new people).
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
Experiment with local cuisine and incorporate healthy eating habits. Visit local markets, try new recipes, and ensure you’re getting a balanced diet. As an expat in Dubai, I found myself constantly getting takeaways and eating out and this made me feel like a total slug. The best thing I did after settling into our home here, was to start cooking my own balanced meals.
ESTABLISH A SOCIAL NETWORK
Building a support system is crucial for your wellbeing. Attend local events, join expat groups, or engage in new activities to meet people and make friends. Set aside some time each week to stay connected with the people you meet, so that friendships can develop more quickly.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND SELFCARE
Mindfulness practices such as meditation, journaling, or yoga can help you stay grounded and reduce stress. It also helps you to reflect on how things are going and any changes you want to make, or actions you want to take. Set aside time each day for self-care activities that nurture your mental and emotional health.
EXPLORE YOUR NEW SURROUNDINGS
Make it a habit to explore your new city or country. Regularly visiting new places keeps life exciting and helps you feel more connected to your new home. Take some time to regularly visit places that you feel connected to. This will help you feel more settled and give you a place to go when you feel unsettled and remind you why you're there.
SET PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS
Having goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction. Whether it’s advancing your career, pursuing a hobby, or personal development, setting and working towards goals can be highly fulfilling and help you stay on track with the direction you want your life and/or career to move.
Incorporation Positive Habits into Your Life as a New Expat
Incorporating positive habits into your life is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and flexibility. By starting small, setting clear goals, and being consistent, you’ll create a foundation for a fulfilling and joyful experience in your new home. Remember, every small step you take compounds like interest to bring you closer to a happier and healthier life. Embrace the change, stay positive, and enjoy the adventure!
If you're looking for help to transform your new life into one filled with happiness and growth, book your free expat coaching discovery call with me using the button below.
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