We asked 9 women about the small daily habits that changed their lives.

In the aftermath of the pandemic (yes, this still haunts me), and amidst the rising cost of living, I've dedicated this year to small daily habits.

Whether that be health, wellness or figuring out my finances, this is the year my 'ins' and 'outs' have never been so important.

And yes, it’s March, but that doesn’t mean that those small daily habits the majority of us committed to in January have become any less relevant. 

It’s a similar story for a lot of my friends — we’ve all collectively felt the burn that is burnout, and we are wanting to change our lives (not drastically) but make small changes that will help us cope with the mental load that is ✨2024✨.

But how exactly are we meant to live, laugh and learn in these conditions?

For me, it’s been holding myself accountable to pilates, reducing my caffeine intake, falling asleep by 10pm (I was hugely influenced by the Diary of a CEO podcast) and going for early morning walks on the beach. 

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The start of the year always comes easy to me; what’s not to love? I’m riding the high that is the time off over the Christmas break and warm weather. The colder months, however, are a different story.

Sure, we have it easier compared to the rest of the world who experience much colder weather, but this is when those daily habits make a difference.

As winter approaches, boosting your immune support can contribute to your overall wellbeing. Comvita’s Australian-made Olive Leaf Extract liquid range is a natural ingredient source that uses fresh-picked leaves, offering higher bioavailability.

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Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support immune system function, oleuropein is a natural antioxidant polyphenol, a powerhouse compound derived from olive leaves. It can be added to smoothies, juice or herbal tea to provide everyday antioxidant support and general wellbeing. 

In the spirit of small daily habits, I asked nine women for theirs and as always, they delivered. Here’s what they had to say… 

"It's taken me until 31 to find the type of exercise I actually enjoy doing (I cracked the code!) and it's dance workouts. Even if I just do it for 20 minutes, they've changed how I feel about exercise and make me ridiculously happy. It must be at home, in the aircon (I'm a sweaty girl), preferably alone with the blinds down, lol. The retro dance classes on the MOVE app are my favourite (the trainer Corinne alone might have changed my life, her energy is BUZZING) plus the Eras Tour dance workouts on YouTube by Audrey Koomar." — Shell 

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"Gratitude journaling each morning completely changes my outlook for the day. There is actual science behind practising gratitude; it increases the neurotransmitters in your brain, resulting in an increase in your 'feel good' hormones." — Gabby

"After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, I’ve been making my bed every morning. I feel more productive and proud starting my day feeling tidy and organised." — Ellie 

"My new daily habit is a morning reformer pilates class. Doing a 45 minute class before work every day gives me 45 minutes to put my phone down and prepare myself for the day. Instead of waking up, going on my phone, and then to work, now the first thing I do is go to pilates, connect with my mind and body before going on my phone. These days, we rarely spend any time off our devices and pilates gives me that moment of peace for mental and physical health."  — Jess 

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"Starting every morning with 5 minutes of Duolingo has actually helped me so much with waking my brain up pre-6am (and with learning Spanish, of course!)" — Jaslyn

"This is so random, but waking up with my partner at like 5am before he leaves for work so we can have a coffee together, then going back to bed and enjoying a lovely little sleep in — makes me so much happier for the rest of the day." — Helena 

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"I love doing Wordle in the morning; it always makes me feel like I've accomplished something at the start of the day." — Carla

"Drinking two litres of water a day now that I have a cute new water bottle. Not only do I feel like I'm doing something good for my health, it's also been an absolute mood booster (plus we love water for fresh-looking skin)." — Isabella 

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"When life gets busy, I often find myself skipping my daily skincare routine — gasp, yes, sometimes I don’t even put moisturiser on at night… Well, that needed to change. I realised it’s the one moment where I’m truly present with myself and there are absolutely no distractions. It’s where I now reflect, feel calm or simply enjoy slathering on products. I now show up for myself every day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. My skin is healthier and I’m happier." — Brittany 

Shop Comvita's Olive Leaf Extract liquid range, available in original, mixed berry and peppermint. 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Featured Image: Supplied.