As you begin creating new habits in order to live the best life you can, you might wonder
exactly what habits work best, and whether or not the ones you have formed are really
going to benefit you. Here are some of the qualities of the best and healthiest habits.

It Has Purpose

The first quality any good habit should have is that it has purpose. It is not a habit just to
do the habit, but it actually benefits you in some way. For example, you are making a
habit of doing yoga every morning because it is good for your mind and body, and doing
it in the morning helps to energize you for the day. If you write in your journal each
evening, that habit is great for your mental health. These are signs that you have
created some good habits. However, if you canít really find the point of one of your
habits, it is time to move on to something else.

It Helps Short-Term AND Long-Term

Another quality to keep in mind is that it is not only helping you now, but has potential
lasting results. A habit that is only going to help you in the short-term might not be worth
doing for too long. Think about habits that are good for weight loss, for example. A habit
that helps you now, like being on a super restrictive diet, is only going to help you until
you reach the weight loss goal you set out. It is better to choose weight loss habits that
will help you keep the weight off and be happier in the long-term, like adding in more
healthy foods, exercising each day, and drinking more water.

It Doesnít Cause You More Stress

Some habits might still fit the other criteria for being good habits, but for you personally,
they are just causing you too much stress. This often happens when it is either too
complex for your life right now, you started it too quickly, or it just doesnít fit in with your
lifestyle. If you barely get up now on time, setting your alarm for an hour earlier to try
and fit in meditation or mindfulness before work is probably not going to be suitable to
your lifestyle. Try to think of another way to achieve the goal you want, without having to
make it harder for you to stick to.