Nine 10-Minute Daily Habits That Will Change Your Life

6 min read

Education & Career Trends: August 25

Curated by the Knowledge Team of  ICS Career GPS


Starting your day with a clear vision of what you want to achieve sets the foundation for success.

  • Article by Ananya, published on medium.com.

In fact, just 10 minutes of focused effort can be enough to make a significant difference. The biggest reason we are not able to stick to new habits (or break an old one) is that we don’t start small.

That is why, 10-minute habits are game changers. Despite their simplicity and short duration, they still can have some impact on your life.

So, here is a list of 10-minute daily habits that have the potential to transform your life.

1. Begin the day with the end in mind

  • Starting your day with a clear vision of what you want to achieve sets the foundation for success.
  • In just 10 minutes each morning, you can set your intentions, visualise success, and create a roadmap for your day.
  • Take 10 minutes each morning to imagine the positive outcomes, the emotions you’ll experience, and the impact it will have on your life.
  • Write down your intentions for the day.
  • Specify the key actions you need to take to move closer to your goals.
  • Be as specific as possible, and focus on the most important tasks.

2. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning

  • Drinking a glass of water takes only a few moments, making it an easy habit to incorporate into your morning routine.
  • Keep a glass or bottle of water by your bedside the night before. You need a visual reminder to drink water upon waking up.
  • As soon as you wake up, reach for the glass of water and drink it before engaging in any other morning activities.
  • To make it easier, set a daily reminder on your phone or incorporate it into your morning routine by changing the name of your wake-up alarm to ‘Drink a glass of water’

3. Go on a 10-minute walk every week (or every day)

  • Taking a 10-minute walk can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
  • It helps you breathe fresh air, clear your mind, and feel refreshed.
  • All it takes is setting aside 10 minutes for a walk, and you’ll experience the benefits.
  • You can do this every day or choose a specific day each week.
  • Decide how often you want to go on a walk: every day or once a week. Consistency is important.
  • Set a specific time for your walk and make it a priority.
  • Take this time to unplug from technology and focus on the present moment. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
  • Sometimes, you can even utilise this time to listen to your favourite song or podcast.

4. Practice the one-tab rule

  • We often get overwhelmed with too many tabs open in our web browsers.
  • The One-Tab Rule will help you simplify your online experience, stay focused, and make the most of your time.
  • Following the One-Tab Rule is quick and easy, taking less than 10 minutes.
  • It’s about managing your tabs with awareness and being mindful of your online habits.
  • Close unnecessary tabs and keep only the one you’re currently using.
  • Before opening a new tab, ask yourself if it’s really important for what you’re doing right now.
  • Save links or information using bookmarks or a note-taking app instead of keeping multiple tabs open.

5. Write down 3 non-negotiables for the next day before sleeping

  • Non-negotiables are the key tasks or activities that you commit to completing the next day, regardless of any circumstances or distractions that may arise.
  • They are the top priorities that you consider essential and non-negotiable in achieving your goals or maintaining your well-being.
  • Choose three specific tasks or activities that you will commit to accomplishing the next day. Make sure they are realistic and attainable within your available time.
  • Write down your non-negotiables on a piece of paper or in a digital note.
  • Place this reminder where you will see it in the morning, such as on your bedside table, on your phone’s lock screen, or as a note on your computer desktop.
  • Start your day by focusing on your non-negotiables.

6. Tidy your space for 10 minutes

  • A clean and organised environment promotes a sense of calm, reduces distractions, and allows you to focus better on the tasks at hand.
  • You might think that tidying up your space requires a substantial amount of time and effort, but dedicating just 10 minutes can make a noticeable difference.
  • Set a timer for 10 minutes to create a sense of urgency and focus.
  • Start with a specific area or task, such as clearing your desk, organising a shelf, or decluttering your workspace.

7. Read for only 10 minutes

  • Reading for just 10 minutes a day is a great way to make reading a habit.
  • These short reading sessions can accumulate over time and expand your knowledge base.
  • Set a timer for 10 minutes to help you stay focused and committed to your reading session.
  • Find a quiet and comfortable spot where you can immerse yourself in the reading experience.
  • Try adding it somewhere in your regular routines throughout your day, such as during your lunch break, commuting, or before bed, to fit in your 10-minute reading session.
  • If you read nonfiction, remember to always have a small notebook and pen to make notes, underline and use it later to actually apply the concepts.

8. Write about your day for 10 minutes

  • Writing about your day doesn’t have to be a lengthy or time-consuming task.
  • Allocating just 10 minutes before bed or at the end of your day can be very valuable.
  • Set a timer for 10 minutes to maintain focus and prevent the writing session from becoming overly time-consuming.
  • Then, just write.
  • Write whatever that comes to your mind.

9. Meditate for 10 minutes

  • It’s an accessible and manageable practice that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.
  • Find a comfortable and quiet place where you won’t be easily disturbed.
  • Set a timer.
  • Close your eyes and begin by taking deep breaths.
  • Incorporating these 10-minute habits into your daily life can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and personal growth.
  • By starting small and dedicating just a fraction of your time each day, you can create positive changes in every aspect of your life.

So, whether it’s starting your day with a glass of water, taking a short walk in nature, or practising mindfulness through meditation, these 10-minute habits can bring about remarkable transformations.


Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)

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