Habits to develop while you’re young

Youth is the time when everyday patterns begin to take shape – the ones that later become your “normal.” Building simple yet effective habits during this period is a kind of long-term investment in your future.

The editorial team at ELLE O‘zbekiston shares eight mindful practices worth adopting as early as possible. No pressure, no “new life starting Monday”, just a gentle way to be more attentive to yourself.

Tracking expenses means caring for yourself 

Financial literacy is all about feeling grounded: understanding where your salary goes and what you can afford. There are apps like Moneon, Spendee, or even Telegram bots that help you keep track of your spending without feeling pressured. Sometimes, a simple system works: split your money into “essentials” and “everything else,” and keep cash for the latter. When the bills run out, the limit sets itself.

Eating mindfully doesn’t mean dieting 

Taking care of your body starts with observation, not restriction. Which foods give you energy? What makes you feel heavy or light? Try logging your meals for a couple of weeks in an app like FatSecret – not to count calories forever, but to understand your own balance of proteins, fats, and carbs. After that, it’s best to listen to your intuition and body.

Photо: Unsplash

A steady sleep schedule is self-care 

Chronic sleep deprivation creeps up quietly, until it becomes your new normal. Then come problems with focus, mood, and immunity. What matters is not just how many hours you sleep, but how regularly. One simple trick: create a bedtime ritual. A warm shower, skincare, chamomile tea, and a few pages of a book. This cues your body that it's time to wind down. Stability beats any sleep tracker.

Move, even when you don’t feel like it 

Physical activity keeps your body from freezing up in front of screens. A walk to the store, dancing in the kitchen, stairs instead of the elevator – it all counts. Aim for at least 5,000–6,000 steps a day. Frequent small movements are more beneficial than rare, intense workouts.

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Clear your head with a to-do list 

Information overload, deadlines, personal matters – it’s hard to breathe when it’s all in your head. Write it down. On paper or in an app – Notion, Google Keep, a paper planner. One short to-do list per day can reduce anxiety better than meditation.

Health checkups as part of your routine 

Once a year is not that often. A basic blood test, vitamin D, B12, glucose, ferritin, and an ultrasound if needed. Tie it to a specific date – your birthday or the start of spring. That way, the habit will remind you on its own.

Photо: Unsplash

Phone breaks – time to reset 

Even one screen-free evening per week can make the day feel longer. No need for a full-on “detox” – just put your phone in another room, light a candle, journal, or listen to music. The Forest app can help, while you leave your phone alone, a digital tree grows. It visualizes your choice to disconnect, making it easier to stick with.

Say “no” – without apologizing 

Agreeing out of politeness often drains more energy than you realize. You don’t have to say “no” harshly – try not answering right away. A phrase like “I’ll think about it and let you know tomorrow” gives you time to assess if it’s truly important. It also helps to prepare a few neutral yet firm phrases in advance, so you don’t start over-explaining in the moment.