benefits of hot tub in morning

225 HABITS TO TRACK + FREE PRINTABLE HABIT TRACKER

Looking to add positive habits to your daily routine and make meaningful changes in your life? You’re in the right place! Today, we’re sharing a list of 225 habits you can track, plus offering a free printable habit tracker to help you kickstart your journey.

WHY USE A HABIT TRACKER?

Tracking your habits offers powerful benefits that can keep you motivated, help you see your progress, and inspire you to build new routines.

BOOSTS MOTIVATION

Keeping a daily or weekly record of your habits can give you the motivation to stay on track. The “don’t break the chain” method popularized by Seinfeld is a great example of this—watching your progress build up day by day can drive you to keep going.

It also makes it easier to track tasks that you may not love but still need to do.

VISUALIZES YOUR JOURNEY

Tracking habits lets you see your growth over time, from where you started to where you are now. If you don’t hit 10,000 steps every day at first, that’s okay! Start with a goal that feels doable, like 6,000 steps, or aim to reach 10,000 steps just a few days a week. The focus is on consistency, not perfection.

HELPS YOU BUILD A ROUTINE

Filling in your habit tracker each day is a great way to establish a new routine. It serves as a daily reminder to stick with the habits you’re trying to adopt and gives you a visual cue to stay on track.

BREAKS DOWN BIG GOALS

Achieving big goals can feel daunting, but a habit tracker helps you break them down into manageable steps. By focusing on one habit at a time, you’re steadily moving toward your larger goal, one small action at a time.

225 HEALTHY HABITS TO TRACK

MENTAL HEALTH HABITS TO TRACK

  • Practice positive affirmations
  • Get fresh air outside
  • Track your mood
  • Spend time on a hobby
  • Write in a gratitude journal
  • Talk to a friend
  • Release feelings – journaling or talking to someone
  • Therapy
  • CBT exercises from a book like Mind Over Mood
  • Do something you love
  • Practice self-care
  • Practice saying no
  • Get physical activity
  • Have a shower
  • Get dressed
  • Eat healthy meals
  • No social media days
  • Self-Love journaling
  • Listen to happy music
  • Work on a personal goal
  • Find ways to laugh – funny videos, stand-up comedy on Netflix, etc
  • Follow a healthy morning or bedtime routine
  • Give yourself downtime to rest and rejuvenate
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Be kind to yourself – focus on positive inner dialogue

PHYSICAL HEALTH HABITS

  • Track your water intake
  • Use a food journal
  • Walk daily – set a step or time-based goal
  • Meal prep
  • Cooked at home
  • Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
  • Stretch (morning or evening)
  • Get 7-9 hours sleep
  • Eat a healthy breakfast
  • Take medication
  • Take vitamins
  • Exercised for at least 30 minutes
  • Eat 5 servings of vegetables
  • Eat 4 servings of fruit
  • No alcohol
  • Drink water and lemon first thing in the morning
  • Have one fully plant-based meal a day
  • No added sugar
  • No caffeine
  • Take the stairs, park further from your destination or get off the bus one stop early
  • Walk your dog
  • Go for a run
  • Track symptoms – headaches, joint pain, etc
  • Floss daily
  • No sweets
  • Bring lunch to work
  • Lift weights
  • Use sunscreen

SPIRITUAL GROWTH HABITS

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Daily prayer
  • Write in a prayer journal
  • Study religious texts
  • Attend a religious service (church, temple, mosque, etc)
  • Daily acts of kindness
  • Be humble
  • Serve and show your love to others
  • Show your gratitude to others
  • Look for the kindness in others
  • Practice patience
  • Share your faith
  • Act with Filotimo – popular Greek word and way of living, hard to properly translate but loosely means… 

WORK AND CAREER HABITS

  • Wake up early – aim for 30 mins to 1 hour earlier than your normal time
  • Get to work 10 minutes early
  • Create a concrete agenda for every meeting you set
  • Ask co-workers how they are – be friendly, have a chat
  • Complete your most important task for the day first
  • Add value to every meeting you attend – ask questions, share thoughts
  • Network 
  • Set weekly, monthly goals and quarterly goals
  • Create a daily to-do list (that you actually follow)
  • Respond to emails in the same day
  • Prep for 10 minutes before every meeting
  • Clean your desk at the end of each day
  • Take a course to strengthen skills – work on it throughout the week
  • Get outside for a conference call – walk and talk
  • Talk to your boss – share wins, ask questions, and get to know what they want from you
  • Learn a new skill 
  • Ask for feedback
  • Ask what skills you need for a promotion – then work towards this everyday
  • Close down your work by 5 or 6 pm every night
  • Dress for the job your want (not the one you have)
  • Look for ways to help others
  • Read an industry article every morning
  • Meet your deadlines – always
  • Coffee with coworker
  • Decline meetings you don’t need to attend
  • Social media posting

PRODUCTIVITY HABITS

  • Use the Pomodoro technique
  • Stop multitasking
  • Plan your day the night before
  • Take a 5-minute break every hour
  • Batch task – do similar habits in the same work session, i.e. graphic design
  • Don’t hit snooze in the morning
  • Snooze your phone calls during work sessions
  • Organize your tasks based on the Eisenhower Matrix – which helps you identify tasks to focus on first based on importance and urgency
  • Add tasks to your calendar to block off the time – giving yourself permission to focus on that specific task
  • Plan your week every Sunday or Monday morning (and follow that plan)
  • Write your top 3 goals/tasks in your calendar or planner every day (this will help you focus on what matters most)
  • Use an app like toggl to track your time on projects (especially if you have to track your hours for clients
  • Use a distractions list – anytime something off topic pops into your mind throughout the day, simply add it to the list to deal with later
  • Start the day with your hardest task first – known as ‘Eat The Frog’

HOUSEHOLD HABITS TO TRACK

  • Sweep/vacuum the floor
  • 10-minute tidy-up every night
  • Made the bed
  • Rinsed/cleaned the shower
  • Followed chore schedule
  • One load of laundry a day
  • Unload dishwasher
  • Tidy/clean fridge
  • Clean toilet
  • Clean sink
  • Tidy daily clutter
  • Water plants
  • Make dinner
  • Tackle in-coming paperwork every day (junk mail, bills)
  • Declutter
  • Regularly donate stuff you don’t need
  • Fix one small thing every day/week, etc that’s been bothering you at home 
  • Gardening
  • Walk the dog

FINANCIAL HABITS

  • Track daily expenses
  • Track income – If self-employed review every day or week
  • Follow a daily/weekly budget
  • Pay bills right away
  • Research new ways to increase income
  • Worked on side hustle
  • No online spending
  • Zero spend month (other than essentials – food, bills)
  • Put money into savings
  • Reduce the amount spent on home utilities (gas, water, hydro) – turn lights off, use appliances during off-peak, etc
  • Learn something new every day based on your financial goals – read articles, listen to podcasts, etc
  • Set up automatic money transfers to your savings account and check it weekly or monthly for encouragement
  • Look for ways to save every day and track new ideas and hacks you’ve discovered
  • Use cash for all purchases
  • Make healthy budget meals (that doesn’t sacrifice flavour)

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT HABITS

  • Read everyday
  • Learn from a podcast – The Diary of a CEO is my new favourite
  • Follow a healthy morning routine
  • Take a course 
  • Write one line a day every day 
  • Create a SMART goal and track your daily progress
  • Volunteer
  • Leave a space better than you found it – especially in public
  • Say YES, especially if you’re in the habit of saying no – especially to things that can help you grow as a person
  • Use ‘The 5 Second Rule’ from Mel Robbins – count back from 5-4-3-2-1 and then take action (great for you procrastinators out there)
  • Completed or worked towards something from bucket list
  • Listen to a podcast
  • Learn from a TED Talk 

SELF-CARE HABITS TO TRACK

  • Quality alone time
  • Practice positive self-talk
  • Go on a date with yourself
  • Write down one thing a day you love about yourself
  • Unplug from technology every night 1 hour earlier – then fill your time with something else you’ve been wanting to do
  • Practice deep breathing
  • Create a ‘feel better’ list and use is daily (when needed)
  • Do something that physically feels good – hot bath, using essential oils, getting a massage, etc
  • Ask for a hug
  • Spend time in nature
  • Do something creative
  • Stay true to your personal boundaries
  • Wash face and moisturize nightly

CREATIVE HABITS TO TRACK

  • Brainstorm creative ideas every day
  • Write for 30 minutes a day
  • Spend time learning about artists, writers
  • Work from a different location every day – new locales spark creativity and new ideas
  • Read poetry
  • Write poetry
  • Try new creative outlets – like social media – try Youtube, love sketching – try watercolor
  • Creative reflection and journaling
  • Network with other creatives
  • Allocate time to regular daydreaming (doing nothing and seeing where your mind travels)
  • Use an adult coloring book
  • Work on a puzzle
  • Take a meaningful photo every day
  • Learn a creative skill like brush lettering
  • Make a new recipe – aim for something new a few times a week
  • Work on a craft

SOCIAL / RELATIONSHIP HABITS TO TRACK

  • Call your mom/dad/sister/brother
  • Say I love you to your partner
  • Kiss your spouse
  • Family dinners
  • Date night
  • Be a good listener
  • Do something kind for someone
  • Don’t use your phone when talking to someone
  • Stay in contact with people that matter to you
  • Sex with your partner – especially great if you’re trying to conceive
  • Stop texting and start calling people
  • Have a weekly girl’s brunch or night out
  • Talk to someone you don’t know
  • Don’t complain
  • Look for things you have in common with someone – especially if you don’t get along
  • Reply to text messages
  • Send a handwritten letter (or postcard) to a friend or family member

BAD HABITS TO QUIT

  • Reduce screentime to less than 1 hour
  • Getting takeout
  • Eating fried food
  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • Mindless eating / binge-eating
  • Buying coffee out
  • Biting nails
  • Drinking soda
  • Mindlessly scrolling
  • Being late
  • Negative self-talk
  • Using screens before bed
  • Staying up too late
  • Skipping meals
  • Procrastination
  • Buying things you don’t need – overspending
  • Too much social media
  • Being rude/angry to the people you love
  • Leaving things to the last minute
  • Dwelling on the negative
  • No phone at the dinner table
  • Any other negative habit you have – focus on ending it and keep track of that!
  • Interrupting people
  • Gossiping

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE HABIT TRACKER TO GET STARTED

Once you download the free habit tracker, you can start by choosing one or a few of these habit ideas to focus on. Before long, you’ll be on your way to building better habits across different areas of your life. This daily habit tracker provides space to monitor your weekly habits, and soon enough, your new routines will become second nature.

TIPS FOR USING A HABIT TRACKER

Set the Right Goal with the SMART Method: Make sure your goal aligns with what you truly want to achieve. If you’re not invested in it, your habit tracker will end up with more empty spaces than you’d like.

Be Honest: Tracking your habits only works if you’re truthful with yourself. Remember, this tracker is for you and no one else.

Have Fun & Get Creative: Use colorful pens, markers, or try different habit trackers to keep things exciting and engaging.

If You Miss a Day, Don’t Worry: Missing a day is no big deal! Just pick up where you left off the next day.

Don’t Track Habits You Already Do: For example, there’s no need to track brushing your teeth (unless you’re teaching this habit to a child). Focus on habits you’re actively working on.

Try Habit Stacking: Add a new habit onto an existing one. For instance, if you already drink a cup of coffee every morning, try using that time to meditate for 5 minutes.

Start Small: Begin with simple habits and build from there. Once you’re comfortable with your routine, you can tackle more complex habits.

Create Time for Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished. What would you change for the following week or month based on what you’ve learned?

Be Kind to Yourself: Habit trackers aren’t about measuring your worth. If you don’t hit all your goals, avoid negative self-talk. Instead, look at what worked, what didn’t, and apply those insights to improve in the future.

HOW MANY HABITS SHOULD YOU TRACK?

I believe it’s not about the quantity of habits, but rather selecting the right ones to track.

Personally, I recommend keeping it to a manageable number—ideally no more than 5 at a time. Tracking too many can become overwhelming and may make it harder to stick to any new habits. But ultimately, you know yourself best, so choose what works for you.

If you’re just starting out with habit tracking, I suggest beginning with one important habit you’d like to introduce into your routine.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating positive habits into your daily routine is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By tracking your progress and celebrating your achievements, you can build momentum and create lasting change. With the 225 habit ideas and free printable habit tracker provided, you have the resources to embark on a journey of self-improvement. Remember, small steps lead to big results. Start today and unlock your full potential.

DIY AROMATHERAPY SHOWER MELTS: 4 EASY RECIPES

Discover how to create your own aromatherapy DIY shower melts using essential oils! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make and use shower steamers, featuring four delightful homemade recipes: invigorating citrus fizzies to wake you up, eucalyptus shower bombs to soothe colds, relaxing rose shower tablets, and lavender melts to promote restful sleep. This post is a guest contribution from Country Hill Cottage and includes helpful tips for packaging, along with free printable labels for gift-giving!

We all need a bit of wellness now and then, and aromatherapy shower steamers are the perfect way to create a spa-like experience in your own bathroom. Personally, I often opt for a quick shower instead of a long bath, making homemade shower melts an ideal choice for a refreshing aromatherapy boost. Whether you’re showering in the morning for a revitalizing lift or winding down in the evening after a stressful day, these little luxuries can transform your everyday routine into a relaxing wellness retreat. Sound good? Let’s dive into making DIY shower melts!

Benefits of shower melts

Bath bombs, bath soaks, and milk baths are well-loved products for enjoying the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils in the tub. But what about using essential oils in the shower? Enter DIY shower melts! When activated by water, these shower melts fizz away, releasing delightful fragrances that indulge your senses and soothe your mind.

Aromatherapy shower melts—also known as shower tablets, shower bombs, or shower steamers—are effective for balancing your mind and emotions, relieving stress and tension, and alleviating symptoms of headaches or sinus congestion.

Materials and supplies for shower melts

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients for making basic shower melts:

  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and citric acid: These two ingredients are crucial for creating the fizzing effect. The reaction begins when baking soda and citric acid come into contact with water.
  • Arrowroot powder: This ingredient stabilizes the shower melts and helps control the fizzing reaction. Cornstarch can also be used as an alternative.
  • White kaolin clay: Incorporating clay helps extend the longevity of the shower steamers. If you prefer a recipe without clay, check out these DIY shower melts for colds.
  • Essential oils: The aromatherapy benefits of shower tablets come from the essential oils used. Keep reading to discover various shower melt recipes featuring essential oils.
  • Silicone mold: I used a simple round mold, which is the perfect size for creating single-use melts that last for one shower.

How to make DIY shower melts – step-by-step tutorial

DIY shower melts are simple to make! For precise measurements of each ingredient, be sure to consult the recipe card at the bottom of this post. For a detailed, step-by-step tutorial with process photos, check out this guide to DIY shower steamers.

Let’s get started on making shower melts:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a large, non-metallic mixing bowl, combine the baking soda, citric acid, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and mica or natural colorant (if using). Whisk until well combined.
  2. Add Essential Oils:
    Drop the essential oils into the mixture and give it a quick stir. This helps distribute the oils evenly and prepares them for the next step.
  3. Spritz with Water:
    Lightly spritz the mixture with a small amount of water, alcohol, or witch hazel, and immediately incorporate it to prevent a reaction. If you don’t have a spritz bottle, you can sprinkle water using a teaspoon.Tip: Wear nitrile gloves to protect your hands during this process, as citric acid can remove nail polish and irritate sensitive skin.
  4. Tips for the Best Consistency:
    Achieving the right moisture level is crucial for perfect homemade shower melts. The mixture should resemble damp sand and be wet enough to hold its shape when pressed together.
    • Too Dry: If the mixture is too crumbly and falls apart, break it into a bowl, reconstitute with a little water, and mold it again.
    • Too Wet: If the mixture is too moist, it will expand, affecting the fizzing reaction. You can tell if there’s too much moisture if you hear a fizzling sound, indicating premature reactions. To fix this, add more arrowroot powder, one teaspoon at a time, until the fizzing stops.
  5. Fill the Mold:
    Fill a silicone mold with the shower melts mixture, pressing firmly with your fingertips, especially at the edges.Tip: If you’re using dried herbs or flowers, add them before filling the mold. Keep larger decorations, like dried rose petals, away from the edges to prevent breakage.
  6. Dry and Unmold the Aromatherapy Shower Melts:
    Allow the shower melts to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours until they feel hard and solid. To unmold, carefully peel back the silicone and gently push the melts out.Tip: Humidity can affect the drying time of shower tablets. If you live in a humid area, be prepared for a longer drying period.

And there you have it—beautiful homemade shower melts infused with essential oils! Now that you know the steps, let’s explore four different recipes designed for energy, relaxation, sleep, and sinus relief.

Energising citrus wake up shower melts

Imagine waking up in a fragrant citrus orchard, surrounded by blooming lemon, orange, and grapefruit trees. Lovely, isn’t it?

My homemade wake-up citrus shower melts have a bright, uplifting aroma that will energize you and help you start your day on a positive note.

Essential Oils for Citrus Wake-Up Shower Melts
A refreshing blend of citrus essential oils gives these morning shower fizzies an invigorating fragrance. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 100 drops lemon essential oil
  • 80 drops sweet orange essential oil
  • 80 drops grapefruit essential oil

Other Materials for Citrus Shower Melts
I chose not to add color to the wake-up shower melts but used dried calendula petals as a decorative touch. Their cheerful yellow hue reminds me of a sunrise, making them simply perfect for this uplifting shower bomb recipe.

DIY eucalyptus shower bombs with menthol

Eucalyptus shower bombs with menthol crystals are one of my favorite natural remedies for colds, stuffy noses, headaches, and respiratory issues. Inhaling eucalyptus essential oil provides a soothing effect and acts as a decongestant for the sinuses and airways.

Essential Oils for Eucalyptus Shower Tablets
Here are the essential oils you’ll need for this eucalyptus shower melts recipe:

  • 100 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 50 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 30 drops pine essential oil
  • 15 drops thyme thymol essential oil

Kid-Safe DIY Eucalyptus Shower Tablets
While eucalyptus, peppermint, and thyme thymol essential oils are effective for easing respiratory issues in adults, they aren’t suitable for children due to their high camphor content.

To create kid-safe decongestant shower tablets, use the following essential oil blend:

  • 80 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
  • 50 drops spearmint essential oil
  • 20 drops pine essential oil

Other Materials for Shower Melts with Menthol Crystals
The decongestant effect of this homemade shower melts recipe is enhanced by adding menthol crystals. These crystals are a solid compound derived from mint oil, and their strong aroma helps open the airways.

Since menthol crystals are highly concentrated, please do not exceed the amount specified in the recipe card below. Additionally, it’s best to omit the crystals for children under seven.

I colored the eucalyptus shower bombs with a small amount of green mica and added a sprinkling of dried herbs for an extra touch.

Uplifting shower tablets for relaxation and stress relief

The scent of these rose shower tablets is both calming and balancing, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. I love using these shower bursts before meditation or after a workout.

Rose absolute essential oil imparts a floral and sensual aroma to the relaxation shower melts, making them perfect for unwinding and de-stressing during your shower.

Essential Oils for Relaxing DIY Shower Tablets
To create a calming and relaxing essential oil blend with rose, you will need:

  • 100 drops rose absolute oil
  • 60 drops ylang ylang essential oil
  • 30 drops vetiver essential oil

Other Materials for Homemade Rose Shower Melts
For a delightful touch, I chose dried rose petals and pink mica to enhance the rose-scented shower melts. I can also imagine how lovely white shower bombs with rose petals would look.

If desired, you can color your steamers with beet powder for an extra pop of color.

Homemade lavender shower melts for sleep

Here’s another relaxing DIY shower melt recipe, this time featuring essential oils that promote sleep and deep relaxation.

These soothing tablets are perfect for calming your mind before bedtime, helping to encourage a restful night’s sleep.

Essential Oils for Sleepy Shower Bombs
Let’s explore the essential oils needed for lavender shower tablets:

  • 100 drops lavender essential oil
  • 40 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 40 drops neroli essential oil

Other Materials for DIY Lavender Shower Melts


These stress-relief shower melts are customized with blue mica and dried cornflower petals. This shower steamer recipe for sleep would also look beautiful with violet mica and dried lavender buds.

Alternatively, you could use blue spirulina powder as a natural colorant.

How to Use Shower Melts

Here are some tips for using shower tablets:

  1. Place the DIY shower melts away from direct water and the drain. Ideally, only the bottom of the tablets should get wet. A soap dish is a great option for holding the shower melt.
  2. Breathe deeply as the essential oils vaporize into the air, and enjoy the aromatherapy experience.

How Long Do Shower Melts Last?
Small shower melts, like the ones I created for this post, typically last for one shower, and possibly two, depending on their placement and the duration of your shower.

How Do You Make Shower Melts Last Longer?
To extend the life of your shower melts, keep them out of direct water flow. If they get too wet, they will fizz away quickly, and the essential oils will dissipate too fast.

Using kaolin clay in the recipe also helps prolong their duration by slowing the reaction between the baking soda and citric acid.

Can You Use a Shower Bomb as a Bath Bomb?
No, it is not safe to use shower melts as bath bombs. Shower steamers are designed to infuse the air with essential oils and are not meant for skin contact.

Essential oils are not water-soluble, meaning that if you add them to bathwater, they will pool on the surface, which can lead to irritation and skin rashes. Bath bombs typically contain an emulsifier that safely distributes essential oils in the water, whereas shower steamers do not include such agents.

For more information about essential oil bath safety, check out this article by the Tisserand Institute.

Homemade shower melts: a lovely beauty and wellness gift idea

Shower Steamers as Unique Homemade Gifts

Tips for Packaging Shower Melts for Gifting
When preparing your DIY shower melts as gifts, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their quality. Here are some packaging tips:

  • Airtight Containers: Keep your shower melts in an airtight container or jar to protect them from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. A dry cupboard is an ideal storage location.
  • Cute Packaging Ideas: Consider using 4oz quilted mason jars or flip-top jars for a charming presentation. These containers not only look appealing but also ensure that your shower melts stay fresh.

Shower Bomb Favors for Weddings and Parties

Shower bombs make for thoughtful and budget-friendly favors for weddings and parties. You can easily package two to three shower melts in a small organza or muslin bag, then attach a thank-you tag for a beautiful and memorable wedding favor!

Wellness Gift Set

Incorporate your shower bombs into a wellness gift set! They make a delightful addition to a pamper hamper and are a unique gift idea for natural beauty enthusiasts.

For more beauty and wellness gift inspirations, consider adding chocolate rose bath truffles, a luxurious milk and honey bath soak, or refreshing pink lemonade tub tea to your collection.

Printable labels and gift tags

This homemade shower melts recipe comes with free printable labels and gift tags, perfect for packaging and gifting!

The round printable labels are specifically designed to fit the lids of 4 oz mason jars. The gift tags feature thoughtful sayings for various occasions and holidays.

To access the free printable PDF, simply sign up using the email form below. Once you confirm your email, you’ll receive immediate access.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own aromatherapy shower melts is not only a fun and rewarding DIY project but also a fantastic way to enhance your daily shower routine. With simple ingredients and customizable essential oil blends, you can create shower tablets tailored to your mood, whether you’re seeking energy, relaxation, or relief from colds. These delightful shower melts can also serve as thoughtful gifts for friends and family, packaged beautifully with the included labels and tags. So why not indulge in a little self-care and create your own shower melts today? Transform your showers into a soothing escape and elevate your wellness experience, one melt at a time!