Summer – when life is slower, chiller and less frantic – is the perfect time to kick-start some good – and good-for-you – new habits.

No – trust me – while still fully soaking up summer, do also use these next few weeks to slowly and intentively make some positive changes to your life. And there is no need to go crazy – instead, slowly introduce some new, healthier and happier habits, and you'll be far more likely to stick to them. Wondering where to start? These 25 little changes might not sound so life-altering, but you'll soon see how much of a difference they'll make: 1. Sleep enough Try to make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night, ideally eight. You will feel better, think better and manage everything in your life so much better if you are well rested. 2. Make your bed in the morning It takes just a minute, yet it will instantly make you feel more together and organized, which will set a good tone for the day from the get-go. Also, come evening, you will love the feeling of getting into a nicely made-up bed. 3. Stretch Doing some yoga first thing would be even better, but even taking a couple of minutes upon waking to just stretch your arms and legs a little will help you feel more awake and ready to get on with your day. 4. Pay your bills on time This may sound like common sense, but the reality is that many of us are a bit sloppy with things like regularly checking our accounts and paying bills on time. The thing is, feeling like we are on top of things like finances will make you feel less stressed and sleep better at night. 5. Try not to worry over little things Try this trick: When you find yourself freaking out over something, stop and ask yourself. "Will this even matter in five years?" If the answer is "no" well, then you know it's not worth spending too much time worrying about. 6. Don't be sad in order to make someone else happy Remember that you are worthy of happiness and good things. Don't sacrifice that just to make someone else happy. 7. Try to make a meal plan every week You'll find you'll eat healthier, save money and have less stressful afternoons. 8. Break a sweat at least three times a week Walk, run, swim, do yoga – at the end of the day, just find something you like doing when it comes to physical activity and stick with it – you will feel so much better for it. 9. Cry when you need to Seriously – sometimes a good cry really does make everything better. 10. Watch your words Remember that once certain words are out there, they cannot be taken back. Stop and think before you talk, especially if you are angry or feel let down. 11. Learn to make your favourite take-out dish at home Chances are it will be even better, healthier and you'll save money. 12. Save Even if it is only a small sum every month, everything is better than nothing, and you'll soon see how good it feels to know you are able to save and create a safety net for yourself. 13. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children Studies show that more marriages last – and fewer kids use drugs – when these words are spoken every day. 14. Don't buy things you don't need Most of us have too many things and too much clutter in our homes, causing mess, chaos and actually leaving us feeling anxious. 15. Clean your house every week Living in a clean and tidy environment makes us feel happier and less stressed. 16. Buy yourself flowers Once a week, maybe on a Monday and or Friday, pick yourself up a bunch of flowers. Having fresh flowers at home us such a happiness booster. 17. Once a month, organize your paperwork File away important things, toss old receipts, but stuff you need to keep into folders. You will love the feeling of not having random pieces of paper floating around the house. 18. Clean out your handbag Take everything out, clean the inside of your bag with a wipe. Toss everything old, broken or stuff you don't need and put just the important stuff back in. 19. Edit your wardrobe Take everything out, donate what you haven't worn in the last year, throw out what's broken and hand everything you want to keep nicely back in, putting items that are the same together, so you can easily put together an outfit in the morning. 20. Take your vitamins Health is wealth. 21. Meet with friends often Grab a coffee with a co-worker, start a book club, book a trip away with the girls, just make sure you see your friends, they are so important to your happiness. 22. Drink more water You'll feel better and have more energy. 23. Dry-brush your skin Every morning, get up 10 minutes early and dry brush your skin before having a shower. This will get rid of toxins and dead skin, and you'll feel invigorated and have skin that is healthy and super-soft. 24. Be kind and honest These two will never be wrong, and the world needs more of these. 25.Prep your week on a Sunday Iron what needs ironing, meal-prep, write out your calendar for the week ahead, get the kids' bags and books ready, doing all these little things on a Sunday will make sure you hit the ground running come Monday.