Settling in

Two months into my Swiss adventure, things are starting to settle in. I finally have my plastic’y residency permit, and I’ve conquered the final boss - the apartment hunt is over, and I’m moving into my new home this week. With the major battles behind me, it’s high time to refocus on daily routines and breathe new life into this blog. No more excuses.

Truth be told, my daily habits were a bit of a mess even before the move, and the past few months have been a whirlwind of chaos, routine-wise. So, how do I dig myself out of this rut?

New perspective on self-improvement

Starting a new life in a foreign country has reshaped my perspective on self-improvement. It’s nothing revolutionary or controversial, but rather one of those surface level epiphanies that hit you when you’re far from home. Living out of a suitcase for two months has stripped my life back to basics, highlighting just how little “stuff” one needs to get by—or at least, how little stuff I need.

Do I really need to fill my new apartment with ton of crap, or is this an opportunity to be more selective about what I bring into my life? While I’m not advocating for minimalism, I am advocating for a more thoughtful approach to acquisition, both material and habitual.

Reflections on Material and Habitual Additions

The comparison between acquiring material goods and forming new habits boils down to instant versus delayed gratification. I remember the excitement of buying a big new TV or an expensive design lamp for my living room—do I miss them now? Not really.

Conversely, neglecting physical exercise and indulging in poor eating habits have had tangible negative effects: lost muscle mass and added weight. The disappointment stings more than any joy I got from those earlier purchases.

Strategy for Change

It’s clear that good habits are crucial, yet I’ve been dabbling in them half-heartedly. Now, it’s time for a committed shift, but one that acknowledges I can’t overhaul my life overnight. I need a gradual plan with a positive slope—a return to the essentials:

• Sleep: Aim for a solid eight hours every night, on a consistent schedule.
• Food: Enjoy a healthy breakfast, a lunch at work, and a home-cooked dinner, cutting back significantly on sugary snacks and empty carbs. Later maybe prepping also the lunch, to be more healthy and also save some money in the process.
• Exercise: Start with free weights and calisthenics at home, building up to a regular gym routine.

Luckily, some aspects of life in Zürich naturally align with these goals. The typical workday here starts later, allowing me to have a slightly more natural sleeping schedule. And with takeaway food being pricey, cooking at home—also made easier by my new kitchen’s dishwasher—is more appealing.

Why do you think that even the basics habits are sometimes so hard to implement, when their benefits are as obvious as it can get? Share your thoughts below.