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Inspired by a relaxing weekend spent watching Netflix. My Netflix queue was chock-full of zombie and vampire flicks. So, here are some small and simple, but beneficial habits we can all learn from vampires.
Most of us know what a habit is. It’s that thing we usually do without much thought so our brain can focus its attention on important tasks we need to complete.
And what does this have to do with vampires? It turns out that there are some characteristics that vampires share in movies and television shows. And that we can connect it to simple good habits to cultivate for a better life.
Small, simple, but good habits
Read on for the small and simple, but good habits that you can learn from vampires.
Don’t enter premises unless invited
In most movies and TV shows, vampires are shown to linger by the door and cannot enter a stranger’s house unless they are invited in.
So from there, we can conclude that it is also a good practice to only do or take things when we are permitted to do so.
This good practice also includes respecting the privacy of others. And refraining from participating in conversations when not invited.
Avoid the sun
Vampires are known to sleep during the day. They are hypersensitive to light and avoid it at all costs, preferring to stay in complete darkness.
The simple habit we can learn from this vampire characteristic is to also avoid the sun. The midday sun that is. Prolonged exposure to the sun during the middle of the day can cause skin damage.
It is also always beneficial to wear sunscreen. You may not be a vampire but you still need protection from the unforgiving sun.
Eat from the source
Vampires prefer their food to come directly from the source. Because it is not processed, we can only assume that it keeps them healthy (laughing emoji here).
Anyway, just like vampires, we should get our food from the source. We should make healthy eating a habit. Increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables. Instead of the usual processed junk food, eat whole foods.
Eating healthy foods will, of course, benefit our bodies, resulting in a fit and healthy body and mind.
Hang out with their own kind
Vampires travel and hang out with their own kind. Which is understandable given that they would understand each other’s needs.
And, of course, they see humans as a source of food. Why would they hang out with their food, right?
So from here, what we can learn is to associate as well with your own kind. Connect with people who understand you and share your goals.
Associating with others who share your interests will not only make you feel more connected. But will also allow you to grow and improve.
Heightened senses
Another feature associated with vampires is their enhanced senses. Their senses, including smell, hearing, vision, touch, and taste, are heightened. Allowing them to experience more than a human being can.
You, too, can improve some of your senses through habit formation.
Actual listening, for example, can help you improve your hearing. Listen to and comprehend the feelings or emotions expressed in the conversation.
Share your own story as well. Your feelings of vulnerability. Your dreams.
Making a habit of attentive listening and sharing your own emotions will improve your empathy and relationships with others.
For vision, you can develop the habit of resting your eyes using the 20-20-20 rule. That is, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Taking a break from screens and going for a walk instead will also benefit your eyes greatly. Furthermore, the exercise will improve blood circulation, which is beneficial to the body as a whole.
Morphing
Various films and television shows depict vampires morphing into other animals, such as wolves or bats.
In the same way that vampires can transform into different forms. You too can develop a different identity by changing your habits. The power to transform your life is within you!
You can do this by first defining the identity you want to become. Do you want to become a public speaker? A writer? An entrepreneur?
Second, take action. Create habits that embody the identity of the person you want to become. Make a list of references to back up your new identity.
For example, if you want to become a photographer, then bring your camera with you all the time. Shoot regularly. Experiment with various subjects. These will serve as your reference to your new identity as a photographer.
Suave and cultured
Another recurring theme among vampire characters is their portrayal as polished, urbane, and cultured. Characteristics that humans, with the right habits, can have as well.
Self-care
This starts with developing the habit of self-care. It’s not about vanity; it’s about being less prone to illness and having better health.
Self-care also aids in the development of self-esteem. Looking and feeling good can certainly boost your confidence.
Additional knowledge
Having more knowledge can help you become more polished and cultured. And learning is not limited to the classroom but is found everywhere.
I’m not sure if vampires went to school, but given how long they lived, they would have picked up a variety of skills and knowledge along the way.
Now you may not live to be a hundred. But expanding your knowledge while you are still alive will have a significant impact on your life as a whole.
To be sure, learning new things has numerous advantages. Looking at the habits of the most successful people reveals that learning is one of the things they all have in common.
So here’s how you can develop the habit of learning:
- Decide what you truly want to learn.
- Set goals that will ultimately lead you to learn, improve, and excel.
In this quote, Earl Nightingale makes the point more succinctly:
People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.
- Make use of all available learning materials and mediums to help you learn.
We live in an exciting world now, because information abounds and can be found with a single click.
Furthermore, this information is available in a variety of formats, including long-form, listicles, infographics, video, and a combination of these formats. So take advantage of the opportunity and get to your learning.
- Schedule learning in your day- make it a habit to read a few pages, watch a few minutes of informative video on Youtube.
- Connect with others who share your passion
Learn a new language
Knowing a different language or two can help to amplify that cultured trait. Thus, you would certainly benefit from including it as another learning objective.
Superhuman strength
Vampires are also known for their incredible strength. They can easily fling a person across the room.
You can, too, if you exercise regularly. Your strength will not become superhuman, but it will improve. The benefits of regular exercise include:
- Weight control,
- Prevention of health conditions and diseases,
- Mood improvement,
- Energy improvement,
- Can put the spark back into your sex life, and
- Can improve your social connection
Compelling
Vampires have the ability to control another person’s mind simply by making eye contact. Furthermore, vampires are depicted as being capable of erasing the victim’s memories. Or even altering them to the point where their memories are completely different from what the victim actually experienced.
The power of persuasion is a human version of this ability to compel others. Persuasion is the ability to persuade others to see things your way. In addition, you can benefit from the power of persuasion by:
- Making it easier to market or sell your products or services
- Quickly building a connection with others
- Increasing the chances of a successful negotiation
In order to improve your power of persuasion, these are the habits you need to develop:
- Be bold in your statements and beliefs. Remove the phrases “I believe” or “I think” in your conversations.
- Give the other person time to process their thoughts. Tell them you value their wisdom and experience and that you always consider their opinions.
- Provide both the positives and the negatives. Allow the other person to consider other points of view and reach their own conclusions.
- Make sure your message is clear, concise, and to the point. Recognize that your message is critical, and deliver it in such a way that it is quickly and positively received.
- Paint a positive picture. Going the negative route to persuade others is not a good strategy. Because, as researchers claim, they will react negatively as well.
For example, if you want to persuade someone to change their behavior, emphasize the benefits of change. Rather than telling others what to avoid, tell them what they will enjoy.
Summary
To summarize, the proliferation of vampire shows and flicks inspired this article. It’s about the simple habits that we can learn from vampire characteristics.
And it is in these characteristics that we can cultivate habits and reap their benefits:
- Don’t enter premises unless invited. Develop the habit of not taking or doing things unless with permission.
- Avoid the sun. It is also a good habit to stay away from the midday sun and to use sunscreen for protection.
- Eat from the source. Consume whole foods and avoid processed foods.
- Hang out with their own kind. Connect with others who share your interests and will help you grow.
- Heightened senses. Develop the ability to empathize with others.
- Morphing. Although you cannot transform into another animal, you can change into a different identity of your choosing. A skill that can help you in both your personal and professional life.
- Suave and cultured. A vampire characteristic that you can also possess through self-care and additional learning.
- Superhuman strength. Regular exercise can also help you develop this skill. It will not give you superhuman strength, but it will greatly improve your body.
- Compelling. The ability of a vampire to manipulate thought. The ability to persuade is the human equivalent of this trait. Develop the habit of persuasion, and you will be able to benefit from making others see things your way.
Please share your thoughts about this article in the comments below. You might be interested in these articles as well:
Top 10 Reasons Why Change Is Difficult
How To Start Over Even When You Feel Old
9 Effective Habits For A Happy Life
29 Quotes To Make Change A Little Easier
9 Powerful Soft Skills You Need In Writing
Outside reference:
5 STEPS TO DEVELOPING A LIFELONG HABIT OF LEARNING
Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
9 Habits of Remarkably Persuasive People
