It’s now officially one week into the new year – 2012. What have you done, if anything, differently? Forget about resolutions and promises of massive change, they are just way too hard to keep. Most people just end up letting themselves down. However – there are some simple and everyday things that you can do to make some very real and positive changes in your life, without the Promise of New Years Resolution. Check it out:
20. Walk daily
Couch potato is just not a natural state. Comfortable, yes, but humans aren’t supposed to be sedentary beings. We are born to run, to walk and to play. Walking every day is good for your physical health. But more importantly, it’s good for your mind. Walking is a joy. You are outside without distractions. You may even see people. And there’s few better ways to boast your mood.
19. Wake Up Early
Early morning is the best time of day. It’s peaceful, the hustle and bustle of the day hasn’t started yet and it can be very relaxing. OK, so you may not be a mornign person, but there are no other times with no interruptions and no noise. It’s worth it.
18. Eat Right – Not Lots
Many of us overeat. It feels good to stop and say enough when the time comes. Eat slowly, and eat until you’re full. Eat so that your belly doesn’t bulge.
17. Get Off the Sidelines
Stop Watching, Start Doing. Watching is easy. Anyone can watch someone. Spectating isn’t inherently bad, but if that is you are doing then there is no balance. Move from watcher to doer and you will find a whole new “buzz” just waiting for you.
16. Chill – Go Slowly
Our culture tells us to go fast, to sprint and win the race. Problem is, the race never ends. When you choose to go slowly, you will discover that all of sudden you get to call the shots and be in control, because you have set the pace.
15. Declutter
Hoarding sucks, and literally sucks the life out of everything around you. Declutter mentally, physically and socially. The only way to get rid of clutter is to get rid of stuff. Deal with bad thoughts and be done with them. Delete unneeded files. Get rid of unnecessary items and you will see lots of space open up around you.
14. Get Stronger
There are many ways you can become stronger. You can refuse to back down because of fear. You can stand up for what’s right. And you can become physically stronger. All do one thing, increase your confidence. Gradually become stronger, and the world will open up.
13. Drink More – Water
Being well hydrated is a huge contributor to an overall sense of well being. Drink water, and it will make you feel better. Stay away from overly sugarised drinks, which often make you feel anxious and bloated. Drink water with meals and drink it throughout the day.
12. Discover Your Spiritual Side
The benefits of meditation are well-known. But most people don’t practice it because it seems complicated. The truth is, you don’t need to shave your head, or sit with crossed legs to meditate. The simplest way to meditate is to just sit and breathe. Focus on your breathe. Or focus on the sounds around you.
11. Plan - But Keep Reasonable Expectations
Planning for things is necessary to achieve and move ahead. But keep it within reasonable limits and it is amazing how this can reduce the stress that most people put on themselves. It can be that simple.
10. Live In Your Moment
We live here and now. The present is the only time we are truly living. So instead of analyzing the past or worrying about the future, it feels great to take some time to live in the moment.
9. Don’t Obsess Over Goals
Goals are good. They provide order to your life. But keep all things in check at all times. Instead of obsessing on a goal, focus on the moment. Do things that you love, and do things well right now. This will get you farther than an arbitrary thing that you can check off, and you will eventually accomplish the goals that you set for yourself. Truly, slow and steady does win the race.
8. Focus On What’s Important
Too often, we let the little things get in the way. It is possible to forget the trivial and focus on what’s important. What is important? It’s up to you. Family, writing, reading, sports – whatever is important to you is what countsz. Clear away distractions and do the important things.
7. Change things up
De-routinize. A routine will zombify a person. Instead, change things. Often you will find that a change makes things more exciting. Don’t be afraid to change things up.
6. Pause Before Purchase
We really dont need to be consumers all the time. Replace the rush of purchase with the thrill of life, and take a breath before you feel the need to buy. Often we think we need something, but it ends up in the basement – unused. Before you buy something, wait a day or two. If you still believe it to be useful, then buy it.
5. Stop Judging
Judging is easy. Yet, it’s impossible to fully understand others, especially when you judge from a distance. You don’t know what someone else has been through. So why judge? It’s harmful to your own peace, and it’s harmful to others.
4. Stop Interrupting and Listen
Let people finish their sentence. You aren’t in such a hurry that you need to interrupt. Let people speak. You might learn something.
3. Create Something
Everyone has something they can add to the world – something they can create. Spend time everyday creating. You are capable of creating something – an artpiece, a software program, a piece of furniture, a game – something to get those creative juices flowing and feel the amazingly satisfying feeling of creative accomplishment.
2. Single-Task Is the New Multi-Task
Multi-tasking is a myth – jack of all trades, master of none. We can’t multi-task – our brain can only switch between tasks. So multi-tasking is actually less productive; not to mention more stressful. Instead, focus on a single task. Move on when it’s finished.
1. Play
Face it - people are just too serious too much of the time. It’s ok to laugh and goof off sometimes; in fact, it’s healthy. Dont’t worry about what you may look like actually having fun, just let loose. Don’t hide your playfulness. Forget maturity. Forget working for a while. Play. Enjoy life.
