Everyone can use a bit of change every now and then in order to revamp their life, but it can often feel dramatic or intimidating to find a starting point. The good news is that improvements or alterations to your habits do not have to be drastic to get results. Employing any of the following practices can help you to tackle the day feeling like your best self.
- Spend Time Outside
Being outdoors can optimize your mood, even if it’s just for a bit. The US Department of Agriculture states that spending time outside can reduce occasional stress levels and support mental health. If you have the time, make a day out of it and pack a picnic to take to the park. If your schedule is looking busy, find small ways to incorporate time outdoors into your day. Walk to grab a coffee in the morning instead of making one at home, or try biking to the post office instead of driving. Small changes like these can still make a big impact.
- Take Your Vitamins
Many people find taking a daily multivitamin or specific vitamins targeted to their specific health goals to be a great way to bolster a health-focused lifestyle. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements can help support your body and maintain your overall health.
- Count Your Blessings
It can be easy to focus on the negative sometimes, but spending time expressing gratitude for all you have can draw your attention to the positives in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal that allows you to jot down daily insight, or shooting friends and family members a quick text of appreciation are simple but effective ways to give thanks and make someone’s day.
- Plan Ahead
If you find yourself getting easily stressed or biting off more than you can chew, it may be time to assess your organization methods. Lacking organization can lead to a hectic schedule, which can in turn feel overwhelming. Keeping a physical planner with important dates and events blocked off can help give you a better picture of what you can realistically commit to. If you are more technology-oriented, there is a variety of free apps that can help you to organize different areas of your life.
- Crack a Book
Taking the time to read is a hobby many successful people have in common. Spending just ten minutes each day to read can make working through a book feel more manageable, especially if you are a busy person. Reading can offer new perspectives and help you learn about things you wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to. It can also provide you with a sense of comfort or solidarity when you are invested in characters that make you feel seen.
- Let Creativity Flow
Finding time to be creative can support your brain health, according to Forbes. If you’re not naturally a creative person, don’t force it. The beauty of creativity is that there are no rules, and you can express yourself however feels best. Perhaps you want to slap paint down on a canvas, or maybe you want to sew old scraps of fabric together to make something new. However you choose to get creative is up to you, as any expression will help get you out of your head and provide an outlet for stress to evaporate and fun to flood in.
- Dress To Impress
Looking your best really can help you feel your best, as The New York Times expresses. While it may not be realistic to get dressed up or made up every day, picking a day a week where you put in a little extra effort can help you to feel empowered and confident in the version of yourself that you are presenting to the world.
Incorporating little changes to your day can make a big difference in your productivity, mood, and confidence. Following any of the tips above is a great starting point on the journey of self-improvement.
