How is your life going? If you don’t like the direction you find yourself traveling, only you can change your life. But how can you best do so? Living your best life requires you to examine what matters to you. It also entails taking care of your physical and mental health so that you have the energy to go over your dreams.
If you want to live your best life, you need to tend to your physical and mental health. You also must identify your purpose for living and align your behavior with that inner truth.
Do you start each day with a idea of what you hope to accomplish during the coming 16 hours or wake up and middle through your day? You will supercharge your productivity without feeling additional stress or overwhelm if you set intentions. Unlike goals, intentions focus on what you can accomplish in the present - which can help you reach your future objectives. You might intend to show acts of kindness one day, and this overlying purpose will color decisions like whether to help a colleague or give your spare change to anyone.
Your physiology came equipped with two responses to external stimuli — fight or flight. However, when faced with modern stressors like a micromanaging boss, your automatic reactions can result in self-defeating behaviors. You see this phenomenon when people sigh, “I need a drink” after a trying day. They seek to escape. However, when you continually seek out activities to numb your emotions, this avoidance behavior can have severe consequences. If you throw yourself into work to avoid marital problems, your spouse may interpret your absence as a lack of caring and pack their bags anyway. By identifying what triggers these reactions, you can make healthier choices in managing stress.
If you are one of many panicked due to the economic downturn, use it as motivation to take charge of your finances. Make a budget and identify ways you can decrease expenses and increase savings. Then, start that side hustle or begin clipping those coupons.
SMART goals are specific & measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Saying, “I hope to run a marathon someday,” won’t help you cross the finish line. However, making a training schedule and lacing up your running shoes will. Identify one goal you’d like to achieve in each area of your life. Then, plot a life to get there that challenges you without setting you up for failure - like trying to lose ten pounds in one week.
Your food influences your physical health, but it can impact your mood, too. Strive to eat a diet based around whole foods close to their natural form. Reduce your consumption of processed products and additives like sugar and salt. Try it for a week and see how you feel.
Exercise is one of the most worthwhile activities because it benefits your body and mind. Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also improves your self-esteem and real happiness.
What do you do in your spare time? If you find yourself bored frequently, you might feel tempted to turn to unhealthy habits like drinking. Instead, cultivate a healthy hobby, like working in your garden. You keep yourself busy and could potentially identify an additional income stream.
You may have heard the saying, “When you give, you get back twice as much.” There is truth to this folk wisdom that extends beyond having a friend return the favor after you helped them move. The next time you have a terrible day, try donating money to a beloved cause or picking up litter on your evening stroll. Performing this random act of kindness should boost your mood.
Have you ever snapped at a loved one when you were tired? Nearly everyone has - but a lack of sleep can also damage your physical health. To practice positive sleep hygiene, adhere to a regular bedtime and wake up at the same time daily. If you find yourself tired during the day, it’s okay to take a 30-minute nap.