I don’t like to admit this, but I used to be a bit of a Debbie Downer. Instead of looking inward, taking care of my health, and trying to find the good in each day, I caved to the comparison trap, ate crappy food, and focused on the negative.
Newsflash: that is not a way to live!
Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to change your life. Nope, you don’t need self-help books, expensive personal trainers, or tons of supplements to make self improvements.
Below are 3 simple ways to improve your life right now.
1. Focus on gratitude
Whether you start a morning devotion, write in a journal before bed, or create a gratitude jar (like I did last year)—just make an effort. We all have our bad days—and this suggestion is in no way meant to discredit the hard times—but when you choose (key word: it’s a choice!) to be grateful and focus your energy on the positive things in your life, you will benefit immensely (bonus points: so will the people in your life!).
2. Purchase a water bottle…
…and use that sucker. Seriously, fill up that bottle and take it with you everywhere you go. When I entered the workforce for the first time, I did not fuel myself properly. I was not adequately hydrated, and when my body tried to tell me to drink some water, I misread those cues as hunger and ate crappy snacks at my desk. And then I felt worse. Now, I drink some water first thing in the morning and sip it constantly throughout my day. As a result, I have more energy, my system keeps things moving (if you know what I mean), and my skin is so much brighter and clearer. Seriously, people—drink water! Add those flavoring drops if you have to.
3. Get your body moving
If your schedule allows you to hit the gym or take a long run before work or school, that’s incredible. You’re way ahead of me! But even if you’re too busy to hit the gym, there are ways to sneak in some activity. Go for a walk during lunch, do some squats or lunges several times throughout the day, or hit the elliptical for just 15 or 20 minutes. Our bodies are meant to move, so it’s no wonder that we feel physically and emotionally drained after a long day at the office. Some days will be easier than others, of course, but do your best to make moving a priority each day.
These are just a few ways to improve your health and mood. Whatever you do, don’t say it’s impossible!
[linking up for thinking out loud]
- Do you struggle to drink enough water?
- How do you focus on your wellbeing throughout the week?
- Any tips for staying active at the office (or whatever environment you work/live in)?
Beautiful! These suggestions are SO simple but I sometimes forget about them. Thank you for the reminder!
It’s so easy for me to forget the simple things, too! Sometimes I just need to breathe to get back on track. 🙂
Gratitude!!! That is the word I have been learning. I have had so much time this year to reflect on all the good and perfect gifts from our God above, and it leads me to so much praise for the God we serve. He is awesome in so many ways, even if I didn’t have all these gifts, because He is just such a great Heavenly Father!
Isn’t it amazing when we reflect on our lives and how we’ve grown? Gratitude seems like such a simple concept, but it really does take work. It’s easy to think “I don’t have this” or “why can’t this go my way” instead of taking inventory of our many blessings. I know I’m blessed way beyond what I deserve. I’m glad you’ve been able to reflect this year and hope the blessings continue.
Practicing gratitude has made the BIGGEST difference any happiness levels. I sed t like to focus on the negate as well, but consciously shipping my facto all the things I have to be grateful for has turned me into so much more of a positive person. And YES to hydration and movement. So important.
Ditto. I’d like to think I’ve mostly been an optimist my whole life, but for a while there, all I could focus on was “why don’t I have this” or “why is my life not like so-and-so’s” and it was exhausting. It took a lot of effort on my part, but learning to be grateful for the little (and big) things really turned around my perspective. I still have my days (don’t we all?) but I feel like I’m a much happier, pleasant person now. Thanks for stopping by.
Love these tips! They sound so simple but are so effective! The gratitude one is really big to me right now and it’s been helping me feel so much better each day.
Isn’t it amazing how little efforts on our part can change our perspective? All it takes is a small reminder of something I’m grateful for to help turn my day around. Glad it’s been helping you, too!
I really need to move my body more! The colder weather and need to study keeps me on my butt! Walking makes me feel so much better, I really need to incorporate it back into my life!
For me, its the early nightfall that keeps me on my butt! If I don’t walk at lunch or go to the gym right after work, it’s game over. 🙁
Update: After reading this post last night, I got up at 6 am to go walking at the gym 😀
Shifting my focus from all I miss in my life on all that I do have makes the hugest difference in how I feel. It’s something I also need to be mindful of when talking to others asking how I am. Saying negative thoughts oud loud manifests them even more.
I agree on the importance of moving, too. No matter which way – for me right now running is off but I walk every day.Bonus points for moving outside because fresh air and being in nature is a wonderful way to make life better, too.
I totally agree! Its easy to focus on what we don’t have but it sure does make us feel crummy. Such a great reminder to be mindful when speaking to others about ourselves, too! I try not to “voice” my negative thoughts either.