Do you need to get back on track? The first of year is popular for resolutions and promises. These attempts at change often fall short for most of us. Instead of creating a list of things to change and promises to keep in 2019 try these 7 simple & easy adjustments to your daily routine.
1. Go Outside.
“Do you have a favorite park or nature trail? Maybe you have a favorite bench at a local lake or a playground you used to frequent.”
Just getting outside can increase your productivity. Evidence shows that being in nature can reduce hypertension and lower cardiovascular illnesses. Nature can decrease mental fatigue and create meaningfulness and happiness in us. Our physical and mental health are positively impacted by being outside in nature. People of all ages need to go into the woods and clear their minds.
2. Go Play
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning." -Diane Ackerman
You're never too young or too old to play. Play comes in many forms. There is organized play in the form of sports or board games or outdoor yard games and free play. We recommend both, but love free play the most. It clears the mind and increases creativity in the workplace. The more free play you experience the more your mind is open to creative ideas. Plus play is good for the body physically and mentally! Can't think of where to start? Go to a playground and slide down a slide or sit on a swing and rock slowly. If you are feeling daring cross the monkey bars and dangle your feet.
3. Be Mindful
mind·ful·ness /ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/ noun 1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. 2. a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
Practice mindfulness. Be fully aware. Be present. Know where you are and what you are doing. When we practice mindfulness we are not overwhelmed by what is going on around us. Anyone can do it! It doesn't cost anything but brings so much to your life. It's a way of living that reduces stress and brings awareness and caring to all we do. It generates innovation from within. And, it creates resiliency in our ever changing world. It's good for the mind and can be done by any faith. Mindfulness takes practice, but it is worth it. Do it every day.
4. Eat the Colors of the Rainbow
We all know fruits and vegetables have healthy properties. Each color has it's own disease fighting components. Start slow. Don't get overwhelmed trying to add all those disease fighting colors to your daily intake. Make it a daily practice to add a new color and soon you will be on your way to fighting off diseases and eating healthy. Don't think of it as diet. Think of it as exploring and trying new things. If you don't like to live too dangerously then stick to your favorites and be sure to get all the colors in.
5. Perform an Act of Kindness
Acts of Kindness not only bring happiness to others but foster a sense of well-being and happiness within us. Try keeping your act of kindness a secret. Not all good deeds have to be posted on social media. You are what you keep.
Anyone can do this one. Acts of Kindness come in all forms and most don't take any money or time to do. It can be fun to come up with acts of kindness to keep in your back pocket. Your friends and family may want to get in on the fun and come up with their own ideas to share too. An act of kindness doesn't have to be big. It can be as simple as holding a door open, smiling at a busy cashier, find an opportunity to give a compliment or share an overheard compliment, offer to pick something up for someone, leave a nice note or prepare a lunch. The list is endless and with all the playing outside your mind will be creative in coming up with many more. What could be better for your health and well-being than doing for others?
6. Drink Water
Water has many benefits. It is essential to life. Water helps us function properly throughout the day. It makes up 73% of our brain and heart. Life could not be sustained on Earth without water.
One of the best ways to stay mentally and physically fit is to get plenty of water daily.
What are some benefits?
Improvement of Brain Function
Hydration
Weight Loss
Combat Headaches
Better Physical Performance
Save Money
How can you add water to your daily routine? It's easier than you think! You can start by not leaving home without water. If you have a full water bottle with you then you can drink that when you feel thirsty. This also saves money so you don't impulsively buy a sugary drink or another coffee. What else? Keep it cold. Cold water is fresh and inviting to the brain and makes us more willing to drink it. Drink water with meals. Drink water when you go for a restroom break. Drink water when you wake up. Jazz your water up by adding fresh or frozen fruit or sliced cucumbers. Use an app if you need to to track your water intake and please encourage your family to bring their water bottles along too.
7. Get More Sleep
Sleep is important to our physical well-being. Sleep is when our bodies heal. It's important for brain function and it shouldn't be something you skimp on.
We all know there are many benefits to sleep, but what if you can't sleep? What if you toss and turn and the sheep aren't helping?
Some things you can try include 1-6 on our list above. As you continue to make these small adjustments you will see changes in all aspects of your life. Some other things you can try include keeping a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime ritual, having a comfortable sleep area, cutting out electronics in your sleep area and daily exercise.
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