This article was last updated on January 17, 2022
“Happiness is a state of mind, a choice, a way of living; it is not something to be achieved, it is something to be experienced”.
Some of the most worthwhile things in life might not be easy. And ‘living better’ could be one of them. Life is never a bed of roses for anyone. The world puts obstacles in our path and it is up to us to deal with them in a way we deem appropriate. We can either remain stuck, linger and complain or take alternative measures to accept these hurdles as a way of life and move on. The power of positive thinking and positive actions cannot be disregarded.
Easier said than done? No way. It starts with our mind and requires effort.
Here are simple steps to change your life for the better. Stop chasing. Start living.
5 Simple Steps To Change Your Life For The Better
Wake up each day to a plethora of opportunities
“Every morning we wake up is the first day of the rest of our life.” – Reverend Kathy Kiuna
Morning is the best time of the day. Utilize this time to organize and make yourself ready for the challenges that the day will bring forth. If your work starts early, make it a point to hit the bed early so that you get some time in hand for yourself before you go to work.
Ensure that you get sufficient sleep at night and after you wake up, make sure to enjoy some quiet time each day. Treat yourself to warm cup of cuppa. Skim through the appointments, meetings and to-dos for the day. It will make you a more productive, peaceful and organized individual. Take a walk in the nearest park, even if it is for 15-20 minutes. Have a wholesome breakfast and dress well to keep yourself confident throughout the day.
Celebrate every little achievement
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso
No one can define the exact meaning of success as our quest to strive for something bigger and better never ceases. In this process, we often forget to notice the little milestones we achieve. Whether it is an appreciation mail received from the boss, that weighing scale showing one kilo lost or the weekly target which your team has achieved, celebrate every little joys in life.
Gift yourself something you love and do not forget to thank people who have helped you achieve them. It will boost your morale and motivate you to strive higher. If a colleague has achieved success too, compliment him/her ardently.
Take rejection and failures in your stride
“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.” – Max Ehrmann
Rejection is only dangerous when we allow ourselves to wallow in it. Don’t let disappointments grapple the better of you. Accept failure as dauntingly as you embrace accomplishments.
Treat failure as a stepping stone to success. Revisit your undertakings and analyze aspects which did not work in your favour and strive to amend. Take a break if you feel the need. Go on a holiday or simply stay at home and gather your thoughts. Work on the shortcomings and bounce back with fresh and renewed spirits.
Take Care of Yourself
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that in act of political warfare.” – Audrey Lorde
In these ever challenging times, it is important that you take an inside-out care of yourself. Be at the top of your game all the time. Cut down on fast food and sodas. Restrict nicotine and alcohol. Eat wholesome healthy food such as fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water. Take care of your personal hygiene. Wear your favorite perfume and clothes which make you feel your best. Ensure you get a health check up done every year.
If you do not have the time to exercise, adopt simple habits such as taking the stairs instead of the elevators, getting off the bus a few stops earlier and walking the rest of the way home or simply add walking time to your lunch hours. Find ways to keep learning through reading, studying others, doing things differently and being open to advice.
Build a strong support system with friends and family
“The love of family and the admiration of friends are much more important than wealth and privilege.” – Charles Kuralt
Humans are social animals and our brains are built for social interactions. Having a job in a different city or a hectic work schedule often cuts us off friends and family. As a result, when we feel low and realize that there is hardly anyone around to pour our hearts to. Connecting with people, especially the closer ones are vital for your mental well-being.
Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and acquaintances make it easy for you to be yourself. Ensure that you take some time out every day to connect with your closed ones. Keep reminders for their birthdays and anniversaries and even if it is for five minutes, pick up the phone and speak to them, rather than connecting on social media. Such small gestures strengthen relationships. If you happen to live in the same city, unwind with friends and family during weekends. You will feel happier and much refreshed.
Remember, there is no prescribed mantra to make life better! If you want to make life better, you need to determine how it can be achieved and you need to be ready to put in the work to make it happen. Once you make up your mind to give everything it takes, you will gain far more than you can imagine. It could be a bad day, but never a bad life!
Photo credit: Guilherme Nicholas via flickr
