Spring is springing! I hope you have adjusted to the spring forward from Daylight savings. I’m enjoying it! The extra daylight in the evening makes a huge difference for me. AND it finally stopped raining here, at least for now.
Since it’s spring and since everything outside is new and fresh, maybe it’s time to give yourself a fresh start. Here are five things you can do for yourself today to take better care of yourself.
Food.
I know you’re busy, but most American’s are consuming mostly, if not entirely processed food. If you could cook one meal each day and eat whole foods (meaning not processed), you would start to have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health.
Go outside.
Studies show that physical activity can be equally, or for some more, impactful when treating depression. Go for a walk, go to the gym get on your bike. You don't need to join CrossFit but you do need to move. Go for a 30-minute walk during your lunch break if things are too hectic at home. You can get creative with the solution as long as you move your buns.
Productivity.
I recently read something by Tim Ferris where he discusses your morning routine. Ferris suggests writing down three things at the start of your day and if you accomplish though three things you will know you won the day. I know, I know, your day is hard to plan because things come up. I get it, my day can get like that too but try it. Each time I’ve done it, I have been glad I did.
Silence.
We live in a world of overstimulation. When is the last time you just sat in silence for a few minutes? I encourage people to meditate but I understand not everyone is open to trying. If meditation feels like too big of an ask, try just turning it all off for 5 minutes today. No radio, no phone, no email/computer, no TV, no talking for just five minutes. I think you will be surprised by what you notice. A lot of people get a little fidgety at first but if you can stick with it beyond that feeling, I bet you will experience a greater sense of calm.
Be nice.
Find some way to go out of your way to be nice to someone today. How often do people complain? I catch myself doing it too, we are all guilty of it... When was the last time you called a company's customer service to tell them you had a good experience? We are often quick to complain but hold back when there is something nice to be said. So tell a coworker that you noticed they had really been putting extra attention on a project, tell a manager how friendly someone was, tell your kids that they did a good job with something. They need to hear it and you will feel good about saying it.
Of course, these are five small things. Imagine how impactful they could be if you did them each day? Change is in the air... what other steps can you take to move your life in the direction you want it to go?
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to live your best life, call me and let’s get started!