How have you been feeling lately? Motivated? On track? Satisfied in most areas of your life? Chances are…there is still a little room for improvement. By this point, many of us have abandoned those well-meaning New Years Resolutions or have fallen into pandemic fatigue. It happens. Especially with so much uncertainty in the world these days. It can be difficult to push past the fears, the doubts, the worries, and the disappointments. However, difficult does not mean impossible. There are many simple and effective ways to achieve a more balanced lifestyle. Here are a few suggestions to feel happier and healthier this season.
Happier and Healthier Tip #1: Don’t Underestimate the Outdoors
That old saying, “Fresh air is good for you,” isn’t just a way to guilt you into action. Fresh air really is good for you. It has been shown to aid in food digestion, strengthen the immune system and improve blood pressure. Not to mention all of the mental benefits! A healthy dose of fresh air can clear your mind, reduce stress, and even make you feel more optimistic. Whether you are stuck on a work problem or feel isolated…a bit of fresh air can make a notable difference.
Never underestimate the power of nature. It is important to spend time outdoors each and every day. Even if it is just a few minutes here and there! Turn off all of the streaming services. Put away your smart phone and tablet. Leave your laptop at home. This is your chance to embrace the unmatched beauty that nature has to offer, like green grass, crisp morning air, and flowers in bloom. What better way to focus on becoming a happier and healthier you?
This week, challenge yourself to take a walk around the neighborhood, stroll through a park, go on a hike, or enjoy a scenic bicycle ride. Aim to do this once or twice in the first week. After that, try to add extra days as you are able. Who knows? You just might find yourself looking forward to that dedicated time in nature.
Tip #2: Remove Negativity from Your Life
Some people are light and love. Others seem to thrive in darkness and destruction. Maybe there are people in your life that lean into the negative. They might complain a lot, put you down, or criticize others. This is the perfect time to remove unwanted negativity from your life. Perhaps you feel stuck in a toxic friendship, difficult relationship, or you continue to struggle with certain family members. Remember this: you deserve to be happy. Do what you can to surround yourself with people you actually want to be around.
Negativity doesn’t just come from the people around you. It can also come from your workplace or your home. In fact, it can come from anything that drains you of joy. On the path to a happier and healthier you…it is vital that you check in with different aspects of your life. Where do you find peace, joy, and contentment? Where do you find frustration, anger, and resentment? Reduce or remove anything that seems to dull your sparkle.
When it comes to negative thoughts or negative energy, certain crystals can be beneficial. (Black tourmaline is one of the best stones for removing negative energy and protecting yourself from negative energy.) Other ideas? Set clear boundaries with people in your life, end unhealthy relationships when possible, or consider life changes you believe will make you happier. The latter might include a new job, paring down your to-do list, or asking for help when you need it.
Tip #3: Find Exercise That Excites You
Some people love to be active day in and day out. They find is easy to move their body and work up a sweat. Others struggle to find a form of exercise that they actually enjoy. Do you fall in the second category? Not to worry. Use that as an excuse to try out lots of different avenues. For instance, there is always weight lifting (which can boost your muscle tone and increase metabolism), spin classes (these can be done in-person where possible or there are new at-home spin bikes to put to use), or a yoga practice (which has many different levels. Check out this Spirit Earth Magazine article on Beginner Yoga Poses to get started).
Still haven’t found something that works for you? There are many other options to consider. Like tai chi (this gentle movement is a wonderful way to reduce anxiety), running (take a quick jog around the block), bicycling (check out some bicycle trails in your area), or aerobics (which can lower blood pressure, improve lung function, and reduce the risk of heart disease). That is just the tip of the iceberg! Other ideas include: Zumba, hip hop dancing, boxing, rock climbing, or even gymnastics. The whole point is to find something that works for you.
Be adventurous and try new things. This will do more than break you out of a rut! It will also help you to be happier and healthier…and allow you to find a form of exercise that you actually like to do. It is always easier to move when you enjoy what you are doing.
More Ways to Feel Happier and Healthier
It doesn’t end there. There are so many ways to infuse your day-to-day life with joy. Here are a few additional suggestions to consider:
- Give Yourself a Creative Outlet. It is important to have a fulfilling way to express yourself. Creative ideas include: photography, painting, sketching, writing, scrapbooking, crafting, singing, or colouring. Find something that makes you smile!
- Get Enough Sleep Each Night. Staying up late night after night is not necessarily a good thing. Whether you are trying to meet a deadline or are catching up on your favourite television show…your body needs rest. Try to hit the hay a little earlier than usual. Remember, sleep is vital as it repairs your muscles and rests your mind.
- Step Away from Social Media. These days, much of our time is spent scrolling through social media. There are so many things that pull our attention and can cause us to fall into the comparison trap. Give yourself a break for a few hours each day. Doing this can help you feel better about yourself and improve your overall wellbeing.
- Tap into Your Spiritual Side. Another way to be happier and healthier is to focus on your spirituality from time to time. What that looks like will vary from person to person. However, some suggestions include positive affirmations, worship songs, crystals, oracle cards, cleansing your home, or even reading a spiritual text. Do whatever you need to do in order to feel rooted, grounded, and safe.
There are so many ways to feel happier and healthier this season. So…what are you waiting for? Incorporate one or all of these simple steps into your everyday life.
