10 Tested Ways To Upgrade Your Life

Being happier and more fulfilled can be within anyone’s reach.

Life is a journey, isn’t it?

I mean… it should be. Anyone can stay in place. And most who do tend to be dissatisfied with the experience.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Anyone can make upgrades to their life, and oftentimes it doesn’t even take that much effort.

Here are ten tested ways to move forward.

Try Some Positive Meditation

This could be as simple as sitting in a comfortable chair, closing your eyes, and focusing on the sound of your own breathing. Once you’ve done this for a couple of minutes, use this internal quiet time to think about the day, visualize how you would like it to go, or nurture a generally positive attitude.

Moderate Your Caffeine Intake

This was a tough one for me. I love my coffee, tea, and Diet Coke. As I’ve gotten older, the dehydrating effects have become more of an issue, and I’ve since switched over to water a lot of the time. I’ll still have a coffee or tea in the morning and maybe a can of soda in the afternoon. But generally, it’s just water now.

I think more clearly. I still feel alert — if not more alert. And I am more regular. Caffeine is great, but there is such a thing as too much.

Make Some Diet Changes

It’s incredible how eating habits can affect attitude and mental ability. Sugar can contribute to fuzzy thinking and bad moods. Too many carbohydrates can make you feel sluggish. Both contribute to weight gain.

Focus on vegetables as a daytime snack. Maybe add in some cheese, pepperoni, and nuts for variety. It may take a little getting used to if you usually spend your day snacking on chips and candy, but you’ll start to notice improvements within a week.

Read (or Listen To) One Book Per Week

An easy way to upgrade your life is by enjoying a good book. It could be anything from a thought-provoking science fiction novel to the latest Seth Godin offering. Reading engages the mind and the imagination.

If you don’t have the time — and I understand how that can be a factor — an audiobook works just as well.

The brain benefits from exercise just as much as any other part of the body.

Take an Internet Break

I understand the irony of reading this advice online. Nonetheless, some of the smartest, most creative people I know sometimes disappear from the online world for a day or week, or more.

Ideally, announce someplace on social media that you’ll be offline for a while. Then… unplug.

It will all still be there when you come back. But the stress of online life will be less.

Take a Selfish Hour-Long Break Each Day

Step away from your hustle for an hour. Step away from your stress. Go read, play a video game, or take a nap.

You’ve earned it. You deserve it.

Early To Bed, Early To Rise

Give it a try, at least.

Admittedly, some people really do work better at night. But then again, a good number of people also believe, for some reason, that they should be night owls.

I thought so one time. Then I learned — much to my wife’s horror — that I’m a morning person. And that early morning was my prime time for creativity and productivity.

Results will vary, but if you’re a night owl who still hasn’t found their groove, try Ben Franklin’s advice.

He did all right.

Learn To Say “No”

Everybody wants something.

Unless they’re paying you for your time, it’s okay to say no. If it’s a more personal favor someone is asking…at least consider saying no if you’re already full-up on time.

Carve out a set amount of time for others in your schedule, but don’t go further than that. If you burn out, then you won’t be of much help to anyone — including yourself.

Work On One Habit You Want To Modify

Big changes often mean big challenges. Instead of being discouraged by taking on too much, pick one thing you want to work on about yourself and focus on that.

Aim for small, incremental changes over a long period. Positive changes have a tendency to build upon themselves. A year — even just six months — can have measurable benefits.

An exercise routine of five minutes today could be an hour in a month or so. A five-minute walk could, after a year, become a 5k run. Think more about the process than the end result, and you’ll do fine.

Spend Time Around People

Modern life can be isolating at times — especially as we still deal with a worldwide pandemic. Take some time each day to be around other folks. This could be a meal with your family or roommates, game night, some time out with friends, or lunch with a co-worker.

It helps.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Making changes — particularly improvements — in your day-to-day life doesn’t have to be arduous or even especially challenging. The results, however, can be significant.

You owe it to yourself to give it a shot. Be happy.

Cheers!

About John Teehan

John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2