5 Life Improvement Strategies I Don't See Many People Using
PS — They’re free of cost.
Think about the time you went on a holiday you were really excited about. How did you feel? How was that day? All upbeat?
Now think of the time when your boss or teacher said something nasty, and you walked all day with your head down and drooping shoulders.
It’s the tiny acts that can change your day, for good or bad.
During yoga, when I’m told to set an intention for my day, something as simple as I will be brave, I find myself to be stronger throughout the day. I feel less vulnerable.
Doing this each day for 15 months has now naturally built a tendency in me to approach things more positively with a calm head, all because of a 3-second long act.
So what are these really small acts you can do today to improve the quality of your life?
1. Breathe the Right Way
Breathing is what keeps you alive and makes your body thrive. Breathing mindfully also helps you by:
- Lowering stress levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Helps overcome depression and anxiety
- Reduces the risk of diabetes
- Calms your nervous system
Let’s check your breathing. Take a deep breath. Does your chest rise or your tummy? Is your breath shallow or deep?
The correct way to breathe is to expand your tummy while inhaling and contract during exhaling.
2. Mindful Content Consumption
If the content you consume is making you feel any kind of lack, it’s time to rethink.
Do you look at abs and vacations and wish you could have them too? Does looking at others make you feel less good about yourself? If yes, you’re experiencing a lack. Experiencing lack is negative energy that manifests in you. Just like positive energy makes you happier, feeling lack attracts more lack.
Picture that person who keeps saying I don’t have enough money, they never have enough money because no amount of money is enough.
“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” — Buddha
Rethink what you consume and see your feelings change.
3. Optimum Room Temperature
Sleep is important. It rests and replenishes your body, prevents you from diseases, and is your body’s natural healing process.
There’s nothing more annoying for me when my brother makes the room extremely cold after I fall asleep and I toss and turn and wake up because I’m freezing. It’s also hard to fall asleep when you’re feeling hot because you sleep better in cooler temperatures.
Figure out your optimum temperature to give you restful sleep. The ideal temperature is 65°F (18.3°C), go up or down a few degrees to see what suits you.
4. Putting On Your Perspective Glasses
My best friend had a breakup recently, and it has devastated her. I don’t preach toxic positivity because it's okay to cry and feel your emotions.
Think, cry, discuss — whatever makes you feel better. Doing this is better than repressing emotions and faking positivity.
But one thing you can do in nearly all hard situations is put your perspective glasses on. Situations will happen, life happens, and it’s out of our control — how we deal with it is largely in our control.
Her breakup was better for the greater good for two of them, that's one perspective to feel a little better. So will you put on your perspective glasses the next time you’re low?
5. Letting Go Of What No Longer Serves You
Letting go of anger, resentment, and past can significantly improve the quality of your life. These are emotions we store inside and that do no good to us. Yet, we spend a significant time thinking about it.
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” — Buddha
Let go of this with forgiveness. Sure, revenge sounds sweeter. But it’s just not worth it. Your life isn’t unlimited and today is the youngest you’ll ever be, so do you want these three to hold you from living?
Practice more forgiveness by accepting your past and sending good energy to those who’ve hurt you. Close your eyes, and wish them selfless love and light from your heart to theirs. Acceptance and forgiveness will help you open doors to better things and let go of stagnancy.
Takeaways
You don’t have to do all of them at once, but just one is a good start because one is better than none.
We spend a lot of time feeling miserable about things because let's accept it, life isn’t easy.
But these are simple tools to help you get through when times are bad, and when you’ve made it worse for yourself unintentionally because of a subconscious behaviour.
Here are five small acts that can significantly improve the quality of your life:
- Breathing well
- Mindful content consumption
- Optimum room temperature
- Putting on your (positive) perspective glasses
- Letting go of what no longer serves you
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” — Buddha
I hope they can help you as much as they’ve helped me feel more liberated and happy!
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