It’s easy to get caught in the rut of daily life. We go to work, we come home, we take care of our daily responsibilities with family or roommates, we eat, and we go to bed. While a stable schedule is essential to getting tasks done and achieving what we need to, anyone can fall victim to the bland and the boring. Not everyone needs to overhaul his or her lives to feel vibrant and new. Instead, here are some simple ways and habits you can include that will improve your day.
Consider a Journal
Journals today seem so passé. Most people don’t have the attention span to keep a journal more than a few days or weeks. One of the reasons for this is motivation. What would be your motivation to self-reflect? For Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, his motivation was simple. Old Ben Franklin wrote a journal which he described what he called “The 13 Virtues.” Franklin believed that if he consciously followed these virtues, he would achieve a better moral character.
These virtues are:
- Temperance
- Silence
- Order
- Resolution
- Frugality
- Industry
- Sincerity
- Justice
- Moderation
- Cleanliness,
- Tranquility
- Chastity
- Humility
These virtues were meant to achieve personal balance as well as harmony within society. In addition, every morning he would write down what good he planned to do for the day, and at the end of the day he wrote what good he had done for the day. You may be amazed at how you can improve your day and live a healthier lifestyle by following this simple plan.
Eat Smarter
Nobody likes dieting. Sure, people like to feel good about themselves and have healthy bodies, but who wouldn’t—if granted three wishes—ask that they could eat anything they wanted without any consequences? Of course, life isn’t so easy, but that doesn’t mean you have to live without your favorite treats. Whether you have medical issues that require you to eat a certain way, or you are just searching for a healthier lifestyle, eating is just as about much what’s in the mind as in the body. Your diet is linked to weight gain, increased risk of disease, and even your diet and acne are even linked. Instead of feeling like you have to give up something, write down what you gain. Every time you make a decision that is good for your body, it’s one more thing to be proud of. On the other hand, everyone makes mistakes. Should you end up 20 cookies deep in a pack of Oreos the night after a big breakup, there is no need to punish yourself. In such a situation, it is important to forgive yourself and know that you have the ability to do better in the future.
Find Something You Appreciate About Your Job
Everyone ends up in the doldrums of work life every once in a while. After all, it is a job that you likely spend most of your hours working. However, in many cases, this attitude is a problem of mind over matter. Every day, it is important that you find something you enjoy about your job. It could be about having a job you like despite your coworkers, it could be about loving your coworkers despite your job, or it could be just about making money to enjoy your life. Certainly, if you work in a hazardous or abusive work environment, or you just want to move on to greener pastures, it is normal look for new positions. However, in many cases it is critical that you remind yourself of your privilege every day so that you can live in gratitude.
Treat Yourself
Living a disciplined lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun every once in a while! It is healthy to be orderly and mindful as much it is to recognize the good things you have done throughout the day. Treating yourself should be a reward for the efforts and accomplishments you made that day. It may be having a piece of organic chocolate and a glass of wine after dinner, watching your favorite show, or any number of activities you can think of. Remember that your efforts improve your life and the lives of others, and that should make you feel positive about yourself.
Life can become chaotic and unpredictable, and we all get bogged down from time to time. Follow these simple ways and steps to improve every day and you will be on the road to living a healthier lifestyle with a improved and satisfying life.
What habits do you do to improve your health and live in harmony?
Please leave your suggestions in the comment section!!
Shared on HEALTHY LIVING LINK UP!
Great ideas Marla.One other thing I try to do that really helps is taking time to express gratitude – I try to remember at least five things I am grateful for, even when I am having a crappy day. It’s amazing how easily that can create a shift in my mood (when I remember to do it!)
Hi Michelle,
I totally agree – gratitude is very important for all over well-being. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day. Happy Spring!