So here we go!
Another new year has begun according to our Gregorian calendar and it’s become a tradition to make resolutions about things we want to change and achieve in the coming year.
Do you think we make resolutions because of a certain amount of societal pressure at this time of year or do we make them because we sincerely seek change?
I find it interesting, to say the least and somewhat silly, at most, that in New Years’ greetings we often see phrases like, “I hope the coming year brings you more of what you desire” etc (I’m guilty of using this myself on occasions!) It’s as if the year has certain powers of it’s own and will bring things to us just by wishing, hoping and/or praying when in fact, to bring about what we truly want requires constant, specific action and can be a minefield fraught with many overwhelming challenges, dark times and failures in all shapes and sizes.
Did you know that only about 8% of people actually stick to and achieve their New Years resolutions?
Many times people will try to make too many changes too quickly, become overwhelmed, fail, become discouraged and more stuck in their self sabotaging ways. Science has demonstrated that our brains find it harder to handle big changes all at once and that it’s far preferable to set small, achievable goals and form new habits each day towards their achievement.
So before you go setting enormous goals and taking on too much too quickly, here’s a few simple, basic tips to ensure you have the best year ever.
1. Put your own needs first! Remember the oxygen mask emergency drill in an aircraft. You can’t help your child or others unless you keep breathing by putting your own mask on first.
2. De clutter and fix all those little niggly things you’ve been putting off for ages. Clutter and mess and unfinished projects will make you feel restless and steal your peace of mind. Tackle these things one at a time for an hour (approximately) a day and note how fulfilled you’ll feel.
3. Read a self improvement book by a successful person, every day. 15 – 30 mins per day will get your brain stimulated and in the right mode for happiness and satisfying achievement.
4. Cut back on outer stimulations such as TV, magazines, newspapers and the like. Let’s face it, much of the stuff in the media is negative and fills your mind up with worry and sometimes fear. There’s enough of that naturally in humans – why add to it?
5. Learn to sit quietly, on your own, for 15 – 20 mins a day. Practice gentle, even breathing. Start with two or three times per week and build up to five – seven days a week. Do this and deeper meditation will follow and you’ll be amazed at how differently you’ll handle your days and your problems.
6. Go for a daily walk, preferably in a quiet place away from traffic. As above, if you’re not usually a walker, start with 5 mins every second day and build up to 20-30 mins daily. For basic good health, 10,000 steps a day is considered a necessity.
8. Cut back on rubbish food and drinks and other things you poison your body with. You know what they are and you know you’d feel better without them! Educate yourself on the damage being done to your health (not to mention how rapidly you’re ageing!) if you indulge in toxic non nutrient rich foods too often.
9. Get into the habit of drinking several glasses of clean water every day. Add a few squeezes of lemon juice for even greater benefit.
10. Only hang out with people who uplift, inspire and support you to be a better person. If you spend time with people who have the same (or similar) destructive habits you’re trying to change, chances are you’ll fail to accomplish what you’re seeking. Misery and negativity love company.
11. Bring variety into your life as much as possible. Drive to work a different way each day, go on a different walk, try different foods, (healthy ones – rubbish doesn’t count!) take up a new hobby, seek to meet new people – they don’t all need to become friends, pack a picnic dinner and eat out in nature sometimes, rather than at home every evening. Keeping your routines varied and adding new and fulfilling experiences will keep your brain happy. Happy brain, healthy body, happy life!
12. Train your mind, one day at a time, to think about all the great things you want to do, the type of person you want to be as you age and the people and things you want around you. Whatever you put your time, energy and focus into – grows! Fret and worry at your peril for you’ll simply create more of the same.
I wish you a wonderful year as Every Day Gets Better!
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