
Top 10
A quick and easy read to improve your well-being
1. Relaxation
Relaxation is vital for your body and mind to recharge. Everyone has their own idea of what makes them feel relaxed. This could be anything from watching your favorite movie or TV series, a walk in the park, coffee or a drink with a friend, meditation, uplifting music, etc. The stress of work and life in general can burn us out. If you feel like you're "overdoing it" then take a breather and do whatever you feel you need to do to recharge.
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2. Talk
If you find that you have too much spinning around in your head at the speed of light and you're struggling to slow it down or stop, then it's a good idea to talk to someone. This should be a person you trust and will give you the time and patience to listen. Tell them what it is that's draining you. Let it out and don't worry if you break down into tears or stumble. Listen to their advice and work with them to help you improve how you're feeling. You'll likely feel so much better afterwards. Choose a relaxing atmosphere somewhere quiet where you can sit together with little noise and distractions will really help.
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3. Physical fitness
This is an obvious one. We all know that physical exercise is vital for our health. This doesn't mean you need to train for a marathon or spend every single day in the gym. It means taking that 20 minute walk rather than getting the bus, playing a sport that you like, dancing, working with a PT at the gym or online to help keep you motivated and teach you something new. It's something that you enjoy, find the time to do, and gets you on the move.
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4. Present Moment
Being present is living in the moment. It's as you're reading this now. It's reality. It can be hard to feel present when we spend so much time overthinking about the past. Thoughts like "why did I do that" "I should have done this" "things were so much better back then" can divert your attention from the present moment. We tend to use our past actions and decisions to define who we are now. But the past can't be changed. Also, we are too focused on the future. Worrying about possible future events that may or may not happen. Whether its a job interview, first date, driving test, family event, etc. Our minds are so ahead of ourselves that we forget to enjoy the present moment. Of Course it's important to learn from past mistakes and plan for the future. But we can do that in a more present way. Find a way to clear your mind of the mental movies of the past and worries about the future. The future isn't written yet.
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5. Change
Change is a vital part of life to let go of something that no longer works for you. It could be your current job, relationship, your home, friends group, a habit etc. What is dragging you down and stopping you from being happy? If you feel stuck in your current situation then take a stand and say "right, that's it". It doesn't just have to be big changes. Minor ones can be significant too! Like a new coat, moving the furniture about, deleting the facebook friends you never speak to, or starting a "to do" list. Depending on the change you make, it can take time so try to stick to it and look at the progress. Procrastination only leads to more stress and pain.
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6. Enjoy
You know when people say "you only live once" or "life is too short"...well yep that's where I'm going with here! You need to fill your life with whatever love and enjoyment you can. Spend time with family and friends and pick a fun activity where you can have a laugh and make memories. Try out that new restaurant that's opened locally. Maybe explore a place you've never been to before. Why not have a dance (go on show those dad moves) and hit the karaoke on the work night out. Make the most of what you have and the people who want to be part of your life.
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7. Gut instinct
You know that strange feeling telling you something isn't right or that you should be doing something else? That's your gut instinct. Always trust it! The mind is a power tool and it warns us if we're in a situation that isn't right for us. Asses the situation you're in and ensure that you're making the right decision. Think before you act. Go with your gut. It has many ways in which it shows us. Little hidden signs and signals. Look out for them.
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8. Clean and clear
It really helps to clear your mind of everything you feel you need to do, and it's vital to clean and clear the environment around you. Tidy up those dirty dishes, go through that pile of paperwork, clear your phone/device of old messages and emails and photos that you not longer need. Becoming more organised of your environment will help to refresh your mind and increase your productivity. Giving everything its place and keeping it cleaned and maintained takes a little stress away. Go around your home and give it a really good clearout of anything that no longer has a purpose. Dedicate some time, an hour or so to just have a really good tidy up. To keep you motivated during this activity have your favourite drink and play your favourite music!
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9. Self confidence
Being happy with who you are as a person can seem like a dream come true. When we see celebrities on TV and people in the street with the "perfect" body, height, teeth, lifestyle, partner etc, we automatically feel worse about ourselves. "Why can't I be like them?" Well the answer is because you are not them. No one is perfect. You're who you are and you're unique. Don't try to be someone else! Be the person that you want to be. Of course you can see them as an idol! But follow your own path in life. We are all the same in that we are human, but we are all different, and all on different journeys. Focus on what works for you and what you can achieve.
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10.Others
Treating people how we’d like to be treated is something you've probably heard before. By being kind and caring to others, it can not only help them and show them you care, it makes us feel good about ourselves too! By looking after others it helps to build our confidence and show our human decency. When we feel down about our life, we feel that the last thing we could do would be to help someone else. But trust me! being kind will revitalise your mind. Be the observer of how people treat you. You'll find they may be acting in a certain way because of their own suffering. Don't take everything personally.