20 Feb Make these 15 small changes for big happiness and health
Becoming happier and healthier doesn’t always require BIG life changes.
There’s no doubt that some people in some circumstances do need to consider a major life overhaul; but many of us are much closer than we thing … and with just a few small changes, made and practised consistently, health and happiness can be ours.
Sound interesting? Keep reading…
via Bustle by Carolyn Steber
If you lead a busy life, it can be difficult to focus on your mental wellbeing, much less find the time replace old habits with new ones. But the good news is, it often only take a few small lifestyle changes to notice a big difference — and feel better about yourself overall.
And the fact they’re small is actually perfect, since no one’s ever overhauled their entire life in one night, or made sweeping (and lasting) changes. It’s all about making tiny tweaks, liking the results, and deciding to stick with it.
“Small changes to [your] daily routine can make a big difference to [your] wellbeing in both the short and the long-term,” fitness coach Emma Green, PhD, MSc, BSc, tells Bustle. “They tend to be cumulative, with each change helping [you] to gain confidence and build momentum, making it easier to make future changes to boost [your] physical and mental health.”
Once you notice small improvements, it’s easier to get on a roll and keep that promise to yourself to continue on in the right (and healthiest) direction. With that in mind, here are small lifestyle changes you can make right now to improve your mental wellbeing, according to experts.
1Go To Bed 15 Minutes Earlier
Sleep deprivation can make you feel worn out and fatigued — both mentally and physically. But the good news is, it’s possible to begin remedying the situation with a few simple adjustments.
For starters, “try going to bed 15 minutes earlier than you usually do each day,” therapist and health coach Sarah Thacker, tells Bustle. “Even if you don’t fall right asleep the first day or two, stick with it.” This will help you reset your internal clock, so you can get the rest you need.
2Meditate For Ten Minutes
Even if it’s just for five or ten minutes, try to meditate each day. “Meditation can either involve concentrating on sounds or sensations of the body. It can involve sitting, or it can involve movement,” Irina Logman, LAc, MSTOM and founder of Advanced Holistic Center, tells Bustle. But what’s most important is how it makes you feel.
You might, after some time, notice that you’re more at peace with yourself, more connected to others, or clearer about what you want in life. As Logman says, “Meditation is the missing piece to a lot of our lives.”
3Add In Some Exercise
Whether it’s walking, riding your bike, or going to a class at the gym, dedicate a few hours each week to movement of some kind.
“So often we focus on the physical benefits of exercise and forget the mental health aspects,” Dr. Green says. “Make sure it’s something that is fun and don’t put pressure on yourself to do it for a fixed period of time — just see how you go!”
…keep reading the full & original article HERE