Many people keep telling themselves that big steps would be necessary to change their lives: finally get a new job, break up with their partner, move to a different city, lose twenty pounds. Those decisions seem so huge and intimidating that they hinder them from even trying to make the slightest changes in their daily lives. However, what about starting with “baby steps?” Instead of planning to run a marathon next month and being frustrated because you realize that you can’t even cope with a thirty-minute run, set yourself a goal to start with a twenty-minute walk every day, and REALLY stick to it.
By gradually changing your exercise and your eating habits, the pounds are likely to drop over the months. Similarly, by changing small things about yourself, you give the very big things a chance to happen and transform your life. Stop jumping from one unsatisfactory job to another and seeking in others what you can’t find in yourself; instead, ask yourself what YOU can do about it. To inspire you, here are ten easy activities that you can adopt to greatly change your life:
1. Practice doing nothing. Set aside an hour or two a week, choose a relaxing place away from other people, and let your thoughts wander. This time will open you up to feelings and inspirations that can only be experienced in that particular mood.
2. Watch no television for a week or longer. Getting the news from a newspaper instead of TV will give you back your sense of self, free up time, and make you feel healthier.
3. Schedule time with your partner and family. Spend more time with those who really matter in your life, share activities with them, meals outside the house, and weekend trips.
4. Get more sleep. Sleep allows the body to heal itself, but many of us just never get enough of it. In general, more sleep means better health, greater energy, and much more clarity of mind, so make rest a priority. And don’t forget that an hour of sleep before midnight is worth two hours of sleep after midnight.
5. Reach out and make a friend. Call a person you like to go and watch a movie, have a cup of tea or do some sports together. Expand your social life by developing friendships.
6. Express your gratitude. Let the people you care about know how much you appreciate them and their talents. Write a letter or card to tell others that they have made a difference in your life. By supporting and enriching the lives of those around you, turn your own world into a loving place.
7. Express yourself artistically. Grab colored pencils, pens, or paints to make a picture of your inner world and of how you want your life to develop. This exercise should give you a clear idea of the future, as well as peace, tranquility, and optimism.
8. Reward yourself with tenderness and health. Give yourself a special gift, such as a pedicure, time in a hot tub, or a weekend in the country.
9. Get a pet friend. Adopt a dog or cat from a local animal shelter. People who have pets derive much happiness from them and usually live healthier.
10. Develop your own spiritual practice. Take a meditation or yoga class and find out what works best for you.
So, no more postponing the big changes in your life, you can start taking small but efficient steps towards a more balanced and enjoyable existence right now!
Image by lululemon athletica on Flickr Courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing
Based on his CAIM (Complementary-Alternative-Integrative-Medicine) approach, Dr. H. Robert Silverstein outlines a program that integrates modern medical practices with alternative and ancient forms of healing. Recalling the work of Andrew Weil and Larry Dossey, the book argues that our self-healing mechanism—the immune system—is more powerful than we think. If we make wise diet and lifestyle changes, says Silverstein, the immune system can function at an optimal level, restoring health and preventing future illnesses.
These are all great tips! I plan to incorporate them all into my life this year.