Being present is important to enjoy the little things that happen every day, yet to grow and develop yourself we should have our eyes set on the future. The secret to a fulfilled life is to keep a healthy balance of both. And if we’re not careful, the daily grind can get the better of us and life can become routine and monotonous.
Whether you’re looking to completely turn your life around or simply seeking a fresh outlook on life, here are seven ways to help kickstart that journey.
Pause
Slow down and really consider things through before making decisions and committing to any action. As cliché as it sounds, listen to your heart. Ask yourself “Is this what I really want to do?” or “Is there a better way to handle this?” Pausing allows you to take a moment to consider things thoroughly and also to find new ways of completing the same old tasks.
Change your mindset
If you let routine take control, you may start to lose yourself to it. You may even be unknowingly reinforcing fears by avoiding them when falling into routine. Take a few moments every now and then to consciously notice and note down your thoughts. At the end of the day, review what you have written, and if you detect any negative pattern try to make a change the next day.
Open your mind to a new reality
Top athletes have used visualisation as a technique to improve their performance. Visualisation helps you to envision a scenario where decisions are already made resulting in positive conditions or goals are already achieved successfully. If you’re unhappy about your current situation, visualise one where you are. Then take action and turn it into reality.
Charge your energy
Everyone knows that exercise and physical activity is good for us. Even more so when it comes to ensuring a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Physical activities can help clear your mind, and your body releases various mood-enhancing chemicals like endorphins when you exercise, which trigger an overall positive feeling throughout your body.
Declutter
The current trend of decluttering is taking the world by storm, and clearing clutter from daily life will help create space for the new. This can be applied to both physical and mental spaces. The benefits of clearing material things are unmistakable; yet most people don’t realise the advantages of decluttering mentally. For example, there may be some people in your life that cause emotional or mental distress. Take a moment to recognise who these people are, and set boundaries.
Shift your surroundings
A new environment helps change the way you recognise things. Sometimes, simply taking a different route from the norm helps. If you travel for work, take a walk around each new location. Visit a new park or somewhere you’ve never been before. Allow your mind to wander, and you’ll be amazed at how this can train your mind to notice new things and inspire creativity.
Dive into unfamiliar experiences
New experiences will also help change the way you perceive things. Do something you’ve never done before. If you usually run, sign up for a dance class. If you tend to eat out or order in, try cooking your own meal. An entirely new experience will open your eyes to new situations and possibilities.
Remember, everything is a choice. And every moment is a chance for you to choose to create the life you want. Everything you need is in your hands.
This article has been republished with permission from Hello Doktor.
