It is inevitable in life that from time to time, we experience a setback. Sometimes we never see it coming and it catches us by surprise. Things might be going well, you're on track to achieving your goals, you have positive relationships and an active social life, and BLAM: something happens that takes you totally aback. This could be the loss of a job, the breakdown of a relationship, illness, the wellbeing of our family members, a bad experience. Rejection, loss and tragedy causes intense sadness for many people, in fact it's something we all inevitably go through at some point. During periods of mourning it can seem impossible to rise up and restore yourself from the pain. But you can make a start by applying simple but practical adjustments to your life. The steps below can help you to regain control of yourself, your emotions and your wellbeing. Maybe you've had a difficult time, or maybe you have just been lazy and want to boost yourself with a new lease of life. No one will do it for you.
1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
This helps your body clock to establish consistency, making you feel more refreshed and alert
Research shows that people with a regular sleeping pattern are slimmer as poor sleep quality can affect the body's hunger-related hormones. Read more about the benefits of sleep in my previous post
2. Clear out any clutter in your room / house
It's amazing how much 'stuff' we can accumulate over the years, that may subconsciously act as psychological baggage. Clearing out our clutter and creating a simple attractive environment can help us find mental clarity and renewed focus. If you want to go a step further try re-decorating or even just re-arranging a room to signify change.
3. Learn a new skill
Inside all of us there is a new skill we have always want to take up but never had the time- there's no better time than now! Learning a new skill will help you to find fulfilment in your life, build self confidence, stimulate and challenge you and will also lead to meeting new people. It could be a new language, taking up a new sport, an instrument or knitting- there is literally a class or course for anyone out there.
Nothing boosts your mojo like getting up and MOVING- in fact, many psychologists have argued that they are yet to meet a depressed person that is in great physical shape from exercise. Neuro-chemically speaking the endorphins released through exercise mean it's similar to taking an antidepressant. Exercise not only lifts your mood, but helps you sleep, helps you get fitter and increases self esteem.
5. Create a new playlist
Inspiring, happy music can stir up positive emotions and motivate us- Why not create your own workout playlist to push you further while exercising?
6. Volunteer
Volunteer with people in need - whether it's children, the elderly, disabled or homeless people. Often giving up your time is just as if not more valuable than donating money; it will also help to put your own life and problems into perspective. Step out of your own issues for a while and focus on giving- you will be surprised at how much value you receive in return.
7. Spend time outside
Soak up feel-good Vitamin D- a nutrient we often lack, especially in winter. Fresh air in your lungs is proven to improve your mood. Appreciate the beauty of nature and take time to contemplate your presence in such a vast world.
8. Take time for quiet reflection
For some people, this may be in the form of Prayer and spending more time with God, to grow spiritually and find peace. You can reflect through meditation, which helps to calm and relax the mind. Practise breathing- breath longer and deeper. This will help you to slow down and find some peace of mind.
9. Avoid caffeine
Caffeine has been proven to increase stress hormones- which in turn increase anxiety. It is also acidic- associated with indigestion and heart burn. Too much caffeine at the wrong time can disrupt your sleep later on.
This article first appeared on www.romygrace.com