Life is full of unavoidable obstacles. As humans, we all want the ideal life – a life that’s full of joy, love, freedom and abundance. In an attempt to achieve this, we often turn to different philosophies and techniques. We take courses, attend seminars and read books… but unfortunately, we are often faced with the same lack of fulfilment. We often look to others for help in creating the ‘‘ideal life’’ but what if I told you a lot of positive change can occur by looking inward? Doing self-work at your own pace can have a long-lasting effect on your quality of life.
Many of us do not want to hear it, but a lot of things can improve if we make both small and large steps to experience change. In this article, we will be looking at different things you can do that will without a doubt improve your life.
Let’s not waste any time and look closely at the daily steps you can take to improve your time on Earth!
Small daily steps toward positive change
Start your day with sunlight and fresh air
Starting your day in this way can improve both your physical and mental health. This is possibly the #1 best thing you can do after waking up. As you rise with the sun and step outside, it gifts you with the day’s first rays of warm light, instantly helping feel more alive and energised. Even if you’re not an early bird by nature, nothing will help you feel set up for the day like waking up and immediately stepping outside, filling your lungs with fresh air and feeling the sun rays on your skin.
In addition to a basic mood boost, sunlight and fresh air can offer several tangible benefits. Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium, increases bone growth and decreases the risk of several illnesses. Similarly, the fresh air you’re breathing can boost your immune system and help you stay motivated and focused!
What’s even better is that sunlight and fresh air also help improve your sleep quality. Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is a natural method to improve your sleep-to-wake cycle, AKA your circadian rhythm. If you’re willing to start your day a bit earlier, you can also enjoy the silence of the morning hours and reflect on your previous day and plan the new one.
Even if it’s hard to start your day with sunlight and fresh air, once you get used to it, you’ll be sure to appreciate it and it could even become your favourite part of the day. I truly believe this to be one of the most worthwhile habits you can develop for your physical and mental well-being.
Daily reflections: Journaling
Daily reflections and journaling are two transformative activities that go hand in hand and can profoundly change your life for the better. Reflecting on your day allows you to identify and analyze core feelings and insights. Journaling is a way of organizing your reflections and observations so that you can track changes over time and notice patterns and any setbacks you experience.
Reflecting on your day helps you to gain clarity and direction. Without taking the time to pause and reflect, it can be hard to stay grounded and prioritize your goals and objectives. Reflecting helps you to become comfortable with who you are and accept your successes, failures and everything in between.
Any form of reflection can strengthen your thought process and help you become more intentional in the way you approach life. Reflecting helps you identify strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that will guide your decisions and actions. Journalling provides the framework that allows you to take action based on those insights.
Taking the small step to reflect for even 5 minutes a day, followed by a small journal entry can bring clarity, purpose and confidence to your life. Doing so can provide a safe space for you to explore and process the many challenges and opportunities that come your way. So, if you’re looking to make a positive change in your life, these simple activities are well worth considering.
Mental detoxing: limiting screen time
Mental detoxing can be a powerful and life-changing experience, especially in this day and age when we seem to be helplessly glued to our screens. One simple way to do it is to limit the amount of time you spend looking at screens, especially on the weekends. Research has linked excessive screen time with adverse effects such as poor mental health, lack of focus, fatigue and even addiction. By taking a break from your digital devices and activities, you can improve your overall well-being.
Start by looking into how much screen time you are currently partaking in. Once you’ve done that, decide how much you’d like to limit it. Feel free to start small and increase the limit over time. Whatever helps you in the long run! Maybe it’s one hour in the morning, one hour in the afternoon, and one hour in the evening. Whatever works for you! Also, be sure to designate specific times for disconnecting. Even if it’s only one hour a day unplugged, it can make a huge difference in your mental clarity.
As you begin this mental detoxing journey, you’ll begin to realize just how much screen time has been taking up your life. You’ll be surprised to see just how quickly minutes turn into hours and days. Bonus points if you manage to fill these spare moments with something more beneficial.
In addition, there are other ways you can reduce the amount of time you spend on your device. For example, use a timer and try to stick to it. If you fall off the horse, that is fine as long as you get straight back on it! Habits are developed over time and no true change is linear. Turn off notifications and set regular times to check emails and social media. Lastly, make an effort to limit the amount of time you spend watching television and/or playing video games.
Mental detoxing can be an empowering experience that can help you refocus, destress and boost your mental well-being. Limiting your screen time not only provides you with moments of pause but allows you to rediscover a connection with yourself and the world around you. Turn off your screen this weekend-you deserve it!
Microdosing
Microdosing is an emerging practice that is revolutionizing the way people live their lives. By taking small amounts of psychedelics, many individuals are able to experience a level of mental clarity, focus and creativity with more ease. This approach of using psychedelics can transform your life by providing you with the energy and motivation to complete daily tasks, as well as the ability to approach challenging tasks with a new perspective.
Experiences from microdosing vary, depending on the individual. Generally speaking, users report an increase in overall energy and productivity, a boost in creativity and motivation, an improved mood, overall well-being and a decreased stress level. In addition to these benefits, individuals often report improved social interactions, improved relationships and a greater ability to be more present at the moment. Many individuals who microdose claim that this practice offers a balance of work and play. Many of us can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our face-paced society that we totally forget one of the most important aspects of life on Earth; play. When adults successfully work hard and play hard, the positive benefits of this can leak out into all areas of life. This is something you see in nature, yet, it is a natural way of life that we have removed ourselves from. Microdosing, and psychedelics in any other application, allow us to reconnect with play and get back to our roots.
Overall, microdosing could prove to be a life-changing experience for many individuals. Due to its minimal risk and potential for profound positive changes.
Closing thoughts
At the end of the day, if you do not have health, balance and peace of mind then you are not truly alive. We were put on this planet the thrive, not just survive! Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hand. As cliché as it sounds, true change starts from within, meaning it is up to you to change. I hope whoever is reading this article has found some sort of inspiration to make changes that will lead to a longer, happier and healthier life because we all deserve exactly that.
