We're well into the third month of the year and sometimes you just need to stop and reflect on how you're doing (amazing hopefully.) With January well out of the way, it can be hard to maintain the motivation or find the time to continue with your resolutions, this is why I decided on five small but noticeable changes that you can make to your life. Don't worry these are all tried and tested (by me.)
1. Make a mood chart
I'm going to be honest here - I first saw this idea on Pinterest and decided that it was an excellent idea to track how my mood changes. Not only is it super therapeutic looking at all of the little coloured squares in a grid, but it also helps to take an overview as to how you're feeling the majority of the time. It's super easy too - all you need to do is draw yourself a grid, with the date on the Y axis and the month on the X axis (no, this isn't GCSE maths all over again.) Make a key and each day routinely colour in the square of the day and month according to your mood.
2. 'Stop comparing yourself to others and start comparing yourself to you, yesterday'
We can all fall victims of comparing ourselves to the bikini clad Instagram models but instead, as the (kind of cringe) quote says, only compare yourself to who you were yesterday and what you have learnt since, otherwise it's a vicious cycle of feeling inadequate about yourself which is never good for your mental health.
3. Get some fresh air
It is amazing what can be cured by giving yourself a 'time out' and going outside for some air. All you need is 10 minutes a day to feel the fresh air and wind on your face (it's also very good for your skin too - another one of mother nature's perks.) Take a moment out. And breathe.
4. Find something that you enjoy and make time for it
Everyone has a hobby - everyone. No matter how usual or unusual it may be you just have to find it and embrace it. Making time for something you enjoy is so important, it may help to release dopamine and you will feel better after doing it. 2018 is your year to concentrate on yourself, and the first step to achieve this is finding something you love and put aside 20 minutes, 1 hour, even 2 hours for it... you'll see the difference.
Here's my example: Recently I've taken up 'Clubbercise' a super-fun (when I say fun, I mean it doesn't feel like exercise, but still makes me all sweaty) dance Zumba-esque workout - which I never thought I would do, especially as I'm not sporty at all.
5. Make an effort to laugh and smile daily
Did you know that smiling is a form of exercise as it takes 26 muscles to smile? Yep, true fact. Does that inspire you to smile more? Smiling is an instant mood elevator and it can make you feel 0 to 100 reallll quick. So smile, enjoy life and be the best version of you.
So, there you have it, 5 instant life changers. Who knew it could be so easy?!
All the love x
All the love x