The simple things that make your life happier and healthier
Here's a guide to the simple things you can do to feel better about yourself and your life.
These days many of us find ourselves struggling with the demands of our working and personal life - often to the extent that our health and well-being begins to suffer.
If you are feeling out of your depth and overwhelmed with everyday pressures, you may benefit from the following simple activities which can significantly improve mood and boost health in the long term.
Read books that inspire you
Reading in itself is a beneficial activity for it provides mental stimulation, stress reduction and helps to improve focus and concentration. Reading books that inspire you allows you to escape and find the motivation to make key changes in your life to move forward.
Exercise
Did you know that exercise reverses the detrimental effects of stress - as well as helping to prevent it? Stress can take a toll on our health and speeds up the ageing process, but going for a 30 minute run or swim on a regular basis has been proven to reverse these effects. Aim to get your heart pumping a couple of times a week to look and feel better, inside and out.
Cut down on caffeine
Common side effects of consuming too much caffeine (i.e. four or more cups of coffee a day) include insomnia, restlessness, irritability and nervousness - all of which contribute to poor well-being and reduced happiness. Try swapping your regular coffee for caffeine-free green tea and be careful to check nutrition labels as some foods contain hidden sources of caffeine.
Stop comparing yourself to others
It is very likely that if we did not constantly compare ourselves to others we would all be content and happy. The advent of social media however has made it harder than ever to avoid this behaviour, and numerous studies have highlighted how regular use of Facebook and Twitter can negatively impact self-esteem. Most of the time people we compare ourselves to on social media present an illusion of their lives and not the real thing. Remember this next time you find yourself in comparison mode.
Help someone in need
A great way to feel better about yourself is to help others without expecting anything in return. Charity volunteer work is particularly rewarding and studies have shown that those who regularly volunteer lead happier and longer lives.
Reach out to others
When struggling with life's challenges, you should really try to open up to others and seek help rather than keeping everything to yourself. A life coach is a valuable source of support and advice for many people facing difficulties. To find out how a coach can help you, please see our life coaching areas page.
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