If you think its too late to make positive changes this year you might be wrong..
Naturally, as the end of the year approaches we start to reflect back on our life for the last 12 months. This could lead to feelings of content and pride over positive changes you have made, and experiences you have had. On the other hand, this period of reflection may lead to feelings of shame and guilt about unmet goals and periods of stagnancy in the year.
But as we've heard time and time again; we are our own biggest critics!
The truth is that in one form or another, you have made changes in your life that you may not recognize. Perhaps you've added a new hobby, changed your evening routine, or made new meaningful connections.
One seemingly minor change can lead to a trajectory of transformation and growth in your life. I encourage you to reflect back on the year and try to recognize these areas of growth from this year.
And if you're looking to make more changes before 2016 but feel it's too late, you have more power and control over your life than you recognize. Use the last 5 weeks of 2015 to make some small changes and set yourself up to successfully cruise into 2016! Here are some ideas to introduce into your life today!
For the Mind...
- Something making you worry? Ask yourself, "Is there a solution?". If you find there is no realistic solution for your problem, you must let it go. Recognizing that we cannot change something is the first step to acceptance and moving forward in life. On the other hand, if there is a reasonable solution to your problem, it is time to start moving towards a resolution. Start implementing the steps to solve the issue at hand. Help yourself move past the worrying stage by asking the simple question, is there a solution?
- Feeling anxious or stressed out? Try focusing on your body. Where in the body are you feeling that stress? Doing this will help you clear your mind, and recognize where in your body your thoughts might be manifesting. The mind-body connection is a powerful thing and we have the power to help reduce the negative impact of stress on our physiological system. Take a few moments to explore where stress might be building in your body.
For the Body..
Make simple and easy changes to your diet. We've all heard it, "your body is your temple". Choose one small change from the list below and watch your health (and your skin) improve dramatically...
Drink more water! Sounds easy, doesn't it? The health benefits of this are endless.. See http://greatist.com/health/reasons-to-drink-water for more information.
Have a handful of almonds every day! These make a great snack, and help fuel you in between meals. Smart snacking stops us from making unhealthy choices that we might later regret.
Are you eating enough vegetables? This addition to our bodies is more important for our health than we might realize. To get more vegetables into your diet, pack a bag of carrots or cucumbers for a snack. Or, make a small salad to add to your lunch and/or dinner (put dried cranberries to your salad for an extra kick!). Vegetables add the necessary dose of nutrients to allow our bodies to function optimally.
Drink more herbal tea! Instead of reaching for that third cup of coffee, or a glass of juice with added sugars, try a herbal tea. Many teas have calming effects for themind as an added bonus.
For the Soul..
- Journal. No this isn't just a hobby to engage in as a teenager. Journalling helps us organize our thoughts and get in touch with our true desires. Not yet sure what your life purpose is? Start journaling and you are sure to get some answers!
- Clear out your social media news feed! We often follow many pages without realizing how the negative images may be impacting us. If you're following a fitness or lifestyle page, be sure it promotes healthy eating and self image. If not? It might be time to reconsider that account. You allow people to influence the thoughts that enter your mind when you follow them on social media. Help keep your virtual world positive!