Ten Tips to Take Life Back
Routine. Love it or hate it, it encourages progress, provides security, and may even be the secret to achieving the seemingly impossible (like my summer diet).
1 - Make a List
If you’re wondering where the time is going, a solution may be as simple as spending more time doing what you love. Perhaps easier than it sounds, but if you write down 10 things you love to do, and then see in the week how many of those things you actually did, it will highlight where to spend some hours doing what makes you happy, and to get away from the routine.
2 - Go Outside in the Morning
Even if you don’t fancy a run, or absolutely hate the idea of exercise in the morning, try getting everything ready the night before, and wake up 30 minutes early. (Or just don’t hit snooze). Once or twice a week, simply sit and enjoy the world at a slower pace by putting aside thoughts and just breathing. You’ll find there’s something magical about the cooler morning air, and the relative quiet compared to the day’s hustle and bustle will set you up for a much better day.
3 - Avoid the Social Mirror
We’re all behind the power of social media, it’s made things easier, faster and more efficient. It does however come with some pretty risky habits if you aren’t careful, a big one the constant reminder that people are having a better time than you. First off, that’s probably not true, since you only get to see their highlight reel, and few friends glorify their day-to-day struggles, (shockingly similar to the ones you’re tired of dealing with).
So when you’re tempted to trawl through profiles and stalk activities, stop and remember being happy is about enjoying the way you live, not how others spend theirs. You’ll free up some time, slow down the anxious need to show off your life, and can maybe even savor the smaller happenings of the day.
6 - Paint
If you don’t know who Bob Ross is yet, now you do. Apart from the literal joy of painting, it’s fun to pick up new skills that require you to be in the physical space needed for activities, beyond your phone or keyboard. Even if you can’t get a canvas and a fancy stand, bust out those water colours, get some drawing paper and be creative.
7 - Be Kind and Help Others
We often think of life as Me vs the World. Everything from the toaster to the photocopier is conspiring against you, and you’re fed up with the injustice. One great and easy way to stop feeling sorry for yourself is to stop feeling sorry for yourself! Take stock and consider how much easier you may have it than your fellow neighbour, then go help them!
Beyond studies that prove doing good for others makes us feel good, it means those in need can get some help, kindness and much needed love. And who knows, if you’re one day on the other end of fortune’s stick, you can graciously accept some kindness offered to you.
10 - Really, Just Stay Away From Your Phone!
The irony isn’t lost! We know the chances of you being on a smartphone right now reading this is 50/50, but that doesn’t make it bad advice! There are countless studies from people much more professional than us regarding your health and mobile phone habits, but we see it simply: Even with the depth of information and entertainment, you are still squinting into a 5.8 inch rectangle. Nature has a much wider window, waiting to welcome you back. So just look up, take a few blinks, and embrace the old WWW (World Wide Window).