New Year, New Mindset
Build a Better Quality of Life
The New Year is a great time to begin a new way of thinking… and acting. Setting goals and knowing that you were productive during the day help you feel accomplished. Positive thinking will help live a more positive life. Begin making one change per week so as not to make your routine too overwhelming. Practicing these tips will help you build a routine that you can be proud of because your efforts are improving your overall quality of life.
1. Wake up earlier and plan ahead.
Are you a chronic snooze button presser or do you sleep until you have 10 minutes to get ready for work? Do you rush around the house in the morning making lunches, looking for your outfit for the day, and trying to find the car keys? Do you spend 20 minutes reading emails or checking social media before you roll out of bed in the morning?
If these are your morning habits, then you need to reassess. Get ready for the next day by planning your morning at night. Set out your outfit, make lunches after dinner and put your keys in the same spot every time. Set your alarm 10-20 minutes before your typical wake up time and when the alarm goes off and actually get out of bed. Even if you need to buy that alarm that rolls around so that you have to chase it… yes, there is such an evil! Find a useful task for that extra time, like exercise, meditation, or maybe just breakfast. There, you’ve made some personal time for yourself!
Establishing this habit will ensure that you aren’t rushing around or running late, which usually sets the stage for a hectic day.
2. Set your schedule & make a list.
Make a list of what you want to accomplish for the day. Remember to be realistic about the amount of tasks that can be completed in a day’s time. Keep a pen or pencil handy so that you can check off your completed tasks – that feels good, doesn’t it! Make sure that tasks that can be bundled are listed close to one another so that you can multitask and be more efficient. Make sure to prioritize so that you can feel successful at the end of the day. The number one thing to remember is to make your list achievable and to not set yourself up for failure by making your list too long.
3. Reflect and be grateful.
It’s important to reflect on all of things that you are grateful for in your life. Even if take a moment during your day to write down 3 things that you’re grateful it helps you to focus on the positive parts of your life. Often, we tend to concentrate on the negative, which can affect mood and motivation. If you reflect on what you’re grateful for in life, then that positivity often translates into a more positive outlook for the day!
4. Take time for yourself and your loved ones.
We are often so preoccupied with getting everything done and making everything perfect, that we don’t have a lot of quality time to spend with those that we love and cherish. Shut it off and unplug for a while. Have dinner with a friend, take the dog for a walk, read a few chapters of a book, take a relaxing bath, meditate. Think of all of the ways that you can take 30 minutes at the end of the day to refresh yourself after working hard all day long.
5. Recharge your body.
Getting enough sleep is key to being productive and motivated. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep to feel rested, so determine the amount of sleep that you need to help you tackle the day. Stick with a consistent bedtime and wake up time that will regulate your body’s internal clock. Abstain from using electronics at least 30 minutes before falling asleep so that you can relax your mind and avoid too much stimulation before bed.