You know the feeling. That pang of regret after you’ve done or said something you wish you could undo. Or, the frustration of not being able to stick to your goals, no matter how much you want to. We’ve all been there. But, what if we could be better? What if we could learn how to be better people?
Luckily, there are small changes you can make to your lifestyle that will have a big impact on your overall wellbeing. You don’t need to drastically overhaul your life to see the benefits, either. These 10 tips are easy to implement and will make a big difference in how you feel day-to-day.
1. Get enough sleep
This one seems obvious, but it’s often the first thing to go when we’re busy. Getting enough sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. When we don’t get enough sleep, we’re more likely to get sick, we’re less productive, and our mood suffers.
Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble falling asleep, try winding down for 30 minutes before bed with a calming activity like reading or taking a bath.
2. Eat healthy
What we eat has a big impact on how we feel. When we eat unhealthy food, we feel sluggish and our mood suffers. But when we eat nutritious, whole foods, we have more energy and we feel better mentally and physically.
Aim to fill your plate with mostly vegetables and fruits, and include lean protein and healthy fats at each meal. And, cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
3. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. It strengthens your heart and lungs, helps to prevent chronic diseases, and boosts your mood.
Aim to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. If you’re new to exercise, start slow with 10 minutes a day and build up from there. Walking, biking, and swimming are all great exercises to start with.
4. spend time outside
There’s something about being in nature that just makes us feel better. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or the calming effect of being surrounded by green space. Whatever the reason, spending time outside is good for our mental and physical health.
So, take a break from your screens and head outside for a walk, bike ride, or picnic in the park. And, if you can’t get outside, try to bring the outdoors in by opening the windows and letting in some fresh air.
5. Spend time with friends and family
Humans are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that spending time with loved ones is good for our health. When we’re around the people we care about, we feel happier and our stress levels go down.
So, make time for the people you care about, even if it’s just a quick phone call or video chat. You’ll both benefit from the connection.
6. Do something you love
When we do things we love, we feel happier and more fulfilled. So, find an activity or hobby that brings you joy and make time for it in your life. It can be anything from playing a musical instrument to hiking to painting.
And, if you’re not sure what you love to do, try something new. You might be surprised by what you enjoy.
7. Be mindful
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. When we’re mindful, we’re not worried about the past or the future. We’re focused on the present moment and all of the sensory experiences that come with it.
Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, but a simple way to start is by focusing on your breath. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can start to focus on other things like the sounds around you or the sensations in your body.
8. Be grateful
When we focus on the things we’re grateful for, we feel happier and our stress levels go down. So, take a few minutes each day to think about or write down the things you’re grateful for.
You might be grateful for your health, your family, your friends, or your job. Or, you might be grateful for the roof over your head or the food on your plate. Whatever it is, express your gratitude and let it boost your mood.
9. Give back
Giving back to others is one of the most fulfilling things we can do. It makes us feel good and it helps to make the world a better place.
There are many ways to give back, so find an opportunity that resonates with you. You might volunteer your time, donate money to a worthy cause, or simply help a neighbor.
10. Be patient
Patience is a virtue, and it’s one that can be hard to come by. But, when we’re patient, we’re less likely to get angry or frustrated. We’re also more likely to achieve our goals.
So, the next time you’re feeling impatient, take a deep breath and remind yourself that good things come to those who wait.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a better person. And, as you start to feel better yourself, you’ll also be in a better position to help others. So, make the decision to improve your lifestyle today and see the difference it makes in your life.
