5 daily ‘Me Practices’ to change your life

Ever asked yourself, what are some daily practices that will improve my life? Or maybe you’ve wondered, are there some daily practices to make me happier?

If that’s you, the answer is yes!

By setting time aside to focus on yourself, you can release tension from your life and bring in more joy. And the good news is these things can be simple. In fact, sometimes they only take up a few minutes, if not seconds, each day.

The important thing is to keep up these practices each day and focus on one thing at a time (avoid multitasking). Try your practices out for a full week, then try a month and see how you feel the longer you go.

So with that in mind, here are 5 daily ‘me’ practices to change your life and make you feel more positive.

1.   Write 3 things you like about yourself each morning

Positive affirmations is a key ingredient in feeling better about yourself and your life. When we take the time to appreciate ourselves, we become our own greatest ally, companion and supporter through whatever life throws at us.

Try this self-worth exercise for example:

Start by writing down three things you like about yourself each day, this can be about your personality or your physical attributes – just make sure it’s positive. At the end of each week read the list of affirmation aloud to yourself and congratulate yourself for possessing these qualities. If you are having trouble coming up with things you like about yourself, think about the qualities your friends and family possess – it’s likely you’ll find a trait that you have too!

2.   Walk barefoot in the grass or sand

Whether you live near the beach, a park or even have a backyard, standing barefoot on the grass or sand and taking deep breaths can help you connect with your surroundings and make you feel more positive.

Make sure to close your eyes, wiggle your toes and feel the earth beneath your feet, take 5 deep breaths and smile. By breathing deeply you are stabilising your blood pressure, slowing your heartbeat and encouraging relaxation. Also don’t forget to  take mental note of what you hear, smell and feel. Even if you only do this for a few seconds each day, it’s an effective way to feel grounded and more calm.

3.   Meditate for 10 mins each day

To start your day, try a 10 minute meditation. Find a quiet spot in your home or outside where you can draw your attention inward to the body and mind. Through daily meditation, you can start each day feeling positive and peaceful, and rid yourself of feelings of stress, anxiety and worry that you may be carrying.

Meditation doesn’t have to be hard, in fact it can be quite simple and you don’t need much experience to see the results. Why not try our ‘you are enough’ affirmation meditation, to encourage self confidence and love.

4.   Give some else a compliment

While being kind to yourself is crucial to feeling positive, showing the same kindness to others also encourages your own sense of happiness. Whether it’s simply texting a family member or friends and letting them know you’re thinking of them, or complimenting a stranger in the supermarket – kindness is kindness.

And science shows it makes you happier. Being kind releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes you feel good and can help improve your mood. Plus, in these times of restrictions and lockdowns it’s an easy way to make yourself and others feel socially connected and less lonely – it’s a win win.

5.   Stay active with feel-good exercise

Daily exercise, whether it be a light tai chi or a more intense pilates or cross-fit, releases endorphins and serotonin – the happiness hormones. Not only is it beneficial for your physical health, exercise can help you mentally by making you feel upbeat and positive.

That’s why we also have some other fun and active ‘Me time’ practice for you to try. They are all about you and making you feel good from the inside out. You will be glowing and relaxed after these activities.

• Relaxing Tai Chi – link
• Get your Glow on Pilates – link
• Upbeat Cross-training – link

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Fill in our registration form to become an online member here and gain access to FREE Pilates, Tai Chi, Meditation, Fitness, Yoga and Nutrition programmes.

 

References

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

Harvard health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response

Health direct: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health