For the
Mind
There ’ s no better feeling than a clear head and not a care in the world . It ’ s too bad that most of us haven ’ t felt that way since kindergarten . However , there are a few things you can do for a clean mind , that will help reduce stress and offer more room for a better general perspective on life . Getting sleep , as stated before , is one of the most important , but too much sleep or lack thereof , could result in a depressing , downward outlook . Maintain a healthy sleep pattern , and try out these tips for the hours you ’ re awake .
Cut back networking . This is a hard one , since our world today is mainly digital . If you can stand to ignore social media for a few hours in the day , perhaps no social media after 6pm ( or a similar goal ), you will feel a whole lot better . Fill up that free time with exercise , or read . Reading a book or an inspirational piece , even a blog , can help broaden your views and allow you to escape reality for a moment . Reading has been proven to improve cognitive skills , and reduce stress in mass amounts .
Set time aside each week for a date with yourself . This means the phone gets turned off , and you spend some quality time with just you , whether that means you ' re enjoying a hot bath , or taking a leisure walk through a nature park . Pick activities that encourage positive thought processes , and motivate yourself to try new things .
Make a list of goals you ’ d like to accomplish , and track them each week . To-Do lists and organizational journals will help you keep your eyes on top priorities , and thus reduce the amount of stress and time spent thinking about all you have to get done .
If you can stand to ignore social media for a few hours in the day , perhaps no social media after 6pm , you will feel a whole lot better .
Trying to change your entire lifestyle is not only a difficult thing to do , but it ’ s scary as well . Remember to start small , and set realistic goals . Don ’ t try to revamp every aspect of your life at once . Instead , choose one or two things that you ’ d like to improve , and give yourself at least 30 days to make each change . The only way to successfully break old habits is by building newer , better ones . Give yourself credit , and time . It ’ s never too late to build a happier , healthier you !
42 l Spring 2017