Positive Mindset
A negative mindset can underlie many other problems in your life. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the saying ‘it’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters’. With a positive mindset, you can deal with anything that life throws your way and everything becomes a learning experience.
Changing the way you think and react is a hard process, but it’s a huge step to make to become a healthier version of you. Start by noticing and reflecting on your irrational thought patterns. Counter-act negativity by looking for the positive in every scenario. There are many books out there to help and guide you along the way.
If you are in need of professional help, start the process by seeing your GP. They will help and guide you to receive the support you need. Seeking help when you need it is a strong thing to do.
Exercise
When I feel down and I can’t put a finger on why, exercise always provides a solution. Exercise provides your body with happy hormones. In addition to the biological benefits, engaging in exercise can do wonders for your mental health. Taking time out of your day to work on yourself is self-care. You switch your mind off from the worries about the future and past and focus on the present.
There are many different ways to engage in exercise. You could go for walks, jogs, exercise classes, swimming, lift weights and so on. Everyone has their own preference, and exploring the different options is a good way to start and find your favorite. What works for someone else may not work for you. Take the time to explore, and you will be on the path to a healthier you.
Drink Water
We all often forget about water. Hydration is essential for your health. Not drinking enough water can affect multiple things in your life – your skin, your energy, your eating and exercise habits. With a busy life, it can be hard to remember to drink your water. I recommend buying a water bottle you love. It sounds so simple, yet its so effective. Its important to look for a non-leak bottle specifically, as you want to be able to bring it around with you.
Fuel yourself
The next thing you want to take control of is your eating habits. Make sure you see food as your fuel, because that’s what it is at the end of the day. Its easy for us to associate food with our emotions and food can sometimes be a comfort to us. Its important to understand that eating the right foods provides us with the nutrients that we need.
Macronutrients are the fat, protein and carbohydrates in food. The micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals, which are mainly found in fruits and vegetables. You can look at the food labels to ensure you are getting enough of these. A good guideline to follow is to fill 50 percent of your food with vegetables, 25 percent with protein sources (meat, tofu, beans) and 25 percent with carbs (pasta, rice, bread).
You can make salads and veggies taste better using sauces and condiments. You don’t have to hate your diet while trying to eat healthy, treat yourself now and then and eat what you like in moderation. There are many recipes online to try out, you may even find a new love for cooking/baking along the way.
Confidence
Confidence can affect all areas of your life, and everyone has their own individual struggles with confidence. Some people feel less confident with their abilities, some people struggle with body image confidence, and so on. It’s very common to struggle with confidence, that’s why there are many apps, books and videos on YouTube addressing the topic. It’s a long-term process to work on, but making a start is a big step to becoming a healthier you.
Some more immediate ways to improve confidence include:
- Upright body posture: bring your shoulders back and pretend there’s a piece of string hanging from the sky or ceiling holding you up
- Speak more slowly: this gives you more time to speak, and more time to focus on the way you deliver your speech
- Body language: take up more space, keep your body language open rather than closed
Life Balance
Finally, you need to get a balance in life. There are many aspects in your life that contribute to you being you. Along the journey to being healthier, you don’t want to neglect any other parts of your life. Do the things you enjoy too, whether that’s day drinking with your friends, eating out with your family, eating popcorn and watching Netflix, the list goes on. You want to try to get the balance right for you. Get your deadlines done but also go on that night out with your friends!
