When I use the term powerful habits, although they’re individualized, the five given below can benefit anyone.
1) Be your own cheerleader. It’s easy to get discouraged when you feel no one supports or understands your vision. However, it doesn’t mean the direction you’re taking is not valid or important. If you believe the cause is taking you towards a different direction, then follow it and keep going. It’s highly possible it’s your turn to be the trailblazer. So don’t entertain self-doubt or give in to fear. Keep looking forward. Make up your own personal cheer like, “It’s my path and whoever wants can follow!” Begin each day with an encouraging quote that sparks your day with productive energy.
2) Look above or within. Practice listening to that soft inner voice. Whether you refer to it as God, the universe, higher self, or gut instincts, become aware of its presence. You’ll notice the more you listen, the louder the voice will become. Be more aware of your surroundings when going for a walk, at a restaurant, driving or even of those thoughts that appear while taking your first sip of coffee in the morning. You’ll be surprised of the number of ideas that surface when you’re open to receiving information. Be ready to hear, see, touch, and feel your way out of a problem and find new solutions.
3) Feed your brain healthy food for optimum performance. The body functions and feels best when the brain is operating at maximum potential. Choose foods wisely by reading food labels. Keep reading further down the package and look at the ingredients. If most of what you see is not found in your kitchen, then you don’t want them inside your body. Your brain is aging along with you. Eating foods rich in Omega 3s and foods containing antioxidants protects your mind from the damaging effects of stress and the overload of information it’s forced to endure every day.
4) Don’t underestimate the power of the sigh. Schedule a time during the day to check in with yourself. It could be mid-morning, during lunch, or when you get home from work. Take slow deep breaths and let out those negative thoughts and feelings that creep up during the day. This helps you relax while getting rid of toxins in the body. Becoming aware of how you feel starts the winding down process before going to sleep. Set yourself up for a good night’s rest by slowing down your mind, breathing, and visualizing leaving all your worries outside the bedroom.
5) Do what makes your heart sing. Have at least one hobby you enjoy and participate in at least every other week. Even adults need some time aside from their busy lives to disconnect from everyday responsibilities and unavoidable house chores. Give yourself some time to laugh, learn, and explore by doing something you love to do that’s an expression of who you are. Whether it’s by yourself or in a group, the important thing is to focus only on that activity and nothing else. When we’re enjoying what we’re doing, the body releases chemicals, dopamine, and endorphins that can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Out of these five habits, which one stands out most to you? Do you need to work on one or all of them to kickstart the change you need to see in the New Year?