Life Changers

I'm constantly on the hunt for ways to better myself. I stumbled across a post on Facebook that a good friend reposted from 2014 called 10 Surprising Habits That Will Help You Transform Your Life Beyond All Recognition. To no surprise I clicked the link and found myself wanting to document these tips for myself. Time to ask myself what I can do to incorporate this list into my every day life...

1. "Set yourself unique and inspiring goals every single day"Try something new every day. Challenge myself every day. Take a picture every day.
    
2. "Before you sleep, summarize your biggest achievements"
   I should keep my journal next to my bed. I need to get a bed stand and a lamp first. Documenting my achievements will put life in perspective on the daily.
3. "Wake up at the exact same time every day"
   This will help develop my circadian rhythm, which will help keep my body energetic, healthy, and focused. It's always calming waking up early and eating breakfast before starting another busy day. This has been on my to-do list for a while now.
4. "Don't fall for the hype about multitasking"Do things one at a time and put all your focus on it so you can do it right. It seems like people are always in a rush trying to get something done. Must keep in mind that there is always time. Achieve one goal before starting the next.
5. "Spend too much time online? Block distracting sites"
   I'm completely guilty of being a cyber zombie. I actually deleted Facebook and Instagram off of my phone a while ago, but redownloaded it and found myself on it more than ever. Social media has taken away in face interaction with peers. There's no way to assess how a person is feeling through text. There's no body language or tone of voice to go off of. I'm always happier socializing around other people. I think it's time to delete these apps and block sites again. I want to start writing and drawing again. Maybe start practicing yoga again. Something physically active or where I can use my brain.
6.  "Practice mindful eating for health and relaxation"
   I love taking my time to eat. It's an opportunity to really experience the joy and privelage of being able to eat good and healthy foods. I've always ate slowly and it makes me appreciate what I have. Lately I've been scarfing down food because I tend to wait too long before my next meal. I noticed it makes me feel so sleepy. Gotta slow it down..
7. "Every week, reconnect with a friend or acquaintance"
   I've actually been doing a great job at this. It was on my Big Ten list of things I'd like to improve for the new year. It feels great having a better connection with people. I feel like I have friends again.
8. "Can't sleep? Write down your thoughts before you go to bed"
   I tend to fall asleep quickly from busy work days or staying up too late. But this has always helped me in the past. Another reason to keep my journal next to bed!
9. "Write negative people and influences out of your life"
   I've realized that there are a few people in my life that tend to be more negative than positive. With the few friends I have, it's hard for me to let people go. I'd rather keep my distance and give them the chance to change themselves and see where it goes from there. But I could never just cut someone out of my life that I love dearly. I don't think anyone can. I've learned to accept people for who they are.
10. "Avoid technology an hour before you go to sleep"I'm terrible with this.. Something I should definitely work out starting today!It'll give me personal time to reflect or even read.

I'm on my way to living a more productive life! This will lessen stress, improve relationships with those around me, and improve my overall quality of life. Tech zombie no more!