A collection of inspiring recommendations that may just help transform your life for the better.
Doing yoga in my pyjamas: "I had tried to start a morning yoga habit for years, but the idea of pulling on my gym kit was putting me off. Now, I go straight from bed to mat and it works perfectly."
Leaving my phone downstairs at night: "I bought an alarm clock to wake me up instead. It’s helped me to avoid scrolling through news or social media late at night. I sleep better, I feel less stressed and I am much calmer."
Putting a smile on my face the moment I wake up: "It tricks the brain into thinking: ooh, I feel quite good about today! It’s such a simple thing and it really works."
Following the 'one-minute rule': "If there’s a task I can do in less than one minute – hanging up my coat; answering an email - I do it without delay. It’s astonishing what you can accomplish, one minute at a time."
Setting my alarm 30 minutes earlier: "Gives me enough time to drink my first cup of coffee alone on the couch. Even if the rest of the day is tiring and focused on others, it feels like a daily gift I have given myself."
Incorporating “mobility snacks” into my day: "Like taking deep squats while the kettle boils. The impact on my functional movement is monumental, without needing to fit in a full workout."
Resisting the convenience of the supermarket: "I try to shop in specialist shops: hardware for lightbulbs, grocers for vegetables, fishmongers for - well, you get it. Investing in community works out cheaper, feels less dystopian and is strangely relaxing."
Listening to classical music on the radio: "I used to listen to the news during dinner, but since I switched to music I feel much less stressed and much happier."
Taking a two-minute cold shower every morning: "Often, I wake up feeling depressed and low in energy, but two minutes under the cold water makes me capable of facing the day."
Going for a bra fitting: "I used to think there was no such thing as a comfy bra, believing that it was normal for underwire to leave angry red marks in its wake. Turns out I just needed to go up a size!"
Logging out of my social media accounts on Friday night: "On weekends, I go social-media-free. I’ve started reading books instead. I feel that my attention span has improved and I am much more productive."
Reading the ingredients on my food: "Everything was full of emulsifiers, flavourings, colourings, humectants, stabilisers, preservatives, modified starches and sweeteners. I figured if I didn’t know what it was, I shouldn’t eat it. I lost 30kg and feel more joyful."
Brushing my teeth standing on one foot: "I alternate the foot each night. This was a small, zany habit I cultivated to help strengthen my ankles, but my knees, hips and balance have also improved."
Embracing my introverted nature: "I thought I was shy and not as “out there” as I should be, but recognising that I’m an introvert has enabled me to get the quietness I need to recharge my batteries."
Removing my work email account from my phone: "My job glorified overworking, despite its obvious negative impact, with numerous colleagues experiencing burnout. Now, I’m working on not taking my laptop with me on my holidays. Baby steps …"
Walking outdoors every day: "I find it hugely beneficial for my mental and physical health, which has had a domino effect on my whole life. It means that – pardon the pun – I start every day on the right foot."
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