Alas, summer has ended, and while the season of chills and thrills is in full swing, colder temperatures and lesser sunlight can leave us all feeling just a little bit lackluster. Here is a checklist to help you get ahead of the season and remain emotionally balanced through the colder months.
Happiness has harbored hundreds of forms, and every human perceives happiness as something different at different times in their life.
To some, happiness can mean their dream job; to others, it can mean a tight-knit group of besties. Whatever happiness means to you, here is how you can use healthy habits to help yourself feel higher happiness levels.
Well phrased by Warren Buffett, "Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken." Some habits can be hard to break, especially ones that we have been nurturing for years, but with the right guidance and encouragement, we are here to tell you, YOU CAN DO IT.
Just as for happiness, there is no watertight right vs. wrong for most habits, so take these tips and tailor them to fit your lifestyle.
Love Yourself
Practicing self-love is easy to follow; it comes to each of us naturally. Try these simple steps to make your life a bit brighter.
Practice positive affirmations such as, "I am strong, I am capable, I can do anything I set my mind to."
Smile more; smiling naturally increases dopamine, aka the happy hormone.
Exercise is not only a way of practicing self-love but has a multitude of health benefits for the body and the mind. Every tiny bit of exercise counts, and at Salsa City Fitness, we are here to encourage you in every step of your fitness journey. VIEW CLASSES
Eat right, not only to stay in shape but to nourish your body, nurturing it with an adequate balance of nutritious food. If you are interested in getting a bit of guidance on nutrition, sign up for our thirty-day nutritional coaching program today. SIGN UP NOW. For daily meal planning and unlimited access to hundreds of healthy recipes, visit the recipes section on the nutrition page on the Salsa City website HERE. We know making healthy food choices is a marathon, not a sprint. We advise our readers to start by making small changes, gradually incorporating increased amounts of healthy food into your daily meals.
Get enough sleep it is essential in maintaining physical and mental wellness. Try to unwind an hour before bed, keep a sleep schedule, and practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique to help yourself drift into dreamland.
Breathe, yes breathing is natural, but loving yourself means allowing yourself the opportunity to breathe fully and freely. Take two minutes a day to practice gentle deep breathing to boost oxygen levels.
Keep your surroundings clean and organized, value yourself enough to have fresh, clean bedding, counters, an organized work desk, and dresser; cleaning not only helps clear the home and office but helps clear the mind too.
Socialize with people who love, support, and encourage you to be the best you, even if it means getting on a zoom call with your besties every Friday night, maybe go on an evening walk with a friend every evening or get together for yoga in the morning; there are plenty of ways to enjoy one another's company without having to eat out.
Practice mental self-care, take some time to relax your mind and soul, be it a long bath, a facemask and chat with a friend, gardening, singing, or anything that nourishes your inner self.
"We need to love ourselves first in All our glory and imperfections."- John Lennon.
Treat Yourself
Irrespective of getting treats and surprises from partners or friends, treat yourself to some TLC. After all, you deserve it.
Thank your body for everything it offers you, from energy to efficiency, treat your muscles and joints to a conditioning massage and help your body feel rewarded for the hard work it puts in for you every day.
Indulge in the occasional treat, be it a desert or shopping for something you have been eyeing for a while.
"You are the only one who can make yourself happy; it is never too late to find out how to do it." - Ruth Reichl.
Realign Yourself
It feels almost like a reset every time you choose to practice mindfulness or journaling; it helps reset your mood and realigns your mind with your true self.
Practice gratitude, every morning as you brush your teeth, think of three things you are grateful for; every night as you go to bed, count your blessings; it helps boost mood and satisfaction levels.
Be kind to yourself and others by offering genuine compliments. Before you say something, take a minute to ponder over the effect of your words on the other person, will what you have to say add any value or joy to the other person's life? Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting some on yourself.- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Practice being genuine, allow yourself to feel all the feelings that come with life, and don't sweep grief or pain under the carpet of superficial happiness.
Journal writing not only helps us reflect on our thoughts and actions but serves as a personal record for us to look back on and practice self-improvement; even five sentences a day is sufficient.
Make a plan, setting goals reduces stress and increases satisfaction on meeting said goals. Make sure your to-do list isn't overly complicated or demanding, and keep tasks simple, broad and flexible.
Unplug for an hour from social media, the news, work, and daily chores. Take the time to watch a joyful show or movie or listen to a podcast you like.
Go outside; even in the colder months, a walk in the park can do you a lot more good than scrolling through Instagram on the couch. Sunlight is a source of warmth and joy; fresh air helps reduce stress and improves mood.
Practice mindfulness, take the time to enjoy the present moment, savor what you are eating, feel the flow of movements in your body, and live every experience fully.
"Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself." - Alice Walker
Written by Sargam Merchant
For Salsa City Fitness.