Life for lots of us seems overwhelming right now. With Covid-19 still ruling the way we live, it can feel like areas we were once in control of are toppling around us instead.
But with a few simple changes, you can get things back on track.
Everyday life
Erica Wolfe-Murray, leading business coach and author of Simple Tips Smart Ideas, says…
Face up to your finances
Cancel everything you don’t use (such as subscriptions), and set a clear incoming and outgoing budget to start making regular savings.
Build on what makes you happy
List everything that makes you unhappy, then devise a plan to reduce or remove these aspects from your life. Now list everything that makes you smile and gives you moments of happiness and work to increase these everyday.
Understand when you have the most energy
If you wake up early, harness those early hours to do constructive activity, such as working, writing, DIY or exercise. If you’re a night owl, shift things around to make use of the evenings instead.
Avoid moaning
Moaning zaps your energy. Instead of complaining, get out of the rut and fix the issues you can. By taking control you’ll feel inspired.
Move on from people who are dragging you down
You don’t have to be friends with everyone for life. Each of us is on a different road, and if someone’s is diverging from yours – that’s fine. It will make space for new people in your life.
Your body
Vicki Anstey, fitness figure and founder of BarreWorks.co.uk, says…
Find your motivation
It takes six weeks to build better habits, so how can you change things in 24 hours? The best way to make positive choices in relation to food, exercise and lifestyle is to find your ‘why’.
If you can identify your intrinsic motivation for changing habits, you have a far greater chance of success. Intrinsic motivations are driven by internal rewards that are deeply satisfying to you.
So if you want to lose weight, do it because you want to live longer, be healthier for your children or avoid illness , rather than for the sake of dropping a dress size. If you can do that, you’ll find it easier to stay on track.
Your mind
Ali McDowall, co-founder of ThePositivePlanners.com, says…
Write it down
Journaling is a simple, low-cost way to transform your mindset and boost positivity. Start off by writing down three things you are grateful for. Then as you build journaling into your daily routine you will start to find a formula that works for you.
This can have a wonderful impact on your mood and outlook, especially if you find mornings difficult to get motivated. Evening journaling is also a great way of letting go of the stresses and strains that the day has presented, helping you to process it all.
Your skin
Karen J. Gerrard, skin expert and founder of SeamsBeauty.co.uk, says…
• Never go to sleep with make-up on to avoid clogging pores.
• Dip a cotton wool pad in warm green tea, squeeze out excess and rest on eyes to soothe.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase – the smooth surface is cool, hypoallergenic and lets skin slide easily, which reduces wrinkles .
• In the morning, drink a glass of warm water to flush away toxins.
• Splash your face with cold water in the morning to tighten up the skin’s pores and give a smoother base
for make-up.
• Use a daily moisturiser with SPF25.
Have a clear-out
Unsah Malik, social media expert and author of Slashed It: The Ultimate Social Media & Influencer Marketing Guide (£55, slashedit.co.uk), says...
Unfollow accounts that take you to a negative space
If you’re going to spend a considerable chunk of your day scrolling through your social feeds, the least you can do is ensure the experience doesn’t become an energy drainer or a mood buster.
For most people, this includes people you unrealistically compare yourself against motivational speakers or thought leaders you don’t actually find inspiring (we all learn and prefer being spoken to in different ways), and people who share opinions that go against everything you believe in.
In replacement, follow and engage with those you can relate to, learn from and, most importantly, whose content makes you feel good.
