5 daily strategies to create a ‘feel good’ factor in your life
Build these habits into your daily routine and notice the immediate benefits to help you feel good
These are small-scale habits, which are easy to access and implement, designed to help lay the foundations for feeling good every day.
1) Create a positive morning/pre-work routine - A ten minute guided meditation to centre your energy and to silence your mind, is really beneficial to shut down the mind chatter. There are several apps and YouTube resources to help with this. Eat a balanced breakfast which provides genuine nutrition and sustains your energy until lunchtime. I often go for scrambled eggs on toast, porridge, or a bowl of granola (for a quicker fix). It's also beneficial to spend 10 - 15 minutes doing some light exercise or movement of some kind. Taking the dog for a short walk, or perhaps a light jog before you take a shower.
2) Be selective with your use of mobile phones or any screen based technology. Can you manage to ignore messages, texts, emails until after say 8am? Can you switch off your phone from 7-8pm onwards and take a break from TV an hour before sleep? This may seem challenging initially because of the habits and expectations we have ingrained into every day life, but I recommend try leaving your phone in a different room or in a drawer. You will really notice a positive impact by sticking to this.
3) Prioritise your own basic needs, as often as possible. We all have obligations to others, including children, partners, friends, and work colleagues. There will be practical things which need to be sustained, like going to work, providing for children, caring for pets etc. However, it's vital for your long-term wellbeing to centre your daily schedule around you being the most important person in your life. Do you have a habit of giving too much to others, without receiving back in return? Maybe attending social or after work events which you could choose to decline. Would it do any harm for your children to miss one of their after-school activities for once, if you are running on empty? To think like this is not selfish. If something you need to do doesn’t feel right and you have a choice, don’t be afraid to say no to manage your own wellbeing and energy levels. By holding this mindset it will serve you well in all areas of life going forward.
4) Create time and space every day to feel joy or have fun. Do you play or listen to music? Do you enjoy being creative with art, dancing, singing? Is there a sport you can play or attend an exercise class? Cooking, reading, or a walk in nature are all simple pleasures we can access to create feelings and thought processes which takes you out of the ‘mind’ and into the 'moment' of enjoyment. This is crucial in remembering that we are here to enjoy life, which can be done every day. Even if it’s 30 minutes, by creating this ritual it can help reframe the need for more joy as a priority rather than a luxury. Do it every day and see the difference.
5) Create a healthy sleeping routine to allow you to properly rest and recharge. As well as the boundaries with technology, and work, previously mentioned, can you take a relaxing bath or read a book before bedtime? Allow yourself to wind down and relax from the day by feeling good, and experiencing positive thoughts to take you into sleep. Avoid watching TV in bed and allow yourself the chance to switch off from the outside world before settling down. Keep your phone in a drawer and set a regular alarm clock to help wake up. Research shows that having mobiles next to us during sleep can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep we experience.
By following these strategies for one week, you will likely feel an initial positive difference. By following it for 4-6 weeks it lays the foundations for new habits which over time will become more ingrained and feel like a natural thing to do. Good luck. You've got this!