10 life enhancing hacks

It’s all too tempting to look for a quick fix when life throws challenges your way.

Chocolate is my guilty pleasure and ‘go-to’ pick me up for much-needed relief especially when commitments (e.g. work, studies, and social time) come together to make me feel super stressed.

Yet it’s effect was short-lived and I ended up craving more.  I decided this spring to try something different and see if I could get my ‘happy fix’ from making some minor adjustments to my routine instead.

So are you tempted to change anything in your routine this spring? Often it’s the little things that can really change the quality of our lives more than we know. Here are some suggestions that could help make a difference.  Why not give one a try?

1. Spring-Clean

Marie Kondo’s book Spark of Joy highlights the importance of being only surrounded by items that bring us joy. Happiness is a state of being and does not come from acquiring more stuff. So getting rid of clutter in your home not only can have a calming effect on your mood but also can help inspire you creatively.

2. Start your day on a high

Listening to Podcasts on your way to work can give you a pep in your step and set you up for the rest of the day.  Who said commutes have to be boring! Make the most of yours – learn and discover new things every day.

3. Slow down

Life in the fast lane can be exhausting and drain you of all your energy. Even worse than that, it makes you not appreciate what you have. Hold back, slow down and simply enjoy the people in your life.

4. Breathe

When stress catches up with you, take as little as 2 minutes to focus on your breathing.  Allowing it to go deeper into your belly.  This will help calm your mind and relax your body to tackle whatever you need to do after that.

5. Enjoy Food

Even if it can be tempting when the workload is high, never skip meals! Discover food, which is healthy for your mind, body, and soul.

6. Move your Body

We do not become tired from actual exercise nearly as much as from our negative attitudes of resistance toward it. Exercise not only gives you more energy but can make you feel good to lead the life you want.

7. Don’t sweat the small stuff

A good rule thumb is to ask yourself will this event matter six months from now or even in a year’s time?  If not then let it go and focus your energy on what really matters to you.

8. Show Gratitude

Appreciate what you have, especially the things in life.  Looking at things through this lens will actually make you feel lighter mentally, and more able to explore and work towards both small and bigger things in your life.

9. Make Spontaneous Decisions

Stop overthinking and trust your gut, it will help you live more effortlessly and in the moment.  Why not make a habit of trying out new things or changing your routine?  It will greatly help you expand your comfort zone, as well as feel more connected and alive.

10. Smile More

Positivity brings more positivity. See what a difference smiling at strangers can have, smile more and you’ll feel more positive.

By MyMind Cork therapist Jennifer Barton