So you want more energy AND to reinvent yourself this year? Use the following 6 techniques every day and consider it done!
Eat to Win
What the heck does that mean? We hear it all the time but do we really understand the concept? Eating to win just means fueling your body and brain with nutritious food so you can perform at your highest level, both physically and mentally. Your car can’t run on empty and neither can you. And we all know what happens when the oil is never changed – the engine blows up! Every part of your life is based on nutrition. If you don’t have energy and you don’t feel good you’ll never be able to live to the fullest.
Move More
A simple idea but oh, so effective! You don’t have to run a marathon to get the benefits of exercise. But you do have to make a solid effort to do something every day. I find the best way to “move” is first thing in the morning. I get up early and hit the gym before work. Unless you already have an evening workout routine, it’s too easy to keep saying “I’m going to workout later,” because later usually means never. Not a morning person? Start slow – set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than usual and take a 5-minute walk. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it? If you keep breaking it down into micro-changes you’ll form a new habit in a few weeks. Before you know it you’ll be waking up before your alarm ready to get out and get moving!
No Device Time
Speaking of getting up earlier that means you need to go to bed earlier. How the heck am I going to do that, you may ask? Turn off all devices 1 hour before your head hits the pillow. Yes – one hour. This time is needed for you to decompress and quiet your mind. No tv, no FB, no checking emails, no talking on the phone, no texting. At first this may seem impossible but I guarantee you’ll look forward to that extra hour of no interruptions. But what if people are trying to contact me? You’ll be setting the precedent that you “turn off” each night and people will respect that you value your time.
Affirmations
And when you get up earlier you’ll have time to set your intentions for the day. I like to give myself a little pep talk when I wake up in the morning. You can do this before you get out of bed or while standing in front of the mirror while you’re getting ready for work. “I’m confident.” “I’m strong.” “I will not let that guy in accounting irritate me today.” The more you repeat your affirmations out loud the more they’ll become reality. You’ll be able to breeze through your day with less stress and more positivity.
Appreciation and Gratitude
We all get caught up in the stress of life and forget that there are so many things that we take for granted. Every day we all have something we appreciate and we all have something to be grateful for. But do we ever acknowledge these things? A simple exercise I like to do before bed and as soon as I wake up is to think of 3 things I appreciate and 3 things I am grateful for. No need to make it complicated – just go with anything that comes to mind. Today I was grateful for my best friend, my dog and frozen yogurt. I appreciate that I’m a loving, caring person and that I can laugh out loud when I watch South Park.
Visualize Your Future
What do you want your future to look like? What will you be doing? Where will you be living? Who will you be spending time with? Every day take the time to visualize exactly what you want in the future. Include as many details as possible. Visualization can help you have greater focus that in turn will help you achieve your goals. It can inspire you, relieve stress and help build confidence. You can even visualize your way to improved health. There are no limits so dream big and go for it!