The new year is an open book and after 2020, we’ve learned anything is possible. However, if making major life challenges is overwhelming to you, start with these babysteps to having more energy and finding balance in your life. Here is a great list that addresses 10 different areas of our lives. Check it out, take notes, and let’s make 2021 the best it can be! I mean, it can’t get worse, right? (Don’t answer that).
1. (Nutrition) Skip The Soda, Drink Water Instead – Re-hydrate your body every day with water, not sugary sodas, for optimal energy, focus and weight loss.
2. (Exercise) Pump Iron – Resistance training increases muscular strength, endurance, and it helps to reduce body fat by increasing the metabolism. Other benefits include an increase in bone mineral density and lean body mass.
3. (Money) Pay Yourself First -Designate a certain percentage (5% – 20%) of your income to be set aside each month. Commit yourself to a saving plan; compound interest grows quickly over the years. For example, saving $10 a day at 15% interest = 1 million dollars in 25 years.
4. (Emotions) Write It Down – Writing about traumatic, stressful or emotional events has been found to result in improvements in both physical and psychological health. Start a personal journal today.
5. (Relationships) Use Non-Violent Communication – Before you speak to others ask yourself these three questions: Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary? Lessons we have hopefully learned from 2020’s politically divisive environment.
6. (Spirit) Forgive – Letting go of past grudges, hurt and betrayal has been shown to improve cardiovascular and immune function. What can you do right now to move on from past hurt?
7. (Volunteer) Get Outside Of Yourself And Help Others – Just thinking about doing something altruistic releases the glee-inducing chemicals serotonin and dopamine..and there are so many in need right now. If you aren’t sure where to begin or exactly what you want to do, go to UnitedWayDenver.org or VolunteerMatch.org to get started.
8. (Leisure) Find a Hobby – Hobbies are great stress relievers and they help people stay focused on the present moment and have fun. Do you love art? Do you want to learn a new skill? We love Skillshare.com which helps you explore what fascinates you.
9. (Relaxation) Sleep – 7.5 or more hours of sleep each night promotes better learning and memory, increased metabolism and weight loss, better mood and increased immune function.
10. (Career) Find a Mentor – Regardless of the type of work you do, there are people who will gladly share their knowledge to help you do it better. Maybe it’s a senior worker on your team or somebody who has retired. It could be a top performer who worked for your competition or someone you’ll find on a forum that deals with your industry. Somebody is out there with the capacity and willingness to help you in your career. Find them.
Bonus: Be grateful. This can be tough when we’re going through difficult times but Russell M. Nelson shared that “Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a unique, fast-acting, and long-lasting spiritual prescription.” Happy New Year!
Jolene Park
Author: Mile High Mamas
