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We have times in our lives when we feel restless, frustrated or just…off. Times when we get so busy we forget to take care of ourselves, or are in a small depression over something. Sometimes, we just need to change something, and we don't know where to start, or the idea of a major change is overwhelming.
We all take steps to grow, mature, and better ourselves. Many of these steps and habits develop slowly over time, but some of them are conscious small choices, changes of focus and efforts we make every day. Even something small that becomes a regular habit can have a huge effect on your overall health and well-being. Here's a list of 25 Small Changes To Be A Happier Healthier Version Of Yourself.
Waking up even half an hour earlier can set your whole day on the right path. It gives you time to not rush in the morning, and therefore feel more in control of your entire day, and as a result, be less stressed.
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Taking a bath or a long warm shower not only relaxes you and eases your stress, it can actually help you feel less lonely. Some experiences we have in social company such as love and acceptance give us a ‘warm' physical sensation, and according to researchers at Yale University, taking a warm shower or bath can help return those normal social feelings. So if you're feeling rejected or unsupported, take a bath.
Trying something is new good for a whole host of reasons: it gives you a reason to be brave; it gives you a chance to overcome fear; it gives you a legitimate reason to be darn proud of yourself; it gives you a chance to meet new people you might not have otherwise; and, bonus, you might actually find a new extreme sport/food/hobby/band/religion that you really enjoy. Remember, Bob Ross was terrible at painting before he tried.
Eating and drinking the good stuff – dark chocolate, red wine, spicy food – can release endorphins. Obviously, all good things in moderation, but it makes you wonder if those spicy food people are just craving the endorphin high. Dark Chocolate also contains magnesium, which is good for headaches and stress in general. So if you feel a piece of dark chocolate and a glass of red wine is a good reward at the end of a hard day, you're right. If you're religiously inclined, the bible even says so in Ecclesiastes! “Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart!”
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Unplugging from social media and only picking up your cell phone to make or answer actual phone calls can be surprisingly beneficial to your mental health. Being too plugged in can lead to things like jealousy and envy, as well as feelings of loneliness and a fear of missing out. Not to mention being connected on social media or staring at your phone means your missing the life happening right in front of you. You could have a beautiful conversation with the mom and toddler in front of you in line, or brighten the cashier's day by asking how they are and meaning it. Don't miss those small but important human interactions, like eye contact and a shared laugh. Unplug a little. It's good for you.
Practice good hygiene as a habit. For someone people this is a big “DUH” and for others, they simply may not have been taught good habits growing up. Society is quick to jump on these people, but it's often lack of knowledge, not laziness. When you're well groomed, you feel better about yourself and that confidence shows in everything you do. You don't need a lot of money to make a face mask, or for simple things for a good skin care routine. Keep your nails trimmed and clean, exfoliate your body once a week and use a moisturizer. Some people can get by without any sort of antiperspirant or deodorant, but honestly, not many. Remember that by the time you smell your own body odor, everyone else has been able to smell it for about an hour. All primates – including humans – have grooming habits. It's an imporant way to take care of yourself daily.
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