There’s no need to overhaul your life—to quit your job, move to another country, take an expensive masters degree. Sometimes all you need are simple tweaks to add more meaning and inspiration to your day.
1. Don’t check social media first thing in the morning.
Take time for you instead. Don’t allow the world to immediately take charge of your thoughts and emotions. Instead take these precious first moments to center yourself and set your intention for the day ahead.
2. Meditate.
Ten minutes of calm connection with yourself is life changing. It allows you to be aware of your thoughts and reactions, to be mindful of your intentions so you’re not just reacting to the what’s around you. Use the apps Headspace or Insight Timer (my personal preference—it’s not as beautiful as Headspace but I love all the guided meditations) to get you started.
3. Learn something new.
Learning doesn’t just happen on the job or in the confines of a traditional education. Curious about calligraphy, block printing, digital marketing, SEO, tarot? Try online programs such as Skillshare, Creativelive or Creativebug. Take an alternative vacation and learn something while exploring an exotic new place. Watch Youtube videos on your new passion.
4. Take advantage of long weekends.
Sometimes you don’t really need a month off to take a break from the stress of work. A long weekend (the good news is that there are a lot in 2017!) will allow you time to decompress, explore a new part of the world (in Asia or even in your own neighborhood), spend time with the people you love and focus on your own joy.
5. Journal.
Free writing is always a good idea as it helps you get your thoughts and worries down on paper, allowing the page to be a container for all of these. Using journaling prompts is also fun as it helps you dig deeper into subjects you don’t usually ponder about. Or if you’re more visual, being committed to photo-journaling a snippet of your day (whether you post about it on Instagram or not) will help you to be more aware of the details of your life instead of just letting it pass you by.
6. Go on a retreat.
Hang out with like-minded people. Get some alone time. Pamper your body and soul. Try something new. A retreat allows you to do all of this.
