September is the perfect time to make small changes in our lives. As the lazy days of summer fade, we find ourselves refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
Yet, for some reason, many people wait until January to tackle self-improvement goals. This year, don’t wait until the clock strikes midnight on December 31 to start making promises to yourself.
The sooner you take steps towards a better life, the sooner your life will be better. So, instead of a New Year’s Resolution, this September, make a #nowyearsresolutions!
Meditation
The serene feeling of summer can quickly fade once the pressures of school, work and the upcoming holidays become a reality. Taking a few minutes each day to calm your mind can lead to a much calmer life overall.
Meditation doesn’t have to be done in a room full of incense and gongs. You can meditate at your desk, on a park bench at lunch or on your yoga mat after a workout.
There are a number of smartphone apps which can help you with the meditation process. Headspace, Calm and Buddhify are just a few apps available for free or at a low subscription cost.
Cold Showers
A cold shower sounds stressful but the cumulative effect actually benefits both the body and the mind.
It is now believed a daily cold shower can help relieve depression, improve immunity, increase circulation, speed up weight loss and help you deal with both short term and long term stress.
Regular exposure to cold water will also improve the quality of your skin and hair so you can stop buying those expensive beauty products. Plus, a cold shower in the morning will wake you up faster than a grande from Starbucks.
Start by taking your normal hot shower then making the water cold for the last two or three minutes. As your body adjusts, your showers will most likely get shorter which is good for the environment so you’ll be helping the planet as you’re helping yourself.
Walk in the Morning
Walking in the morning isn’t just about fitness although, you will see an improvement in your fitness level.
A 3-4 mile walk early in the day can give you the necessary energy to tackle whatever tasks lay ahead. You can walk on the treadmill but your mood will be greatly improved if you walk outdoors.
Walking with a friend, loved one or dog is great but spending time alone with your thoughts can be equally beneficial.
Don’t forget to drink water from your Manna Hydration bottle even if there is a chill in the air. Staying hydrated in the fall is as important as staying hydrated in summer.
Vacation
We often think of vacation time as a luxury but recent studies show that taking time off can lead to a longer life. More than half of American workers use only 55% of their allotted vacation days. Don’t be one of those people.
The word “staycation” has become popular because not everybody has the time, money or inclination to book a cruise or exotic trip whenever they take time off from work.
If you have vacation days available, use them! Sleep late, go to a matinee movie, visit a relative or work on a fun home improvement project. You’ll be a happier worker when you return to your job.
Small Acts of Kindness
The idea of volunteering is often more appealing than the reality of volunteer work.
Volunteering can be more of a time commitment than most of us have. But not being able to dedicate every weekend to a particular organization or cause doesn’t mean we can’t help in small ways.
If you’re not financially able to write a large check to your favorite charitable group, donate where and when you can. Put some change into a donation box at the grocery store. Drop off blankets and dog treats to the local animal shelter. Bake a cake for an elderly neighbor.
Doing something good everyday will make you feel good. Go out of your way to look for ways you can help. Make it part of your daily routine.
#nowyearsresolutions Starts Now
Small changes can lead to big rewards. Don’t wait for tomorrow to be a better you.