Self-improvement is beneficial for the mind and body. It can even improve your relationships. But how can you do it?
The good news is that you don’t need a full makeover to improve yourself, like what you usually see in movies. You don’t even have to spend a dime to do it. Another good news is that you’ve come to the right place for some pieces of advice. If you’re wondering what else you can do to improve yourself, here are some tips.
Learn Something New
No matter how old you are right now, it is important that you never stop learning something new. It could be learning a new language, how to crochet, how to play a musical instrument, paint, etc. Aside from gaining new knowledge, it is also helpful for your brain, especially as you grow older.
Learning new things exercises your brain. Therefore, you can improve your brain’s health. With this, you can boost your concentration, memory, attention to detail, as well as problem-solving. You can even reduce the likelihood of developing diseases that could affect your brain, such as dementia.
Learn How to Say “No”
Sometimes, people forget healthy boundaries. Because of this, you may be taken advantage of, which could cause you traumas in the long run. For that reason, seasoned life coaches from www.coaching-online.org say that you should learn how to say “no.” This is important for maintaining your relationships with others.
It may be hard at first, especially if you’re talking to your closest friends or family, but this will enable you to set and maintain healthy boundaries for yourself. There will be times when you will be judged for doing so, but remember, you’re living your life for yourself and not for anyone else.
Stick to an Exercise Routine
Sticking to an exercise routine is another way to improve yourself both physically and mentally. The best thing about it is that you’ll not only get to improve your physique. With an exercise routine, you can also enhance your mental well-being.
Aside from strengthening your body, having an exercise routine and sticking to it also improves your mental health as it helps with the production of happy hormones in your brain, which is vital in keeping anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns at bay. Even just a 30-minute workout a day is already enough to trigger such hormones.
Eat Healthier
Of course, your efforts in keeping a healthy body through exercise won’t be enough if you don’t eat healthier. Just like exercise, doing this will not only benefit your physical health. If you eat healthier, you’re also taking care of your brain.
Apparently, what you eat can also affect your mental health. Seafood, lean organ meats, and leafy greens, for instance, may have antidepressant effects that can help keep depression at bay. Nuts and dark chocolate are known to assist in boosting brain and memory too.
That said, if you want to improve yourself, you should also mind what you eat as it can have adverse effects not just on your body but on your mind as well.
Laugh Out Loud
When they said laughing is the best medicine, well, they weren’t just making it up. Apparently, experts say that it is one of the most therapeutic things you can do for yourself every single day.
Laughing stimulates your organs, relieves your stress response, soothes tension in your body, plus, it helps release endorphins in your brain. Even a short period of laughter a day can already make you feel its effects on your body.
That said, try to spend time with your friends whom you can laugh out loud with. Watching funny videos, of course, can also help you with that. Some people even try to fake their laugh to make them laugh for real. No matter what floats your boat, do it if it’s something that can make you laugh out loud.
Count Your Blessings
Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes (or most of the time), life will give you lemons, which can prevent you from seeing the good in every situation.
Before you get completely blinded by the negative things around you, try to start counting your blessings even from the moment you wake up. You can also list down three things you’re thankful for the day. This will help you appreciate the things you have in life better, help you be more satisfied, and keep you inspired. It can also help with your overall health.
Improving yourself doesn’t require you to spend even a penny. Take advantage of it for your well-being.
