101 Ways to Feel Better Today – Page 9

February 14, 2020February 12, 2020

#21 Find a Purpose

I have no idea what it is, but someone built it to bring joy to others. That is a wonderful purpose

What is the meaning of life? Why do we go through all of the struggle, the rushing around and trying to get ahead, just to make it to some point where we think we will enjoy the fruits of our labour as we get old and then pass on? Is that all there is?

These questions can lead you to spiral into a feeling of pointlessness, that none of it matters anyway. Or the questions can inspire you to make the most of your life while you are here. It is a waste to choose anything other than the latter.

February 13, 2020February 13, 2020

#20 Wear Your Power Colour

The power of wearing red – it’s a statement for sure!

We tend to overlook the influence that colour can have on our moods. We might be aware of the idea, but we often don’t use it to full advantage.

It’s common to use language to describe this understanding, referring to the colours of power red, cool blue, money green, and others. Just think of the image of golfer Tiger Woods on Sundays, always intentionally wearing a red shirt and black pants as he succeeded on the course multiple times.

Research shows that colour can affect our moods, behaviour, and stress levels. Different colours tend to mean similar things for many people. The colour blue, for example, is calming and associated with clear skies, which means good weather.

Colours can actually affect blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. Not only does it affect us personally, but it can influence the way other people see you too.

February 12, 2020February 11, 2020

#19 Indulge Yourself

It’s not champagne and cookies, but it’s an indulgence nonetheless!

There is only one guideline to follow for indulging yourself – do something that will make you feel good both mentally and physically. Eating an entire chocolate cake isn’t the direction I’m going here. This is about learning to take care of yourself so you aren’t in a constant state of stress.

When we do something that makes us happy, especially if it isn’t a necessity and it doesn’t benefit anyone else, there is a satisfaction that comes with it of showing ourselves kindness. This may bring up different feelings as many of us have been taught that treating ourselves is selfish and we should always be giving to others instead.

February 11, 2020February 11, 2020

#18 Read a Biography

Read about what is possible. Then find a beautiful place and think about how you can reach for your dreams

This might be difficult to do in one day if you choose to read a book, but it doesn’t need to be that involved. Think of someone you admire, maybe a person who is doing what you want to do, or someone who is very successful or who overcame great obstacles to accomplish something. Now go on the internet and read something about them.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own problems and to complacently accept our self-imposed limitations. By opening ourselves up to other people’s stories, we can learn to expand what we believe is possible and find the motivation to set goals and work towards accomplishing whatever we dream of doing.

February 10, 2020February 10, 2020

#17 Declutter a Space

A beautiful balcony with room to move, not full of stuff that detracts from the view. My spot in Puerto Rico

This one isn’t fun and it isn’t all that enjoyable while you are doing it, but after you get rid of some things that you no longer use, it feels great.

Whether it is clothes you no longer wear, books you won’t look at again, or trinkets that you have collected over the years, now is a good time to go through some of it and repurpose what you can, recycle if possible, or give it to someone else who will appreciate it. As a last resort, throw it out.

Working or living in a clean space that has lots of room for air to flow and energy to pass through freely is good for both your mind and your body. Surrounding yourself with too much stuff is an invitation for dust to collect, bugs to move in, and a stagnant energy to settle. It is only after you have cleaned out a space that you will notice how much better it feels.

February 9, 2020February 9, 2020

#16 Nuts and Seeds

Homemade energy bars full of nuts, seeds and oats are easy to make and super healthy and tasty

This is an easy tip and it can actually make you feel so much better that you might want to make it a daily habit. Eat a small handful of nuts or some seeds and enjoy all of the benefits of one of nature’s most healthy treats.

Although high in fat, nuts and seeds have a nutrition profile that is admirable. Loaded with various nutrients and antioxidants, they are convenient to eat and a little goes a long way. Studies have shown that nuts can help reduce bad cholesterol and even aid in weight loss. Other potential benefits include heart protection, reduced inflammation, and regulation of blood sugar.

February 8, 2020February 7, 2020

#15 Forgiveness

Sometimes getting out and appreciating nature gives you the clarity to be able to release the past

This is kind of a big one, but in terms of something that you can do today to instantly feel better it is perhaps the most important one so far.

Carrying around the energy of the past is very heavy and limits our freedom to live a life of no limits. There is no doubt that terrible things happen to so many of us, and it can be nearly impossible to forgive those who hurt us or treated us poorly. But by beginning to understand what forgiveness really is, we can use it as the ultimate way to free ourselves from the burden of the past.

February 7, 2020February 7, 2020

#14 Breathing

Yoga is all about anchoring to the breath throughout in every moment, no matter what asana you are in

For something that is the most important thing to our survival, breathing is a function we rarely think about. The body takes care of it for us, but unlike many other functions, like the beating of the heart, we can control our breathing and regulate the pattern of it if we choose.

In ancient Sanskrit, the art of using the breath as a healing or meditative tool is called pranayama. This is usually translated to mean “mastery of the life force”. There are different forms of this, from doing alternate nostril breathing to releasing the breath in multiple short, forceful spurts, but the idea behind it is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain.

February 6, 2020February 5, 2020

#13 Plan Something Special

It doesn’t need to be a beach getaway, but a trip to Barbados would be something to look forward to

If you are fortunate and you get to take vacations to somewhere special every year, then you already understand how much fun it is to plan something. When there is an event on the calendar, some moment in the future that you are looking forward to, the sense of anticipation and the feeling of excitement that accompanies it is not only good for you mentally, but physically as well.

When life looks like one long series of days that are the same, with nothing but work and errands and obligations ahead, the feelings of joy and enthusiasm can seem impossible to reach. Take a few moments today to put a plan into action to do something you will enjoy.

February 5, 2020February 4, 2020

#12 Laugh

I always find mascots to be funny – don’t know why but I do!

If you can’t remember the last time you had a good laugh at something, then it has been too long.

Life can be so serious, with obligations, family, conflict, health worries, and innumerable other issues that demand our attention. It’s easy to overlook the lighter side sometimes. We are blessed with many emotions that we can experience, and if fear, worry and anger are the ones that dominate your life then you aren’t allowing yourself to be as well-rounded as you could be.