If you want to master all aspects of your life, the following simple tips will help you make important changes – both big and small.
Learn something new Your brain is just like muscle, and ‘use it or lose it’ applies just the same. Learning something new improves memory, overall brain function and grows new neurological connections. Anything from learning a language to playing an instrument, cooking new recipes or learning a new craft like knitting or embroidery, will get you out of the ‘click and play’ world we’ve become used to. We are forgetting how to think! Learn something with a little challenge to stay sharp.
Become a critical thinker When people receive new information they either accept it as truth, or reject it based on whether or not it fits into their beliefs. If you’re not sure – just notice how you just received this piece of information. But what if you started to question things? What if, rather than blindly accepting or rejecting, you were ruthless with your own beliefs and opinions? Without questioning we become intolerant and inflexible. We set up rules for how life should be and when things don’t fit our rules we get upset, or angry. When we question, our mind becomes more flexible. We become more tolerant. We get less wound up when things didn’t go as they ‘should’. But don’t take my word for it. Go test it for yourself. What would happen if you questioned more?
Let go of the past Painful emotions from past events affect your current thoughts and actions. Emotions from the past cloud your thinking, and lead you to make poor decisions, and actions. Most people make the mistake of simply suppressing or expressing emotions. Instead find a way to release them. This is the key to happiness and positive mind-set.
Breathe You might think you know how to breathe and because you do it automatically, you don’t need to pay attention. But studies show that most people breathe high and shallow in their chest, which triggers the stress response. Slow, deep belly breathing for at least three to seven minutes at a time triggers the relaxation response. It also increases energy levels and makes you more alert and also reduces stress.
Change your exercise routine It’s just as important to vary your exercise routine as it is to exercise at all. When you do the same exercise it loses its impact because the body learns to adapt. To increase your fitness levels, change your exercise routine. Start a new class, swim, cycle, run or just increase your weights in the gym. You’ll be amazed how much harder even a small change can feel. Remember pain is just weakness leaving the body.
Get more sleep As well as improving memory and brain function, there’s a direct link between how much sleep you get and the thickness of your waistline. Those who get less sleep tend to be overweight. Getting anything from seven to nine hours a night is essential. So turn off the TV and your phone, lie down and close your eyes and go to sleep.
Start Meditating Latest research shows that one of the best ways to look 10 years younger is to meditate for only 20 minutes a day. It releases human growth hormone, which not only boosts your energy levels and immune system, it’s the chemical known as the elixir of eternal youth. Other benefits of meditation include reduced blood pressure, improved immunity, reduced stress and increased emotional wellbeing. It releases a cocktail of ‘happy hormones’ so you become joy-filled and joyful.
Practise non-judgment Most of the time we label things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, both of which are judgments made by the ego mind. To practise non-judgment you simply stop labelling things; instead you use this simple phrase ‘How interesting!’ Just say it silently to yourself whenever you’re tempted to think of something as good or bad. Because the Higher Self has no judgments this simple technique helps you access your non-judgmental Higher Self.
Be more present We’re often told to be present but not told exactly how to do this. It’s really simple. You look right into people’s eyes. It can be a little uncomfortable at first, simply because most people aren’t used to it. Do this with a soft gaze, with a gentle smile, rather than laser eye-balling the other person. They will feel really seen and heard, and will respond in a much more open way.
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