Jana and I talk a lot about the importance of clearing out old belief patterns as a mode of improving yourself and boosting happiness. But there’s more to that journey than simply eliminating old conditioning.
It is also important to stay physically, mentally and emotionally balanced, especially if you are drawn to push your own boundaries and find out what makes you tick and why you act in certain ways. Here are some of our favorite methods of staying balanced on the self-improvement journey.
- Be grateful – It has been proven scientifically that gratitude boosts happiness and can also reduce stress, depression and anxiety. So, take a moment each day to reflect and to count your blessings. There’s always something to appreciate. For example, I had a client once who told me that Pepsi and jellybeans were all she had to be grateful for. I said, “Then start there.”
- Be in the moment – The quote “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present,” rings so true. Focus on your breath, be mindful of the sun or the rain (we all have our preference) and be present to what’s in front of you.
- Be good to yourself – Be kind to your body, your mind and your soul. Embark on a healthy lifestyle and fill yourself up with good foods and beverages. Read a great book or listen to an informative podcast. Treat yourself kindly by thinking and saying positive things about yourself.
Be open to asking for help – This is a hard one for all of us. But many of us like to help others and experience great joy by doing so. Remember, when you need help, there’s someone who really wants to help you. Don’t rob them of that joy. Just ask. - Be in nature – Nature is one of life’s great healers. Connecting to the ground, the trees, the water and the sky can bring so much peace and harmony into our hearts.
- Be active – Move your body. We all need movement in our life. Being active releases endorphins in our brain that naturally shift our mood.
- And finally, be funny – Watch a comedy or go see a comedian. Laugh at yourself and find the humor in all things around you. It truly does the body good.
The journey of self-improvement can have its moments of heaviness, but you can also find great joy and happiness when you stay balanced.