It’s now May, and I’m sure I’m not only talking for myself when I say I’ve firmly forgotten that in January I set New Years resolutions. I’ve finally accepted that when it comes to the whole new year thing, it’s easy to be over ambitious, and really when you make a promise and break it, it’s disappointing. Rather than promises, what works for me is those small daily reminders that, once they become routine, lead to a generally more balanced perception and emotional well-being. I thought I’d share a few of the personal reminders that I give myself each day that make me a more content person.

• Try new things.its so easy to be sucked into routine. It works for some but for me I feel trapped if I am in too much of a routine and don’t get enough variation. Try new flavours, embrace other cultures, learn something new to cook, get into conversation with someone who you’ve assumed you wouldn’t enjoy it with or you wouldn’t normally talk to, try an new activity, visit a new place. It can be so simple but if done with an open mind and open heart trying new things can be so enlightening.
• Strive to feel good. Ever do that thing where you feel mopey and you say you’re doing everything to feel better but you kind of want to feel mopey. I don’t know why we do it but it’s stupid. If you have a problem, address it. If you feel down about something physical, for example, I’ve always suffered with acne and finally instead of crying over it I’ve learnt to learn. Teach yourself ways to help, or at least to know why the problem is arising.
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew. I write lists of things I need to do and sometimes I spend so long writing the list that I’m over it, and then don’t do anything on it. Little steps can lead to big things without becoming exhausted.
• Don’t say yes to everything and before you do say yes take a couple of extra breaths. It’s easy to take on too much and forget that you time is very important to reset. The relationship with yourself is the most important one, but often gets put last.
• Believe you can achieve it.
• Make your bedroom a sacred space. My favourite time of the day is pre bed. Candles, incense, hot shower, self massage, breath. Sleep prep is literally so important and even just creating a bedtime routine so your body knows it’s about to hit the mattress will make you sleep better!
• Stretch and breath. Whether or not you practice Yoga and Meditation or not, stretching and breathing first thing in the morning and before bed is a must!

I’d love to hear your daily reminders, feel free to comment!

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