You don’t have to wait until new years to start making changes. If you find yourself unhappy, or even just wanting more out of life, you don’t need to have a crisis and buy an expensive car or a boat.
Here is a list of 10 easy things you can do to improve your life in just a month.
1. Workout
We talk about working out ad nauseam, but that’s because it’s true! When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that will improve your mood. Regular exercise has been shown to increase your cognitive ability, combat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, and increase your lifespan. Regular exercise is also an excellent way to meet new people through sports teams or at the gym.
2. Eat Healthier
The saying is that bodies aren’t made to the gym but the kitchen. If your diet consists of a lot of sugar and fat, odds are you won’t be feeling well. Studies have shown that poor diets and lack of nutrients lead to health problems as well as depression. Your body needs vitamins and minerals to support itself, and if your diet is lacking, you won’t be feeling great.
3. Lay off the booze
This can be a tough one, but binge drinking has severe health effects. Physically, regular binge drinking damages your liver, harms your DNA, increases your body fat and weakens your immune system. People who drink to excess also report higher rates of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
4. Get More Sleep
This is a common suggestion, but in today’s era, it can be hard to get your full 6-8 hours. Everyone is different, so the amount of sleep you need to be at optimum differs from person to person, just find the amount that works for you and plan accordingly. Studies have found that looking at your phone before bed makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, so instead of creeping on your ex’s Instagram, put the phone down and pick up a book.
5. Adopt a pet
A dog is a man’s best friend, for a reason. Pet owners have been shown to have higher levels of life satisfaction. Having a pet keeps you grounded, as you it makes you accountable to something. They also provide companionship. The best part? There are thousands of loving animals in need of a good home available for adoption at your local animal shelter. The best part, of course, is that chicks dig a guy with a dog.
6. Read
It’s just as important to work out your brain as it is your body. People who read regularly are reported to have higher IQ scores, are more successful in the workplace, have a better vocabulary, and report having a better quality of sleep. If you’re pressed for time, get an audio book app and enjoy a book at the gym or during your commute.
7. Volunteer
Make time for someone in need. You don’t need to give all of your money to charity; your time is just as valuable. There are plenty of programs that are in need of all types of people. Whether it be pulling weeds at a public park, walking dogs at the animal shelter, tutoring kids in math, or even helping a nonprofit, so it’s booked, whatever your skills are there is a volunteer opportunity for you to use them and help people out.
8. Save Money
The golden rule when you get a paycheck is first to pay yourself. It’s no secret that traditional retirement programs like the pension are disappearing. You can’t depend on your company subsidize your retirement. Social Security is broke and doesn’t pay enough to support a person, so it’s up to you. Besides retirement, having a financial cushion can save you when an unexpected expense pops up, like a car accident or a natural disaster.
9. Reduce Social Media Time
Get. Off. Of. Facebook. More and more studies are showing that social media affects the human brain in a very similar way that drugs and alcohol do. If you find yourself mindlessly browsing Facebook, you aren’t living your life.
10. Keep Yourself Well Groomed
One of the best ways to feel good takes pride in your appearance. You don’t need to spend a fortune on grooming products and fashion accessories. Bathe regularly, look after your skin and hair, and dress appropriately.
Start by making gradual changes. It helps to write out a plan and commit to it. If you do these ten things, you can start improving your life today.
