/ Stop Existing and Start Living!

by Anokhi Admin

Stop Existing and Start Living!

Jul 30, 2013

Step by step guide on how to make your life more purposeful

Our daily life can be happier. It’s all a matter of choice. Life is a series of experiences and we can label them to be positive or negative. It’s helpful to work on accepting what life brings to us and know that we have the ability to work through anything that comes our way. It sounds easy, but why is it so hard to put into practice?

With the busy, stress-filled lives we lead, we often lose sight of what’s truly important, and as a result, our life becomes a series of responsibilities and routines. We forget to take care of ourselves and notice the joys that surround our beautiful and valuable life. During such challenging days, we need to take charge and add in simple pleasures to remind us of all the wonderful happiness that always surrounds us. Whether we’re happy or unhappy all depends on our attitude. So let’s take charge of our lives and make it happier!

In order to make that change, we need to take care of ourselves. It’s the first and most important step towards having a healthier mind, body, and soul.

Here are few tips:

Mind

Work towards a healthier state of mind by minimizing chaos and cleaning out the clutter in your mind.

Focus on the present moment and be mindful of it. Life unfolds in the present, but so often we are consumed by thoughts related to our past (i.e. regrets) or future (i.e. goals, hopes and wants). We rarely stay and savour the present moment’s value and beauty. Be in the moment and appreciate it. Pay attention to where you are and what you are doing at each moment of the day.
Take charge of how you view things. Be positive and work on trying to see lessons in experiences. For example, look at what you have done, what lessons you have learned and also what you have not been able to do.
Pick your battles wisely.
Don’t overstretch yourself. Only do what you can comfortably manage.
Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, emotional diatribes, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Be truthful at all times.
Have faith that you have what it takes to cope with whatever life sends your way. Let your daily mantra be “bring the challenges on, life only gives me what I can handle.”
Immerse yourself with positives. Watch comedies, avoid the news (or simply focus on the uplifting stories), and cut out friends who seem to be draining your energy.
Make lists! Keeping things in your head just feels overwhelming and chaotic. You will be amazed how light your head will feel knowing you don’t have to remember it all.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance. Get the professionals to help get you on the right track. For financial issues, call a financial advisor. For credit card debt, contact a debt counselling service. If you’re feeling a little blue and anxious, reach out to a health care provider.
Put up healthy boundaries with family and friends. Don’t please people out of your own guilt. Guilt is a useless emotion. Work on minimizing its hold on you!
What other people think of you is none of your business. Plain and simple.
Set goals for yourself. You decide who you want to be.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. After all, it’s only small stuff.
Remind yourself that when you are feeling blue, it is only a temporary moment in your life. It too shall pass.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Never take yourself so seriously. Remember we do the best we can with the knowledge we have. Life is about trial and error and we constantly learn from all our experiences.

Body

Look after your physical well being to increase health, energy and reduce the likelihood of stress and illnesses.

Exercise.
Ensure proper nutrition and take supplements and vitamins.
Sleep well and ensure you are getting enough.
Always make sure you have an open line of communication with your family doctor. Physicals are always important.
Take pride in your appearance (i.e. maintain hygiene, dress well etc).
Smile often—especially when alone.
Make time for pleasurable activities. Have sex, get a massage, dance, laugh, take a bubble bath.
Travel. A quick winter getaway will do you a world of good. Travelling during any time of the year is a great way to get out of a rut and really explore the world around you. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Promise little, in hopes of delivering a lot. Pay it forward and think about others. Working on being kind, patient and giving back to the community in small ways makes us feel more complete. Spreading happiness, multiplies it!

Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed! Once again, life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. Start prioritizing your health and well-being and start living. Enjoy the moment, lovely people and take charge now!

Soul

Connect with yourself and spend some time alone getting to know various aspects of yourself.

Practice meditation, whether yoga, Tai Chi, or prayer.
Take mini-breaks throughout the day to breath, stretch, and gather your thoughts.
Coffee breaks are so underrated.
Associate with positive and happy people.
Read enlightening or inspirational quotes, books, and passages. They are great reminders of what truly matters in life.
Schedule weekly appointments to go on a date with yourself over coffee or lemonade. Make a list of the things you are appreciative of and a list of what you need to cut out (i.e. extra work, toxic friends, etc.) to grow personally and create a better you.
Work on being detached when things do not proceed as intended. Detachment will help you stay calm and in control of your moods and reactions. It is important to note that detachment is not indifference. It is the acceptance of the good and the bad and facilitates staying balanced. Detachment has much to do with inner peace, as one has no expectations on how things should be in life.
Laugh often.
Step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Dance with your eyes closed. Sense the music’s rhythm and feel each movement you make.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. You’ll be amazed at what you will learn.
Don't compare your life to someone else’s.