Quite frankly the new year can be overstimulating. Clever marketing tells us that we should be using the new year to become better versions of ourselves and our environments. Sometimes it can feel like advert overload.
The message translates that’s it’s time to upgrade your life and you are in a race to get there! Gym memberships, car sales, furniture discounts. It leaves us feeling unsatisfied with what we have and who we are. We can feel that grand changes and purchases are the only prescription for the ‘fix’.
Perhaps taking the time to look at the most important elements of what makes our time on earth special could empower us to pursue true happiness for ourselves. You might find that most won’t cost us much but will enrich you in other ways.
Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance
Eckholt Tolle,
Have you considered smaller swaps that could enhance your body and day to day?
Introduce Flaxseed (150g bag starts from as little as £1.20 at the supermarket)
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant, which has been cultivated for thousands of years for both its fiber and its nutritious seeds. The small, brown flaxseeds are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. They have a mild, nutty flavor and chewy texture when eaten. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil have become popular dietary additions.
Nutritious Flaxseeds © Steven Foster
Here are the top 5 benefits of flaxseeds:
– Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Flaxseed contains high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an anti-inflammatory omega-3 that promotes heart health.
– High in Fiber – Flaxseed is loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help regulate digestion and aid with weight management.
– Packed with Antioxidants – Flaxseed has antioxidant compounds called lignans that strengthen immunity and may help prevent cancer.
– Improves Cholesterol – Studies show that adding flaxseed to your diet can lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels.
– Easy to Incorporate – Flaxseeds have a mild, pleasant flavor so they can be sprinkled on cereals, yogurt, salads, and added when baking breads or muffins.
Arrange regular visits to friends or family members who enjoy seeing you and you seeing them.
Spend time with people that make you feel cared for and valued
Spending time with someone who makes you feel special can boost your confidence and self-esteem. When we’re around people who appreciate and validate us, it reinforces our sense of self-worth. We may stand a little taller and project a more positive self-image. This can motivate us to pursue goals and opportunities we may have otherwise shied away from. It can also improve our outlook and mental health to spend time in the company of someone who sees value in us. Overall, surrounding ourselves with people who make us feel cared for and valued for who we are has tremendous power to lift our spirits.
Spending time with someone who makes us feel special can boost our confidence and self-esteem.
Scenic Walk
Taking a scenic walk outside every day can provide many health and wellness benefits. Getting outside in nature helps reduce stress by lowering cortisol and boosting endorphins. A scenic walk exposes you to natural sunlight, which increases vitamin D levels essential for bone and immune health.
In addition to physical perks, a daily scenic walk also benefits mental health. The natural settings and fresh air provide a mental reset from daily stress. Taking time to observe your surroundings mindfully while walking promotes present moment awareness and contentment. The alone time allows space for reflection, creativity and problem solving. Walking new scenic routes regularly also expands perspectives. Studies show that being out in green spaces like woods, fields or parks significantly reduces anxiety, depression and negative emotions. Making scenic walks a consistent daily ritual will compound these powerful physiological and psychological improvements over time.
Ensure you have the right outfits and footwear for the weather where you are- to make your walk as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
