As someone who struggles MASSIVELY with present buying and coming up with good gift ideas for people, I have the misfortune to have a boyfriend who's birthday falls around the same time as Christmas. It's a double whammy; I have to worry and stress about thinking of TWO gifts! One would have already been difficult enough. Of course it would be wonderful if I could somehow come up with special and creative present ideas by myself that will catch him by surprise and that he will love... but the reality is that I simply have to resort to the boring thing of asking him exactly what he wants and making mental notes of what he says. This year though, when I asked, instead of giving me concrete suggestions, he told me that what he really wants are things that would make his everyday life better, and he left it at that.
This got me really thinking; what can imporve daily life for people? Are there specific material things? General concepts that don't cost money? And how can we implement them? Well, I have put together a little list of my ideas that I think could really improve day-to-day life for lots of us! I have really enjoyed thinking about this, as all to often I see blog posts and articles with big, sweeping and sometimes very unrealistic ways to improve your life; things like 'take a long vacation with your family', or, 'get up an hour earlier every day and do yoga', or even, 'cut all negative people out of your life'! Sometimes, these kinds of things, while they sound marvellous, just realistically cannot be done. So my suggestions here are all about the small things in life, just little changes or things you can do to make each day slightly better.
Keep your space in order
By this, I don't mean that a huge amount of cleaning is necessary, or that your home should look like something out of the IKEA catalogue (unless you enjoy cleaning and keeping your spcae like that, in which case, go ahead!). Even if all you do is straighten the place out, put the dirty dishes in the sink and make piles out of your papers, I find that having an order to your space, so you know where everything is and you have room to relax, is so beneficial for your mental space too! What do they say... a tidy room, a tidy mind?
Eat well
I've become quite a big believer in the idea that what we put into our bodies is the most important thing in affecting how we feel. I've gone through phases of eating nothing but fatty foods and junk, and as a result I have been ill or felt down extremely often over the past year. I believe that if we eat really good food, and have a good attitude to eating, we will feel a lot better. My next blog post with be marking my one month anniversary on the Paleo Diet, so I will talk more about this then.
Walk
I have recently started walking absolutely everywhere in the city, as well as walking a neighbour's dog a few times per week, and I can't tell you how good walking and fresh air make me feel. I don't really have the will, time or money for a fancy gym membership, although I know people who do say that working out is also a great way to feel good about yourself. But getting outside and the blood pumping on a brisk walk does so much good, not only for the body, but for the mind too, as it is a wonderful time to just let your thoughts wander and think through some things. I find that when I come back to work after a good walk, my ideas and approach are fresh and I get so much more done.
Define work hours
I know this can be a difficult one, depending on what kind of job you have. For me, as a musician, there really is NO END to the amount of practice I could/should do! However, I have a neighbour who is pregnant and has arranged with me some specific hours in the day when I cannot practice, which has really forced me to define my work hours and it's actually turned out great. This way, I have a clear schedule, and I know when I am free so that I can make social plans. I think clear and definite work hours can really help with the work-personal life balance and dividing up your time properly.
Focus on the things you love
This is really my only tip which involves potentially spending some money. I think filling your every day with little things that you love, and really focusing on them is one of the greatest ways to improve your daily life. For me, I absolutely love coffee, and I usually go out to get one after lunch. I think about this little joy and I focus on it, and it makes getting through the morning so much easier. Another example, I love my blog! So I give it a lot of my attention every day and that makes me happy! Yours could be as simple as the happiness that your dog brings you, or spending time with a loved one, and focusing on these things instead of things which don't make you happy.
Have things to look forward to
I actually think the idea of this is underrated. The power of being excited and looking forward to something is huge, it can make getting up on cold and dark winter mornings so much more bearable, put a spring in your every day step, give you a little buzz! It could be knowing that you are going to a nice restaurant on Friday, or that you are going away from Christmas, or even just that you promised yourself a hot chocolate at 11am. I like to make sure I always have something to look forward to, however small.
Take care of yourself
This can be very personal, and can mean lots of different things, but it's hugely important every single day. It could mean prioritsing - if you work a 13 hour day and are exhausted, you might have to say no to some party or other. It could also mean taking some time for yourself, to have a bath, go to the hairdresser or cook a nice meal. I think it basically means putting yourself first, which is always important.
So, back to what I could get Logan for his birthday/Christmas? Still no idea. But I've certainly put a lot of thought into our everyday lives and will be trying out all of the above! If you have any other ideas, PLEASE let me know!
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Labels: Life
