We are almost through January, but if you’re feeling a bit disconnected to your vision and goals and didn’t start the New Year with a bang, why not try out these strategies to keep you energised and focused throughout the day.
First thing – Wind the snooze button battle
Get a ‘Wake-up’ alarm clock. These gently brighten the room over a 30 minute period as if mimicking the sunrise, a more energising way to wake up then a jolting alarm clock. The Lumie Bodyclock Iris 500 goes a step further – as the light rises; it emits ‘wake up’ aromatherapy scents. It’s £160 at amazon.co.uk.
Showering – Make it lukewarm or be brave and go cold!
Want the fastest mood boost ever? Rethink your love of scalding showers. Exposure to cooler water activates the nervous system and increases blood supply or endorphins to the brain, because of the huge amount of cold receptors in the skin.
You won’t need to get rich to get happier
Much to our pessimism to a gloomy financial outlook – will it be possible to ‘make enough money’ to stockpile enough stuff to secure a happy future? But if happiness is your goal, you may need less money than you think. Of course we all need a certain amount of money but research shows that once you’re comfortable – fed, warm and well housed – more money won’t make much difference to your happiness level.
It has never been easier to stay in touch
Family flying to distant corners, loneliness, isolation... once that may have been a reason for pessimism. Technology has helped to alleviate that with its multiple choice of instantaneous low-cost communication.
There’s still time to safeguard your health
You’ve enjoyed life up to now. While others joined boot camp, you hunked down at home with Downtown Abbey. When friends juiced kale and spinach for breakfast, you opted for black coffee and buttered toast. But that doesn’t mean you have to start paying with your health.
Whatever your age, it’s not too late. Whether it’s small, like eating more fruit and vegetables, or big, like signing up for a new type of exercise session, any increase of physical activity offsets mental decline and also protects against heart disease and cancers.
Each setback is a learning opportunity If you can embrace this – and conquer your fear of failure, you’ve every reason for optimism. Whatever leap you wish to make, optimists are no more likely to succeed first time than pessimists.
When things don’t work out as planned, don’t think “It’s my fault, it’s a disaster, I am giving up”. Instead think “It wasn’t my fault, I’ll learn from it – and try again.” Seeing failure as a step in the right direction puts everyone on the path to success.