Normally, the seasonal shift from summer to fall is a time to reassess and reset goals. But you might be wondering how we’re supposed to do that during this unprecedented time when routines are still in flux, many of us are still working from home, and your kids might be learning online this semester.
The great news is that you can easily give your goals a healthy refresh that will put you on the path to serenity, even if the outside world remains chaotic.
Here are a few wellness tips to get you healthier and happier this fall:
Set micro goals.
It’s amazing how one small change to our lifestyle can bring big positivity gains to our overall sense of purpose and well-being. Meditation and journaling for a little bit each day can improve your whole attitude. Regular exercise boosts sleep quality, which in turn affects your productivity at work and your patience when dealing with the kids.
Take a look at your current lifestyle and ask yourself what micro-goals you can set. Perhaps you can cut out fast food or drink one less cup of coffee per day. You might commit to cooking one more meal at home each week than you normally would. The possibilities for micro-goals are endless, and you can tailor them to your unique lifestyle and personality.
Meditate regularly.
I cannot stress the benefits of meditation enough, especially during these unpredictable times. Meditation reduces anxiety, improves attention span, and lowers stress levels. It can also help us let go of unwanted negative feelings, so we can become more in tune with our spiritual side.
Meditation doesn’t have to involve sitting in total silence for an hour or two with our eyes closed. Even 10 minutes of meditation each day can bring some of the benefits I mention above. Plus, there are endless choices for guided meditation apps that can walk you through the different approaches and techniques available.
Treat gratitude as an action.
Gratitude can be an action—one that, if practiced every day, can improve your outlook on life and put your worries into perspective.
Each morning or evening, jot down a few items you are grateful for that day. They might be major events, like getting a raise at work. Or they might simply be small moments in your life, like a delicious meal or a new song by your favorite artist.
No moment is too small to go on your gratitude list. And just like micro-goals, these micro-moments we’re grateful for can often change the course of our lives for the better.
Erin Clifford is a holistic wellness coach who is deeply passionate about helping professionals create healthy lifestyles for a more fulfilling, happier existence. She has trained with some of the world’s foremost experts in diet theories, nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle management. Learn more about Erin Clifford on her website.
