Simple, Uplifting Tips for Daily Life
/
Life always has its challenges, as the past year has really demonstrated, and sometimes both the big picture and daily busyness can feel pretty overwhelming. It can often be very helpful to just focus on the things we can control, and commit to taking some simple, day-to-day actions that can have a seemingly small, perhaps, but definitely positive impact on us, our communities, and our planet. The truth is even little gestures of care can end up having a really big positive impact on overall wellness.
Planet Care
Zero Waste Audit
It never hurts to do a quick Zero Waste audit of your home to see if there are some simple solutions available for reducing what you throw away or even recycle. Organizing shelves and containers to accommodate more bulk buying, making sure your reusable shopping bags are laundered and in an easy spot for you to remember to pick up as you head out the door, and looking into which cleaning products you could switch to refillable or plastic free options (like bar shampoos and dish soaps) are all great places to start!
Get Your Bike Tuned Up
Cars can so easily feel like the most convenient transportation option in any scenario. But, for those who aren't already committed cyclists, it can be surprising to realize how quickly and easily a bike can get you where you need to go, and how great you'll feel after that exercise when you arrive at your destination. Getting a thorough, annual tune up is one of the best things you can do to make sure you have a smooth, safe, and really enjoyable ride.
Volunteer for Local Environmental Organisations
There are so many great organizations doing important environmental work, and in a lot of cases all you need to do to contribute is turn up and help out with projects that are already completely organized, while benefiting from quality time spent in fresh air. In Port Coquitlam, for example, you could look into Hyde Creek Watershed Society or the Port Moody Ecological Society; in Nanaimo, the Morrell Nature Sanctuary, or the City of Nanaimo's Partners in Parks program.
Social Care
Share Your Skills
We can't all be good at everything at once! If you're feeling daunted by a particular part of life, have a think through your friends, family members and even acquaintances and figure out who's super skilled in that area—and then think about what you could offer them in return. Maybe you know a food loving chef—professional or amateur—who could help you get started on learning to plan great meals for a week in exchange for your expertise on financial planning, sewing, or tech. It can be an awesome and cost effective way to connect with others, make your life a little easier, and share something you love.
Be Kind on Social Media
Social media connects us but it can also be full of negativity. It can be far too easy to fall into aggressive exchanges, and even harder to back away from them, which isn't great for anyone's mental or emotional health. Try to be the opposite of a troll! Go out of your way to respond warmly to articles you enjoy, share positive news stories and generally try to be kind. Do your bit and little by little, you may help to transform the tone of online discussions.
Pay a Genuine Compliment
Compliments are such a simple way to create an uplifting exchange. And it's not necessarily a matter of searching for something to say just for the sake of it, but of being attentive to the things we admire. Notice yourself having a positive reaction to that strangers outfit? Why not tell them? Grateful for how your friend always seems to be able to make people laugh at just the right time? Make sure you take a moment to let them know. Did you partner whip up yet another fab meal? Tell them exactly how much you enjoyed it.
Self Care
Organise Yourself
When you're feeling pressed for time, organising your desk, closet, or even your to-do list can get shuffled down the priority list pretty quickly. But investing even 10 minutes of attention into some straightening and reorganizing can help you think more clearly and feel more relaxed so you can get things ready a lot faster—earning you those 10 minutes back with interest.
Pay Attention to Your Body
When you're physically uncomfortable that will without a doubt impact your mental capacities. Try setting a regular timer to make sure that at least once an hour you STOP for a least a few minutes to stretch, take some deep calming breaths, and, of course, drink a nice big glass of water. If you can, try for longer ‘Stretch, Breath, and Hydrate’ sessions at the beginning, middle, and end of your day. These three small things are probably some of the top examples of very simple actions you can take to make a very big difference to your ability to maintain your energy and positive mindset through the day!