''GIVE UP ON GIVING UP''
Making 2016 a better year doesn't have to start with negative self-talk.
Here
is how to make this year the best yet - from finding that new job,
getting into the shape of your life, to finding and falling in love with
The One.
1. Think happy
This
isn't as simple as it sounds, as anyone who's had the day from hell
will tell you. But filling your head with positive thoughts and batting
away the bad will slowly start to change the way you see the world.
Being
happy could even be the elixir of youth. Researchers recently found
that upbeat people are less likely to develop dementia and positive
thinkers are more likely to socialise, exercise and do other things that
keeps their mind young.
Write
down three good things that have happened over the past 24 hours every
night before you go to bed. It will give you the boost you need for a
dreamy night's sleep.
Being happy could be the elixir of
youth. Researchers recently found that upbeat people are less likely to
develop dementia and positive thinkers are more likely to socialise,
exercise and do other things that keeps their mind young
2. Get sweaty
One
of the longest serving - and hottest - Victoria's Secret Angels,
Allessandra Ambrosio, who was even seen hitting the 2011 VS show runway
while pregnant, attributes her killer body to 'breaking a sweat every
day'.
While
her rock hard abs, and willowy toned limbs might be a slightly
ambitious (impossible) feat for most of us, breaking a sweat
is essential for physical wellness - and also mental anti-ageing.
One of the longest serving - and
hottest - Victoria's Secret Angels, Allessandra Ambrosio, who was even
seen hitting the 2011 VS show runway while pregnant, attributes her
killer body to 'breaking a sweat every day'
3. Play that tune
There's
no doubt that listening to your favourite music can instantly put you
in a good mood. But scientists are now discovering that music can do
more for you than just lift your spirits, which could lead to the best
year yet.
When slow rhythms are played, our blood pressure and heartbeat slow down which helps us breathe more slowly and relax.
Other
studies show that listening to music releases endorphins - our natural
'feel good' hormones that lift our mood and give us motivation to carry
on longer with exercise.
4. Surround yourself with friends
If it works for Taylor Swift and her huge entourage of impossibly pretty friends, then it works for us.
Make this the Year of the Friend by hitting up your contacts book and meeting up with pals old and new.
Nothing
soothes the soul like a good catch up over a glass of wine, cuppa or
dinner. While work and life can get in the way, make time for people and
you will soon find you will be reaping the rewards.
If it works for Taylor Swift and her
huge entourage of impossibly pretty friends, then it works for us. Make
this the Year of the Friend by hitting up your contacts book and meeting
up with pals old and new.
5. Don't guilt yourself
So you want a lie-in? Have one! You have been eyeing up that hideously expensive underwear for months now... go buy it.
You have earned your right to some you-time and pretty things, don't feel guilty.
6. Put yourself out there
'No cheek, no chance' - no-one has even been given a dream job by sitting and waiting for their boss to notice them.
If
you have your eye on a promotion or a raise - seize the moment. Wait
until you have had a pretty stellar day in the office and casually ask
for a word with the boss after hours. Express your interest in the
position, say how much you love working for the company, and highlight
why you think you are worth that extra money.
You
don't ask you don't get. The worst they can say is no - and most senior
staff will be impressed by your tenacity. After all, they didn't get to
where they were without taking a few risks.
So you want a lie-in? Have one! You
have been eyeing up that hideously expensive underwear for months now...
go buy it. You have earned your right to some you-time and pretty
things, don't feel guilty
7. Find exercise you actually enjoy
What's
the point in forcing yourself into exercise you hate? Who wants to be
in the best shape of their lives if getting there makes you miserable?
What's the point in forcing yourself into exercise you hate? Find something that makes you sweat- that you love doing.
If
you love to run, great, but let's face it, more of us find the prospect
of pounding the pavement for hours on end deathly dull.
Try
dancing, join a netball club, or even do some boxing training. Before
you know it your calendar will be heaving with club social events and
your new mates down 'Joe's Gym' will be admiring your mean right hook.
8. Put away your phone and talk to people
Next
time you're in a cafe or pub take a look around and see how many people
are mindlessly scrolling through their phone as they wait for their
friends - or even as they sit with their partners.
If
you are alone, how about embracing this opportunity to meet new people
and make conversation, by chatting to the barista, or the other lone
woman on the table next to you. A smile can be a good start.
With company? Turn your phone off and stow it away for two hours. You'll find you have more to talk about than you think.
9. Get in shape
We
have all got them - that pair of jeans winking at you from the back of
the wardrobe reminding you of the one summer you were able to wear them.
And wasn't it great? Didn't you have fun?
Sigh.
It doesn't have to be just a memory. Make this the year that you get back into them.
10. Forgive
Probably
the hardest thing to do is to forgive someone who has wronged you - but
if you can find it in your heart it will be one of the most positive
things you will ever do.
Forgiveness has been shown to reduce stress, depression and anger, and increase hopefulness and self-confidence.
People who cling on to anger are more likely to report physical and mental health problems.
Dr Amit Sood says 40 to 50 per cent of your happiness depends on the choices you make and where you place your focus each day.
'You
can choose to live focusing on what is right and beautiful in your
life,' said Dr Sood who is the author of a book, 'The Mayo Clinic
Handbook for Happiness: A Four-Step Plan for Resilient Living.
'Happiness is a habit,' he added. 'Some of us are born with it; others have to choose it.'
Previous research has shown that our minds are hard-wired to focus on negative experiences.
You might not be able to buy happiness - but saving still feels pretty good
11. Start saving some money
Sure,
we all know the key to real happiness can't be bought - but there's
nothing like some cold hard cash to make you feel a little bit better,
especially when it can buy you those new shoes, or your dream getaway.
Saving
money gives you a sense of purpose - a goal to work towards. A recent
survey revealed that no saving enough money topped a list of 50 regrets
for Brits.
But
working on a budget doesn't mean you have to be a hermit - and can
actually be quite fun. Instead of splashing out on expensive meals or
trips out, look for the simple things. Find free events, galleries, take
a walk with a friend, or even volunteer.
12. Travel
Whether
you travel for work, a weekend break, a family holiday, or even if
you've jacked it all in to start a new life abroad, travel can help
build self-confidence, build memories and lead to new and lasting
friendships.
A
life - or even just a week - on the road can not only help us to deal
with unexpected situations by taking us out of our comfort zones, but
can make us really appreciate our home and those we are away from.
Plus
you will probably find that you are way more interesting after a good
bout of travelling - to the new people you meet, and to those at home
when you return. Just lay off the holiday snap slide show. No-one really
wants to see them. Ever.
Whether you travel for work, a weekend
break, a family holiday, or even if you have jacked it all in to start a
new life abroad, travel can help build self confidence, build memories
and lead to new and lasting friendships
Laughing really is good for you! So make like Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway and get giggling
13. Be kind
A
smile goes a long way - and a kind word goes even further. The world
can be an unfriendly place at the best of times, but we all remember the
person who held the door for us, or unexpectedly gave us their seat on
the train.
In the same way a cross word can ruin your day, a kind gesture can leave us with a warm feeling all week.
14. Laugh
Sometimes
the only medicine for the seasonal blues is a good dose of belly
laughter. Put on your favourite funny DVD, invite your most hilarious
mate round to watch it with you, and let your roars fill the room.
Experts
worldwide believe that by strengthening the heart, lowering blood
pressure, improving circulation, stimulating the nervous system and
boosting the immune system, laughter can be far more potent than many
drugs. It is also believed to banish wrinkles, with the increased
production of serotonin helping to release muscle stress or tension.
A
good cackle can also cure most miseries, taking us out of a situation
and letting us see things objectively - and just think of all the
calories you'll burn!
15. Stop looking for The One, and you might just find them
Just
as single women worry there is something wrong with them because they
can’t find their soulmate, women with long term partners question their
own relationships - 'are we soulmates?' 'Are we meant to be together?'
There is no-one better at being you
than you. Open your mind to new types and opportunities. Who knows, your
dream other half could have been right under your nose all along
Most
women put too much pressure on finding The One - thanks in no small
measure to Hollywood rom-coms such as When Harry Met Sally, and One
Day.
But as most successful, happy couples will tell you, when they found their perfect partner, they weren't even looking.
Prospective
partners can smell desperation, and it doesn't smell good. Relax and
your beauty and allure will shine through. There is no-one better at
being you than you. Open your mind to new types and opportunities. Who
knows, your dream other half could have been right under your nose all
along.
Comments