Investing does not only need to apply to money or business. We invest in many areas of our lives, including time and energy in our work, families and friends. Often times, we do this to such an extent that we forget to fuel the one thing that drives these investments, ourselves.
Imagine the benefits if you invested as much time, effort and energy into yourself, as you do into others. The rewards can be life-changing.
Here are some practical tips on how you can invest and practice self-love in your own life, and ensure you are the happiest, most productive and effective version of yourself.
- Get Enough Sleep
Sleep plays a key role in your physical and mental health. It is essential to help the body heal and restore energy. Poor sleep routines are directly linked to poor health and even shorter life spans, so how do you ensure you get a great 8 hours that lead to a longer life? Step one, invest in a good quality mattress that matches your sleeping style. Back, side and stomach sleepers all have unique needs, check out http://wellworthliving.com/ to uncover your ideal match.
Next, put away those devices. Bright light emitted from phones and computers keeps you awake twice as long, so resist the urge to scroll through Pinterest or binge watch your favorite Netflix show when you should be winding down for bed. Fragrances like lavender help calm and prepare you for sleep, and sleep friendly plants will remove toxins and freshen the air you breath. A great night’s sleep makes for a great start to a successful day.
- Replace Bad Eating Habits With Better Ones
Beginning each morning with a glass of water is the simplest start. It will help hydrate and detox your system. Replace the double espresso with a fruit smoothie or veggie juice to give your body a positive, healthy boost at the start of the day.
Steps like these are easy to build on. Eliminating meat from your diet once a week is another option, or how about supporting your local produce market and going organic over store-bought. The benefits to your health are huge, and you will feel the physical improvements.
Sometimes, your diet might not provide the essential nutrients your body needs. This is where taking supplements can help. People prone to common illnesses like colds can benefit from boosting their immune systems. Histamine supplements can help with that, along with proper diet, exercise, and sleep, of course.
- Move Your Body
Exercise. We all know we need to put in some time at the gym for a healthy body and mind, but when schedules get chaotic, this is one of the first areas we compromise on.
Regardless of what you have going on, if you haven’t had time to get your blood circulating, start with a small step. Okay, now how about a few more? We’ve all got somewhere to go during the day, why not take a route that allows you to get in a quick walk. Walking is an easy and excellent way to de-stress and clear your mind.
Stretch when you wake up, and stretch when you go to bed. Even if you’re exhausted, a few minutes will help energize your body, increased flexibility and improving your posture. It’s an excellent foundation to keep you flexible, while you work your way back to that hour at the gym.
- Set Goals & Plan
Dailey, weekly and monthly planning is the best way to save time. By optimizing what you do, and when, you can cut out wasted hours and energy. By creating a to-do list, you are able to prepare for future events. No need to chase your tail if you’re clear on the priorities for the days ahead.
And then there’s your future? Have you set a goal for the year, or are you working on a longer 5-year plan? These best micro-investing apps will allow you to invest small amounts of money, even as little as a few dollars! If you break down your intention into bit-size pieces, it becomes real and achievable. Do something every month that brings you closer to your goal, however small. If it’s saving towards a deposit for a new home, or just creating a mood board to help you visualize, do it!
- Dedicate Time To Develop Knowledge & Creativity
Be curious. Read, research and study to feed your mind. Take courses, watch documentaries or learn a new language. If you’re not busy growing, you’re busy dying, so keep improving yourself.
Creativity is in all of us, we just need to find ways to express it. It could be dancing, painting, cooking or writing. Whatever you choose, have fun doing it. Creativity is an expression of self, and a sound investment in finding out exactly who you are.
- Choose to be Happy & Grateful
If life has delivered a collection of challenges that have you overwhelmed, step back and change your perspective. It will not change the outcome of past events, but it will help you look at things from another angle. In amongst difficulties are countless blessings and reasons to be happy. A sunny day, a friendly interaction with a stranger or an unexpected call from a friend.
What occupies your thoughts become real. Be doom and gloom, then life follows that theme, but focus on the positive, and you will only see more of it.
- Do Something That Excites You
In the back of your mind, there’s a bucket list, travel list or a wish list that you’ve put on hold. Start planning to tick one of those items off the list. Invest in life experiences. Step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself to do something meaningful to you. These are the moments that create unforgettable memories and enrich your life. So, what’s it going to be?
- Strengthen Relationships
Invest time in relationships that feed you, the ones that are free of effort and obligation. Friends, family, partners and mentors, all offer support when you face challenges or need advice. By making them a priority and feeding them in return, you ensure connections are solid and strong. These stable connections become a powerhouse of love, one of the most joyful investments you can make in yourself.
- Take Time Out Just for You
Spending time alone does not need to be a sad, lonely affair. It’s not about being antisocial, its about enjoying solitude. Solitude allows you to clear your mind and be free of distractions. By shutting out the noise, you get to make up your own mind as to what you like, and don’t like.
It helps you to get more done by keeping you focused, even a few minutes alone to plan your next day will leave you more prepared and therefore, more productive.
Make time for reflection and deeper thoughts. Wake up early if you have a family that needs attention, or take a quiet walk in your lunch break. It’s a great way to escape your day-to-day responsibilities for a quick reset.
- Choose Who & What You Invest In
Have you got a friend that’s constantly reliving a breakup? Or maybe it’s a demanding colleague, that has you overworking, to make up for their slack? Regardless of who it is, family included, you have the choice to decide who is worth devoting your time and energy to.
If the return on your investment is poor, you need to weigh up if it’s really worth it. Relationships are about exchange, and a fair trade is one where you get something in return. It may give you happiness to be able to help a sick loved one, the happiness to help is your exchange. But when you feel done in, or take advantage of in some way, you don’t need to be a “Yes” man. Move on to what works for you.
Self-investment or self-love is not a selfish act. It is an act of integrity and self-respect. Building on your passions and finding your purpose, is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself.
