June is almost over (where did that time go?), and it’s time to start your to-do list for July. The chances are, you’ve got a hell of a lot to accomplish next month, I know I have, and a massive list of things you’re carrying around with you will make you more stressed. So, forget that for a second, and instead, think about all the things you can do for yourself.
Investing in yourself is the best way to spend your time and your money. But you should treat July as a do-over, a chance to build some better habits and make things happen.
1. Spend thirty minutes on yourself every evening
Whether you choose to give yourself a manicure, put on a face mask, or spend some time working on your own goals. This small investment in yourself can help boost your self-esteem, make you feel better about yourself and your surroundings, and relax you before work.
2. Work out, regularly
Recently I’d been feeling pretty flat and down. I realized I impressed my negative mood on my surroundings, dressing down, feeling bad, and attributing bad emotions to the people around me. Do you know the one thing that was missing in my life? Workouts. I booked Barry’s Bootcamp, headed out, almost killed myself, and felt like an absolute champion afterward.
I noticed that not even 24 hours later, I was back to my usual happy self. If you think you’re not the kind of person who enjoys working out, think again. Who knows how happy and fulfilled you could feel if you start pushing yourself. Use the Fit Is The Sh*t planner to track your workouts and be amazed at your progress.
3. Make your media more positive
Have you ever stopped to think about the impact the media you consume has on you? Of course, you want to be in the know, you want to know what’s going on in the world and you don’t want to bury your head in the sand, but there comes a point where you should start limiting the negative media you consume. It can affect how you feel. That means, choose positive shows and movies (Always Be My Maybe, anyone?), visit more positive websites (we like to think we do a good job at staying positive!) and read uplifting books.
You can let yourself get caught up in the news and negative media, but you should maybe try to limit your exposure to once a week.
4. Go outside
The sun is promising to shine in the UK this weekend. Please don’t spend it inside. Get out, go for a walk, go shopping with your friends, have a barbecue or a picnic. It’s important to step away from your personal goals, the things you’re thinking about for work, and all the things you want to achieve.
Instead, you need to take care of yourself. I was in the middle of a crushing deadline the weekend before last, and one of the best things I did for myself was walk away, go into the garden and spend 45 minutes cataloging every bug I could find on Instagram stories. It sounds so simple, but it was enjoyable and let me switch off and return with renewed vigor for the task at hand.
There’s a reason that we designed the Win At Life system. Investing in the time you spend outside can help you connect with nature, no matter how much of a city girl you are, you need to go and be amongst the trees, plants, and the air.
5. Give your loved ones a call (or a text)
Spend time with your loved ones. It’ll give you a boost of happiness and confidence. I love calling my relatives up and chewing their ear off for hours. And when I’m out of touch with certain friends or family members, I feel low, so it’s important for me to nurture those relationships.
Say what you want about technology; you can even use Instagram’s DM feature to reconnect with people. And trust me, even people you haven’t spoken to in years will appreciate a little love. Nothing is stopping you from growing your friendship groups.
6. Be more grateful
Practicing gratitude promotes better sleep, improves physical and psychological health, improves relationships, and makes you happier overall. Your daily gratitude journal will help you invest in yourself and be a happier, healthier person overall.
7. Plan your week
Take some time out today to plan your week; you will feel so much better if you know what’s coming towards you and what you need to do. Use a week plan in combination with a daily planner to really go into the details and plan your week properly. You can’t be expected to write down all your daily plans if you don’t really know what’s expected of you for the week.
But you can get ahead of your plan by taking a moment to really think. Make two plans if you can and then combine them, start by thinking about your work goals, and then combine them with your personal life. You can use the Getting Stuff Done planner and the Weekly Desk Pad to make this happen.
8. Learn something new
You’ve always wanted to learn a new language or figure out how to write a book, right? What’s stopping you? Now’s the time. All you need to do is dedicate yourself to it, and it will happen. At the start of the year, I enrolled in Masterclass, which I think was one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve learned about writing from Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood, and TV writing from Shonda Rimes. Next, I want to learn cooking and wine tasting – yes they’re real classes that you can learn online.
9. Edit your meals
Invest in yourself by preparing your meals. Getting your ingredients and cooking your own meals is an easy way to invest in yourself. Make sure that you’re having healthy, hearty meals and prepping your lunches in advance. You won’t regret it.
10. Love yourself
There is nothing wrong with feeling yourself. Loving yourself is the best thing you can do. You can love yourself in so many ways, by giving yourself gifts, by looking after yourself, and by taking (and sharing) photos of yourself.
There is nothing wrong with loving yourself and celebrating everything that you are.
GOOD THINGS
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