Many of us feel a little flat after Christmas, over-saturated on rich food and alcohol, over-spent on gifts that we’re not sure were even appreciated. With the prospect of long Winter nights ahead let’s look at ways to improve the quality of your life so that you can start to feel more positive and upbeat, and without spending any money.
- Time spent with loved ones, family and close friends, is the most precious time of all. Many people feel that it’s essential to spend money in order to make personal time really special, buying tickets, expensive games and treats. But spending a fun afternoon playing ball games outside, crafts or board games inside, taking the dog for a family walk on the beach or exploring the local park are often the times that are later remembered with affection. As a bonus, there may have been valuable fresh air and exercise included. In order to improve the quality of your family life you have to regularly commit to spending some of your time with them.
- Many people focus on work as being their number one priority and indeed it is important to value and respect the security that a regular job provides. However, your quality of life can be enhanced and improved by being stretched and provided with the opportunity to excel. If you are feeling stale and under-utilised, indicate to management that you are keen to improve, that you are enthusiastic and want to develop new skills, that you want to justify your salary and prove your value to the company.
- A refreshing nights sleep can make all the difference to your quality of life; we all wake up feeling brighter, with a better attitude of mind. Commit to winding down a couple of hours before bedtime, have a relaxing bath, listen to music, have a milky drink. Decide to go to bed at a reasonable time in the week, perhaps no later than 11pm. Clear the bedroom of clutter and minimise the use of electrical appliances like a computer or television. Screen off any work area and keep the bedroom as a place for rest. Ensure that it’s not too hot, is well ventilated and comfortable. Clean sheets on the bed regularly feature as one of people’s top favourite comforts.
- Spend time pampering yourself. Watch the films that you never have time to see or allow an hour or so to read a book you promised yourself that you would read one day. Get all the beauty products out of the cupboard and use them for a relaxing, indulgent afternoon of treatments. Maybe share the time with friends.
- Plan a winter supper party with friends. If everyone cooks a dish then no extra expense need be incurred and you can enjoy a pleasant evening with friends, brightening up a dark Winter’s night. You could even suggest that everyone dresses up to make it more of an occasion.
- Regular exercise is something that many people feel they should commit to in the New Year, but gym’s can be expensive and many people lose their enthusiasm after a few weeks. You could improve the quality of your commitment to exercise by motivating neighbours or friends to join you for a regular walk, game of netball or circuit training in the local park. Some couples enjoy preparing their evening meal and leaving it to cook whilst they go out for a brisk thirty minute stroll. They get to spend time together, unwind after their day and enjoy the opportunity to chat and discuss their thoughts. They find that their communications improve and thence the quality of their relationships.
Taking time to review the different areas of your life, how you feel about them and what needs to change are the first steps to becoming proactive about improving your quality of life. And often all those changes require is a little effort, sense of purpose and enthusiasm.
Susan Leigh is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist who works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples in crisis to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.
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