Let’s face it, we could all use a few ideas for self-improvement these days. After sitting at home day in and day out, I know I can find myself getting into unhealthy habits. In fact, if I am being honest here, there have been plenty of days where I have clearly neglected my well-being. Spending the entire day in my pj’s, going weeks exercising, even sitting on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a good tv show… we’ve all been there. We are only human and natural, Quarantine is bound to have an impact on both our mental and physical well being.
With that said, I am sharing my ideas for self-improvement. These self-improvement tips are perfect for those of us looking to reboot what has been a pretty insane year. Below are some of the things I personally plan on adopting in order to build my self-esteem and improve my self-growth. I hope this list is useful for you as well. Although self-development is different for all of us, I am sure there are a few things below that may work for you!
MENTAL SELF IMPROVEMENT
Quit your job if you hate it and find a new passion project
In 2019 we were feeling a bit stuck in our day-to-day jobs. The corporate life just was not suiting us. So…we took a huge risk and left our jobs to travel and pursue blogging and photography full time. We found so much more happiness in chasing our passions even if it went against societal norms. We have a blog post specifically on the top here, Quit my job to travel the world.
Take an online course on a new skill you have been wanting to learn
With all this free time we have right now this is the perfect time to hone in on a new skill and learn via online courses. Masterclass, Udemy, and Skillshare are all great platforms if you’re looking to find high-quality online courses. There are plenty of them out there..and who knows we may even be offering one soon! Stay tuned!
Take a week, or two off of social media
We are spending more time than ever before on our phones, dialled into social media. I just took a look at my average screen time and it’s nearly 5 hours a day! That’s 60 days of my year that I am spending on social media…absurd. I am making it a goal to take time off and I know in doing so I am given more time and clarity to live in the moment and focus on my other passions.
Learn a new language
Similar to learning a new skill, learning a new language can be a fun and exciting way to stimulate your brain in lockdown. If you are planning a trip to a froegin country and want to become a pro in their native language, try picking up a new language!
Start journaling to help you get out of a funk
Journaling has been a major stress reliever for me during the lockdown. I picked up a new journal like this one here, with plain pages and purchased some new pens. I like to combine my journaling entries with photos, drawings, and paper scraps; turning it into a bit of a visual diary.
Call, or connect with a friend who you haven’t seen in a while
Since moving away from my hometown, I noticed that I began to fall distant from some of my girlfriends from secondary school. These girls were a big part of my life as a teen, but since moving away, I had somehow fallen disconnected with a few. I recently decided to get back in touch with a few since I am back home now during the lockdown and actually caught up with one of them recently at the beach. It was really great and I left feeling connected again with a great friend.
Start a new book
Before bed, I have been putting my phone away and reading instead. It has been a great way for me to wind down and slow my mind. A book on self-improvement that I have been really enjoying is Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport.
Write down something you love about yourself each morning
I know it may sound crazy, but positive self-affirmations have a way of making us feel powerful and strong. Write down something you love about yourself each morning and keep it top of mind throughout your day. It will make you feel more confident I promise!
Clean out your closet
I have been noticing a major pile-up of clothes and clutter in my space, which in turn, has had a direct effect on my mental clarity. A clean space is a happy space. Take the time to go through some of your wardrobes and let go of a few items that are collecting dust. It is great to re-organize your room and also donate your clothes to those in need.
Learn about crystals and the power of healing
Now I don’t want to sound like a crazy spiritual hippy here, but crystals and stones can help with healing. My mom recently purchased this book, Crystals: The modern guide to crystal healing and we have been studying the power of chakras.
Allow yourself to really relax without feeling guilty
Ever felt guilty for simply sitting down on your couch and enjoying a TV series? I am here to tell you that it is 100% perfectly fine to give yourself a break and not feel guilty about it. We all need a little time to unwind and relax. Take a bath, a nap, or even a walk outside to relax free of outside distractions.
PHYSICAL SELF IMPROVEMENT
Get out on a daily walk
Getting fresh air regularly is a fantastic way to clear your mind. Schedule 15-30 minutes a day to just walk outside and enjoy the nature around you. We both do this on the regular and its something we absolutely swear by!
Stretch!
This is something I personally need to do more of myself. I am not flexible at all and I know that flexibility can help massively with blood flow, circulation and mental clarity. Start stretching for a few minutes a day after a hot bath, or shower and work on moving your body.
Try having a smoothie for breakfast… I like a green smoothie
I have been moving away from having heavy breakfast foods in the morning. Recently I have been enjoying a nice healthy green smoothie to kick start my day. In it, I put a green apple, spinach, banana, ice, chia seeds, collagen, and oat milk. There are so many amazing recipes, but this is one I love!
Make it a priority to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night
Sleep is so important for our mental health and our metabolism. Be sure to do your best to set a regular sleep schedule that allows you to have up to 8 hours of rest a night. You will wake up clear-minded and ready to take on your day.
Try a new workout at home. I am personally loving Corepower
At home, workouts have become quite a trend due to lockdown. There are so many different free sculpt, yoga, and pilates classes out there. I personally have been enjoying my Corepower Yoga Sculpt classes. They have such a great mix of classes from slow meditations, to upbeat high-intensity sculpt sessions.
Consider intermittent fasting
I began intermittent fasting in 2019 and now it is apart of my daily routine. Essentially I choose to eat my first meal each day around 11:30 am and stop eating at 7 pm. This allows my body to have enough time to properly digest the food while I sleep and into the following day. It has helped me with my weight and also I have noticed it helps with my bloating which was a huge game-changer.
Buy a water bottle that tracks your water intake and drink more of it!
I recently purchased this water bottle like this one here. It is massive, but it does a great job of keeping me on track and staying hydrated throughout the day.
Start a new workout challenge with a friend or family member at home
Sometimes we just need that little extra push from a friend, or family member to help get us moving. I am doing a weekly challenge with my mom and it has helped hold me accountable for working out throughout the week.
Limit the amount of sugar you are consuming
I have the biggest sweet tooth and each night I need to have something to satisfy my craving. I have been doing my best to cut out all the processed sugar in my house and create healthy sweet alternatives. Check out this recipe here, it’s one of my favourites!
Try a dry (no alcohol) month.
Wine, wine, wine. I have been drinking so much of it during the lockdown. I have personally made it a goal of mine to stick to having a glass only on the weekends. Avoiding alcohol consumption during the week has helped me lose weight and stay clear-minded in the morning!
Pamper yourself by getting dressed and doing your makeup each morning.
Your clothes reflect your mindset. It’s the truth. If you stay in your pj’s all day, you will feel more inclined to relax and stay in bed. If you choose to get dressed, put some makeup on, or even do your hair you will see a significant difference in your confidence. Try it!
I hope these ideas for self-improvement were helpful to you! If you give any of them a go let me know. I am curious to find out which you enjoy.
Cheers to self-growth, mindfulness and taking care of ourselves INSIDE and OUT!
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