21 Ways to Improve Your Life

by Alli

Sometimes you’ve just got to try and shake it off (channeling my inner Taylor Swift) and move forward.

Ever since my mom suddenly passed away, my siblings and I have been trying to be there for our dad while dealing with our own grief. I wrote about it here: Is there such a thing as a helicopter child?  I recently made a list of 21 Ways to Improve Your Life while I was thinking about ways for dad (and myself) to keep going.  I think it may help you, too.

It’s so easy for grief to morph into depression. It’s natural to grieve and we don’t always handle loss the same way. However, when grief consumes your life and you begin to feel hopeless or helpless, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

If it’s not depression, and you’re just feeling down, here are 21 ways to improve your life. I promise!

21 Ways to Improve Your Life

21 Ways to Improve Your Life

 1.  Be positive.

According to the Mayo Clinic, being positive has many health benefits, including:

Increased life span
Lower rates of depression
Lower levels of distress
Greater resistance to the common cold
Better psychological and physical well-being
Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

2.  Gain More Knowledge (never stop learning).

3.  Follow Your Dreams.

4.  Care about others.

5.  Listen to music.

6.  Give more hugs.

7.  Practice being truthful.

8.  Forgive others. 

Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness. Who wants to live a bitter life? Not me!

9.  Pay it forward.

Let someone go in front of you in the checkout line. Pay for someone else’s coffee.

10. Spend more time with family and friends.

11. Watch less TV.

12. Start an exercise program and stick with it.

Walking is my favorite exercise. Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins – chemicals that can help you feel more peaceful and happy. Start slow and build up so that you don’t burn out.

13. Drink more water.

14. Get enough sleep.

15. Find a hobby.

16. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies.

17. Reduce sugar intake.

18. Adopt a pet.

19. Read more. 

20. Volunteer.

21. Pray for others. 

When we pray for others, we tend to stop focusing on our problems.

Bonus:  Clean and organize your house. 

There’s just something about a clean and organized house that makes me feel good.

What would you add to my 21 Ways to Improve Your Life?

 

Is someone you love dealing with grief? Here are 7 Ways to Help a Grieving Friend.

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