Anytime is a good time to strive to be the best version of yourself, but did you know that September is known as self-improvement month, and a time to make positive changes in yourself? This month, we want to encourage everyone to take a chance to be happier and have a better quality of life. September is the ideal time to find that inspiration for change as summer turns to fall and the seasons turn. Improving your life doesn’t have to consist of one grand gesture or a drastic leap, there are small habits you can add or take away from your daily routine to increase your happiness. Self-improvement can come in all shapes and sizes. It can be an improvement in your mood, relationships, career, health, emotions, habits, values and more. Here are some easy things you can incorporate into your day-to-day life to improve yourself this month:
Start your day by writing down five things you are grateful for. It’s easy to get caught up comparing ourselves to others, fantasizing about things we don’t have in life, and complaining about tough situations. When we focus on negative aspects, we tend to lose sight of how blessed we really are. Start your morning off on a positive note by writing down three things you are thankful for. It could be as simple as having a cool glass of water to enjoy or as elaborate as a vacation you are eagerly anticipating. Expressing gratitude in the morning can quickly shift one’s outlook from negative to positive.
Get outside and take a walk every day. Self-improvement is taking any kind of step that will benefit your life, such as, taking 10 to 30 minutes (or even longer if possible) to take a stroll around the block. Fresh air has many mental and physical benefits such as stress release, Vitamin D absorption, preventing various heart conditions, and improving your mood. Once you get in the habit of taking a daily walk, you can even buy a step counter to track your progress and challenge yourself.
Read a book or an article. In the growing era of social media, smart devices, and instant gratification we seem to have less time and attention to dedicate to reading and learning. Taking aside just 30 minutes a day can help sharpen your mind, expand your vocabulary, improve your memory, and develop stronger analytical thinking skills. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, and other brain games are other good ways to stay mentally active.
Connect with an old friend or catch up with family. Having a strong social life is important for feeling happy and part of a community. A good support network, or even having someone to talk and laugh with is an important aspect of a healthy life. Try taking 10 minutes out of your week to call a distant relative, or plan a lunch date to catch up with a buddy.
At Aston Gardens, we always are encouraging our residents to strive for self-improvement so that they can live their best, happiest, and healthiest lives. Our six unique lifestyle programs, designed with you in mind, has all of the resources needed to cultivate a healthy, active, social, and stress-free life!
