Be the Best You – A Daily Exercise

Give yourself the opportunity to be the best version of yourself. Each day has the potential to be something special to enjoy. Take a look at these suggestions to greatly improve your odds of having a great day.

Position Yourself for High-Quality Sleep

Many factors dictate the quality of sleep we experience each night. Oftentimes, we wake up feeling tired, sore, or stiff. Below are a few easy tips to greatly improve how well you sleep at night.

• Eliminate screens thirty minutes before bed – This will allow your brain and body prepare itself for sleep
• Lower the room temperature – Most people enjoy deeper sleep in a cool environment
• Find your right sleep position – Determine the best sleeping positions that’s are most suited for your needs
• Avoid eating right before bed – Our body’s digestion can interrupt sleep cycles

Ditch the Screen to See Farther

We are a data-driven and technologically dependent society. Our jobs can be performed remotely. Social interactions can take place digitally. Media platforms can be experienced in the comfort of our homes while looking at a screen. While all of these things can be convenient and enjoyable, it also can take a toll on our emotional and physical well-being. Harvard Medical School mentions the importance of understanding what’s happening in our brains with the frequent use of screens. Make the time each day to move away from your screen. Get up and walk around for a few minutes each hour if you are able. Let your eyes focus on something a little farther down the horizon to give your eyes a break.

Make Your Heart Bigger Than Your Hands

One of the easiest and quickest ways to get out of a rut of the mundane is by doing something nice or kind for someone else. Find someone with a need and meet that need.

• Prepare a home-cooked meal
• Donate your kids’ toys
• Offer up your truck – help someone move
• Donate your time and talents

Actively look for opportunities to serve others. If you can do it anonymously, even better. Don’t just ask, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.” Most people won’t mention anything. Instead, use your eyes to look and respond.

Practice Saying “No”

This one is easier said than done. Really take a hard inventory of your schedule and figure out what needs to be done and what things you want to do. It doesn’t take long before our calendars fill up with commitments. While it’s important to keep our commitments, it’s equally as important to say no to the things that we don’t want to do. There’s a refreshing freedom that comes when you avoid doing things that don’t bring you joy. Some things may be unavoidable, but for everything else, you have the power to decide where you spend your time.

Make a Contribution to the Earth’s Health

Sometimes we get so focused on our own needs and wants that we forget how much we consume daily. Find ways to incorporate some form of green living into your daily routine. We all have an impact on the environment, let’s make sure it’s a positive one that will keep our earth healthy and sustainable for future generations.

Find Something to Anticipate

One thing many of us experienced as children was delayed gratification. We had to wait for summer vacation to come, counting down the days until Christmas, or just having to sit through a commercial break while we waited to find out what happened to our favorite television character.  These were all moments that were amplified once we got to the end goal. Today’s society is constantly fed instant gratification. This creates an environment where it’s harder to appreciate the little things and we are constantly looking for the “next best thing.” Find something to look forward to or try to hold off getting it right now and see how much better it feels.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Intentionally slow down and soak in your environment. If it’s raining, step outside and get soaked. Roll down the windows on your commute home from work. Get up early on the weekend and make your favorite coffee or smoothie and just sit in the quiet. Each day is a new opportunity to be the best version of yourself in whatever environment you may find yourself.