For the Love of Valentine’s Day
Posted by Libby Babet for Health + Wellbeing - Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:12
It’s the year 2012 and that means this could be our very last Valentine’s Day... ever! Here we share our top 12 tips to help make your life a little love-lier today.
LOVE your body
Your body was made to be moved, so show it some kindness by staying active for at lease 30 minutes each day. At least 2-3 times each week, take things up a gear and really get that heart pumping with a more intense exercise session! You’ll look better, feel younger and be happier… we promise.
LOVE your mind
Meditation is hugely beneficial, like a workout for the mind! But it can be hard to get into and even tougher to stick to. Don’t beat yourself up over it, instead try these easy/fun versions: (1) Walking Meditation; walk, breathe, feel the ground below your feet, pay attention to what’s going on around you. (2) Counting Meditation; sit down, take 100 breaths and count them. Done. (3) Resting Meditation; uncomfy sitting up to meditate? Lie down instead! Set your alarm to go off in 10 minutes time (just in case you snooze), lie down and just focus on inhaling white light (good energy) and exhaling any negative or anxious thoughts (bad ju-ju).
LOVE your friends
Life gets so crazy sometimes that you barely have time for yourself, or your family… let alone your friends! But good friendships are such a gift, so make sure you respect them by putting your besties on your To-Do List. If you don’t have time for a catch-up, just a text or a call letting them know you’re thinking of them will often do the trick and make them feel loved.
LOVE your world
Contact with nature has been proven to boost psychological health and reduce stress levels, allowing you to recharge those worn-out batteries. Ditch the gym and do your exercise in the great outdoors (yep, even when it’s cold!) to reap the rewards and while you’re at it, keep an eye on your environment and pick up any litter you find along the way, so the world stays clean and green.
LOVE your job
Work feeling like a daily drudge? Try taking a clean sheet of paper and a pen and writing down all the benefits of your job. Can’t think of any? How about starting with, “I get paid, which allows me to provide a home for myself/my family”, or “I’m learning new skills, which will benefit me in my next job”, or perhaps, “I have flexible time, which allows me to pursue my passions”. The longer you sit there brainstorming, the more pluses come up and even if you’re not in your perfect career right now, I can guarantee you’ll feel a lot lighter after spending some quality time just feeling grateful for the opportunity you do have.
LOVE your soulmate
Whether it’s your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, or even your sister, it’s easy to take the person closest to your heart for granted sometimes. Making little efforts, like telling them how much you appreciate them in your life, leaving love notes for them to find, creating a new meal for them, even just making space to spend real time with them (sans-iPhone) can be enough to keep the flame burning bright.
LOVE your food
We’re talking about real food here, not the fake stuff. Choose real, clean foods, shop organic where you can, ditch the processed/packaged muck and take a little time to prepare and eat your food mindfully. You’ll be surprised at the difference these changes make to your life and headspace. Oh and remember, you should never feel guilty about a little (dark) chocolate, it's vital to happiness ;-)
LOVE your skin
Drink lots of water. Wear an SPF daily. Take a fish oil supplement. Wind back the dairy a little. Wear mineral makeup. Feel the glow!
LOVE your family
We know, we know, it can be an effort to stay in touch with family and you get the guilts every time you press ‘decline’ on your phone when your mum’s number pops up. So why not schedule family calls (or better yet, face time) into your diary. Maybe Monday evening is the time you set aside to make your family phone calls, or you put aside every third Saturday morning to take your sister to brunch. Goodbye guilts, hello super-close family ties.
LOVE your pets
Sometimes loving our pets and looking after them don’t always go hand-in-hand! Remember, exercising your pet is incredibly important, so even if you’re tired, pick up that leash and get out of the house for a walk with your furry friend every single day. The saying, “a good dog is a tired dog” will always ring true, whereas cat owners get off a little more lightly – all your pet of choice needs is a few cuddles and good, healthy food.
LOVE your home
Clutter in your home can make you feel stressed and strung-out. If life is getting hectic, take some time to complete a little spring clean… or hire someone to do it for you if you’re really pressed for time.
LOVE yourself
Create your own self affirmation and repeat it to yourself daily. Feel free to change it up as you need to and make sure it’s the first thing you say to yourself when your alarm goes off. Something as simple as three lines beginning with, “I am, I can, I will” are a good start. For example, “I am a strong but relaxed person. I can take risks and I can choose change. I will manage my time well today”.
Read more from Libby and her team at bottomsupfitness.com.au
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