Hey you! You look fed up. Down. A little worn out by life’s daily grind. Are you not feeling fulfilled by your current lifestyle? Do you find yourself feeling dissatisfied with your lot in life? Well, if it puts things in perspective, you’re not alone. A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics found that Brits are feeling ‘far less satisfied with life’ in 2020. Don’t be a number; break free, think big, take back control and start over, with these 5 simple ways to live life to the fullest.
FIND PLEASURE IN THE SIMPLE THINGS
One of the easiest ways to live a happier life is to live a more simple one. So many of us are guilty of over-analysing every facet of our lives, comparing and contrasting with those around us and on our social media feeds, and complicating our approach to life accordingly.
However, for the most part, life is best lived in a straightforward, refined way. Seek solace in the little things; it could be as simple as finding things to do this weekend which make you happy, or endeavouring to make your morning coffee to the best of your ability…by focusing on the little details of life, the bigger picture becomes clearer, too.
SMOKING BIG, ROLLIN’ SOLO
Many people feel like if they’re not in a relationship, they’re not living their life to its fullest potential. FOMO never burned brighter than in the single person’s head, imagining the greener grass of being coupled up.
Don’t believe the hype. While being in a healthy relationship can help you feel happier, you don’t need to be in one to feel fulfilled. Many single people have found fulfillment in their life, and by changing your attitude and appreciating your non-romantic, platonic relationships, you could change your life too.
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Evolution has wired our brains to place more emphasis on the negative experiences of our life. And that’s understandable; there’s a lot to learn from past mistakes made, and in more primitive times this focus on the adverse stuff helped us avoid threats. However, our world is relatively safe today, so we need to rewire our brain to keep it from anticipating problems that aren’t there.
There are several ways you can do this, with some of the most effective tools at your disposal rooted in Buddhism. Mindfulness and meditation can give us a fresh perspective on life’s problems – crucial in these current tough times – and has been proven to lead to a more positive outlook on life. Expressing daily gratitude, in the form of a diary or just making the time to articulate it verbally, is also an effective way to rewire your brain to be more optimistic and appreciative of your lot.
GET MORE INTO EXERCISE
We’re putting the emphasis on the ‘more’ here for good reason. Many of us have a semblance of a commitment to pulse raising, but we could all do with a little more. That’s because regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Staying active will keep you physically healthy, help you achieve your fitness, and minimise your chances of developing serious health conditions. According to the NHS, “regular exercise can lower your chance of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes by up to 50%.” And you can’t argue with the facts.
Along with the physical benefits, exercise can also greatly improve your mental wellbeing. This is because physical activity releases endorphins in the brain which make you feel happy. Being in good physical shape should also help you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
Perhaps the most clear path to living life to the fullest is to also live it in the moment. When you focus on the present instead of the regrets of the past or the uncertainty of the future, you’ll feel more centered, peaceful, and happy. And we all need a bit of that right now, right?
THE BOTTOM LINE
You don’t have to go through this life dissatisfied, lonely and lost. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine and everyday outlook, you can turn this thing around. Good luck and we’re right there with you!