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Lyn Bailey – Life by Design

Category: Mindfulness

  • Mindfulness Tips

    Mindfulness Tips

    Mindfulness Tips for Daily Life

     

    Learn how to practice mindfulness with simple techniques and tips for all ages. Enhance your well-being and manage stress effectively. Start today!

    Mindful.org emphasizes how mindfulness can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and just make you feel better overall. It’s like giving your mind a much-needed break from the constant chatter.

    When you incorporate mindfulness into your routine, you start to live with more intention. You’re not just reacting to everything on autopilot. This shift in perspective can make your experiences richer and help you handle life’s inevitable ups and downs with more resilience.

    Think of mindfulness as a powerful tool in your back pocket, ready to help you manage anxiety and stress. It’s a path towards better mental health and a calmer, more focused you.

    Integrate Mindfulness into Your Day

    Instead of thinking of mindfulness as something “extra” you have to do, try weaving it into your existing routine. Here’s how you can bring mindfulness to three key parts of your day:

    Mindful Mornings: Start Your Day Right

    How you begin your morning sets the tone for everything you do. Instead of immediately reaching for your phone, take a few moments for yourself. Think about how you want to approach the day. What qualities do you want to embody? What kind of energy do you want to bring to your interactions? Setting a clear intention first thing in the morning can make a world of difference.

    Mindful Work: Stay Present at Work 

    Let’s be real: work can get stressful. But you can use mindfulness to stay grounded, even on hectic days. If you feel your attention waning or frustration mounting, try taking a few deep breaths. This simple act can bring you back to the present moment and help you respond to challenges with more clarity. Remember, mindfulness can actually improve your focus, allowing you to be more productive and engaged with your tasks.

    Mindful Evenings: Wind Down with Intention 

    After a long day, it’s tempting to just collapse on the couch. But taking a few minutes for a mindful wind-down can lead to more restful sleep. Try a short walk and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. As you get ready for bed, reflect on your day. What went well? What are you grateful for? Acknowledging both the positive and negative experiences can help you process your emotions and let go of any lingering stress.

    Remember, mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different techniques, and find what works best for you.

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  • 7 Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life

    7 Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life

    7 Mindfulness Techniques for Daily Life

    Learn how to practice mindfulness with simple techniques and tips for all ages. Enhance your well-being and manage stress effectively. Start today!

    Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many of us are juggling demanding schedules, endless to-do lists, and the constant pressure to do more. But there’s a way to find more ease and balance, even amidst the chaos. Mindfulness techniques offer a path to greater self-awareness, helping you manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Ready to discover how a few simple practices can make a world of difference?

    Key Takeaways

    • Mindfulness is a practice, not a destination. It’s about bringing awareness to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, not about achieving a perfectly clear mind. Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that consistency is key.
    • Mindfulness can be tailored to your life stage. Whether you’re a parent looking to help your kids manage big emotions, a teen navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, or an adult seeking more calm and focus, there are mindfulness practices that can help.
    • There are plenty of resources to support your practice. Explore mindfulness apps, books, online courses, local groups, or even just setting daily reminders for yourself. Find what works best for you and enjoy the journey.

    What is Mindfulness?

    Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment with an attitude of openness and non-judgment. It encourages you to become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without getting caught up in them. The Mayo Clinic describes it as “a type of meditation focusing on present moment awareness without judgment,” involving techniques like breathing exercises and guided imagery to relax your body and mind.

    Essentially, mindfulness is about shifting from an automatic, fast-paced way of thinking to a more deliberate and conscious approach. Mindful.org explains that it’s about strengthening your ability to be present and make conscious choices, rather than reacting on autopilot.

    And mindfulness isn’t just about meditation; you can practice it in everyday activities. Life Insight notes that it’s about paying careful attention to your present experience, whether it’s a sight, a sound, a taste, or even a thought or emotion.

    Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can lead to significant mental health benefits, especially when it comes to managing stress and improving your overall well-being.

    How Mindfulness Affects Your Brain

    Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a practice grounded in real science. When you practice mindfulness, you’re actively changing the physical structure and function of your brain. Think of it like strength training for your mind.

    One of the key areas where mindfulness makes a difference is strengthening brain circuits related to attention and emotional regulation. This means that mindfulness practices can be particularly helpful for managing symptoms of ADHD, improving focus, and reducing impulsivity.

    But the benefits go beyond just concentration. Mindfulness can actually increase your capacity for compassion and empathy. By being present and tuning into your own emotions, you become more attuned to the experiences of others.

    And in our always-on world, mindfulness provides a much-needed antidote to stress. Experts suggest that mindfulness helps develop a more flexible nervous system, making you more resilient and adaptable to life’s inevitable challenges.

    7 Powerful Mindfulness Techniques to Try Today

    Ready to weave mindfulness into your daily life? These seven techniques can be practiced anytime, anywhere, to invite more presence and calm into your day.

    Mindful Breathing: Anchor Yourself to the Present

    This is where it all begins. Mindful breathing is a foundational practice used to ground yourself in the present moment, especially helpful during times of stress. Mindful breathing exercises are often the foundation of mindfulness practice.

    Body Scan Meditation: Take a Journey Through Your Body

    A body scan meditation is a wonderful way to connect with your physical self. This practice cultivates body awareness and can help release tension you might be carrying.

    Mindful Eating: Savor Every Bite

    Instead of rushing through your next meal, transform it into a mindful experience. Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and truly focus on the food in front of you. Mindful eating.

    Walking Meditation: Find Zen in Motion

    Who says meditation requires you to sit still? Walking meditation brings awareness to the physical act of walking. This practice helps you find a sense of calm and focus amidst the busyness of your day.

    Gratitude Journaling: Cultivate Positivity

    Shift your focus from what’s lacking to what you appreciate with gratitude journaling. Each day, take a few moments to jot down three to five things you’re grateful for—big or small. This practice helps you cultivate a more positive mindset and appreciate the good in your life.

    Loving-Kindness Meditation: Nurture Compassion

    This heart-centered practice involves directing feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others. This practice helps cultivate compassion and acceptance, both for yourself and those around you.

    Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Release Tension

    If you often find yourself feeling physically tense, progressive muscle relaxation can provide relief. This technique is a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting physical relaxation.

    Experience the Benefits of Mindfulness

    Mindfulness isn’t just some abstract idea—it’s a practical tool to improve your well-being. Think of it as a way to hit the reset button on your brain, allowing you to deal with daily stress more effectively. Mindfulness helps us shift away from overthinking and negativity, bringing us back to the present moment.

    And the best part? You don’t need to spend hours meditating to see positive changes. Even a few minutes of regular mindfulness practice can make a difference. The Mayo Clinic also highlights how these practices can benefit both your mental and physical health, contributing to a more balanced lifestyle.

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  • The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

    The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

     

    The Value Of Organizing Tomorrow Today

    If you want to maximize your effectiveness and the amount you get done each day, organize tomorrow, today. The second that you open your eyes you can already be clear and certain about what you have to do that day.

    It’s much more effective than trying to plan your day on the fly!

    In the evening, you’re much more objective about the next day than you are when you’re in the midst of it. It’s easy to plan a trip to the gym the day before. It’s not as easy to do so on the same day when it’s raining, and you’re just not in the mood.

    The best time to plan tomorrow is today!

     

    Follow this process:

    A. What do you want to accomplish? Depending on your job, health, family, hobbies, and life in general, what you want to accomplish will vary. Make a list of all the things you want to accomplish tomorrow. Include tasks that help you to reach your goals. Your list might have activities like this:

    • Make a nutritious lunch for kids.
    • Be at the office by 7:45.
    • Give a great presentation at work at 2:00pm.
    • Eat a healthy lunch.
    • Work out for 30 minutes.
    • Practice piano for 30 minutes.
    • Speak with an employee about frequent absences.
    • Call my financial planner to schedule a meeting about my portfolio.

     

    B. What are the best ways to accomplish those tasks? There are many ways to accomplish something. But there is only one best way. Think of your resource constraints (including time) and determine the optimal way for you to accomplish the tasks you’ve identified as most important.

    • What foods will you include in your child’s lunch?
    • What is the best route to get to work? What time do I have to get up in order to be at work by 7:45?
    • What do I need to do to be prepared for the presentation? Do I need to reserve a room? Who should be present?
    • What will I have for lunch? Will I bring it or go out to eat?
    • What type of workout will I do? Where?
    1. What are the obstacles you’re likely to face? Consider everything that might get in your way and develop a plan that will address those obstacles.  If something goes wrong, how are you going to handle itMake a plan that has the greatest possibility of avoiding the fewest obstacles as possible.
    2. When are you going to do your tasks? Decide when you’re going to do each of the items on your list. Bill Gates plans his day in 6-minute intervals. You might not have to be that precise. Find a method that works for you.
    3. Evaluate your day and try again. At the end of the day, take a look at your day and look for ways to do better. Use what you learned to improve your planning process.
      • What did you accomplish?
      • What did you fail to get done?
      • When are you going to do it?
      • What could you have done better?

    Make the most important decisions about your day the night before. The day is for executing, not deciding.

    Save your decision-making time for the evening when you can be more objective and thoughtful.

    Put your nose to the grindstone during the day and get things accomplished. Living life by the seat of your pants might be exciting, but it’s not the most productive way to live. Make a good plan and then follow it to the best of your ability. The quality of your life will soar.

     

     

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  • How to Make Your Journaling More Effective

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    Any type of journal that you keep can be beneficial. It doesnít matter if itís just to document your life or to work through problems – you can use a journal to do it all. From tracking your projects to documenting vacation to overcoming anxiety, a journal will work for you if you pick the right type and make journaling a ritual.

    * Find the Right Medium for You ñ For some people, thatís pen and paper. Many experts claim thatís the best way because of its simplicity. However, you have to do what works for you, and what works for you is what you will do daily. If you make it too hard, you wonít do it.

    * Turn Journaling Daily into a Habit ñ To be most effective, journaling has to go on for a long time. Itís a long-term strategy to How to Make Your Journaling More Effective


    Any type of journal that you keep can be beneficial. It doesnít matter if itís just to document your life or to work through problems – you can use a journal to do it all. From tracking your projects to documenting vacation to overcoming anxiety, a journal will work for you if you pick the right type and make journaling a ritual.

    * Find the Right Medium for You ñ For some people, thatís pen and paper. Many experts claim thatís the best way because of its simplicity. However, you have to do what works for you, and what works for you is what you will do daily. If you make it too hard, you wonít do it.

    * Turn Journaling Daily into a Habit ñ To be most effective, journaling has to go on for a long time. Itís a long-term strategy to improve your life and not something that is going to have any effect overnight. For this reason, ritualize your journaling so that it becomes a daily habit.

    * Set Up a Comfy Journaling Spot ñ Find a good space you can journal in each day, one which is relaxing and without stress. Some people like to keep their journal by their bedside so that each night when they get into bed, they can quickly write in their journals.

    * Choose the Right Style of Journal for Your Needs ñ The type of journal you want to keep depends on how you plan to use it. You may want to track a project, in which case youíll need a project journal. If you want to simply document your life, youíd want a classic journal.

    * Use Your Journal to Work Through Life and Reach Goals ñ Donít just write in the journal; actively seek to improve something in your life – whether itís the thoughts which drive your feelings or improving your actions so that you experience more success.

    * Consider Using More Than Writing to Document Your Life ñ You donít need to just use text. You can use images, pictures, tickets, and other memories inside your journal too. Sometimes a few pictures and mementos mean more than anything you can write to help you remember.

    * Read and Reflect Occasionally ñ Take at least a few minutes to re-read parts of your journal. Once youíve kept it for a year, itís fun to go back and read the same day from last year to find out whatís different now and whatís the same and why.

    * Keep Your Journal Secure ñ You donít want to worry about anyone getting into your private business when youíre not around, so keep it hidden. If itís on your computer, keep it password protected.

    If you know why you want to journal, itíll be easier to figure out which type of journal you need to keep to make your journaling more effective. Sometimes you just want to document your life, while other times you want to work through something difficult. It really depends on your goals and the point of the journal.

     


    improve your life and not something that is going to have any effect overnight. For this reason, ritualize your journaling so that it becomes a daily habit.

    * Set Up a Comfy Journaling Spot ñ Find a good space you can journal in each day, one which is relaxing and without stress. Some people like to keep their journal by their bedside so that each night when they get into bed, they can quickly write in their journals.

    * Choose the Right Style of Journal for Your Needs ñ The type of journal you want to keep depends on how you plan to use it. You may want to track a project, in which case youíll need a project journal. If you want to simply document your life, youíd want a classic journal.

    * Use Your Journal to Work Through Life and Reach Goals ñ Donít just write in the journal; actively seek to improve something in your life – whether itís the thoughts which drive your feelings or improving your actions so that you experience more success.

    * Consider Using More Than Writing to Document Your Life ñ You donít need to just use text. You can use images, pictures, tickets, and other memories inside your journal too. Sometimes a few pictures and mementos mean more than anything you can write to help you remember.

    * Read and Reflect Occasionally ñ Take at least a few minutes to re-read parts of your journal. Once youíve kept it for a year, itís fun to go back and read the same day from last year to find out whatís different now and whatís the same and why.

    * Keep Your Journal Secure ñ You donít want to worry about anyone getting into your private business when youíre not around, so keep it hidden. If itís on your computer, keep it password protected.

    If you know why you want to journal, itíll be easier to figure out which type of journal you need to keep to make your journaling more effective. Sometimes you just want to document your life, while other times you want to work through something difficult. It really depends on your goals and the point of the journal.

     

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  • How Journaling Can Help with Mental Health Issues

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    Keeping any type of journal will help with improving any mental health issues. However, if you really want to tackle a specific problem youíre having, it will help to determine the right type of journal to keep. Keeping a particular kind of journal may work best for your issue.

    * Boosts Your Mood ñ If you really want to boost your mood, keeping a gratitude journal is where itís at. All you have to do is once a day, preferably before bed, write down what youíre grateful for today. It might not seem like much but itís very powerful for going to sleep, thinking positively about your life.

    * Increases Your Sense of Well-Being ñ As you write out your thoughts, youíll start seeing issues from a new angle just because youíre opening your mind to think about it. This is going to make you feel more capable of dealing with whatever happens.

    * Lessens Symptoms of Depression ñ Understand that depression is something different from sadness, and that you likely need a counselor. Writing it all down can make it seem less horrific so that you can feel better. Plus, you can look back at days you thought life was “over” and see better days after.

    * Reduces Anxiety ñ The problem with anxiety is that it was designed to help us get away from immediate danger. It triggers the “fight or flight” response. If each time you have that anxious feeling you choose to write in your journal how you are feeling and why, youíll start to control it better.

    * Lowers Avoidance Behaviors ñ Many people who have mental health issues practice avoidance behaviors such as not going to places that cause them anxiety, or not doing the things they need to do due to how they feel. When you write it out, it helps you get the feelings out but do the thing anyway.

    * Youíll Sleep Better ñ Pouring your heart out into a journal is a great way to get things off your chest. However, for sleep, go to the gratitude journal and write down what youíre thankful for today and go to sleep thinking of that.

    * Makes You a Kinder Person ñ Exploring your own emotional state and accepting your own feelings while you work through what makes you who you are in your journal is going to make you naturally more empathetic to others too. Letting go of judgment for self improves your thoughts for others also.

    * Improves Your Memory ñ This is almost a situation where you want to say “duh” but it has to be said. Writing down things helps you remember them because you can go back and read it, but also because the act of writing something down enables you to recall it.

    One thing that can really help you make your journaling work is to learn how to keep one effectively. Make some journaling rules, do it every day to create a habit, and keep it private unless you decide to let your therapist see it or you decide to use it to help others. This is for you and only you for the most part.

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  • How Journaling Can Help with Achieving Your Goals

    Journaling can help you achieve your goals because it will force you to think about them, consider the why and how, and delve deeper into the situation so that you can examine all sides of it. Read on to find out how journaling can help.

    * It Forces You to Write Down Your Goals ñ When you start a journal, it basically is a way to force yourself to document your goals. Whether you write them down on paper or you use technology to get it all down doesnít matter. Once theyíre written, they are ready to tackle.

    * It Makes You Consider Why and How ñ As you enter data into your journal, youíll be forced to face the why and how of your goal. This is especially true if you write down a goal and focus on it in your journal. 

    * It Enables You to Examine the Opportunities and Threats ñ When you are focused on goal making with your journal, youíll also explore opportunities and threats coming your way due to your goals. It helps you avoid roadblocks in advance. 

    * It Makes You Develop Steps for Success Based on Your Goals ñ When you see it written down, youíll want to notice and pull out any steps youíve developed in your journal and put them in your calendar for scheduling. 

    * It Helps You Improve Goal Setting and Achievement ñ Each time you intentionally set goals, define steps to achieve the goals, and perform them, you are setting yourself up for being able to improve your skills. 

    * It Provides Accountability ñ Even if no one else is reading your journal, a private journal can help you become accountable to yourself. If you develop the habit of looking at your journal each day and put something else in there each day, itíll work great for helping you become more accountable. 

    * It Provides a Permanent Record ñ Having a permanent record of the things youíve done in your life, whether itís personal or work, is a beautiful thing. Hardly anyone has a perfect memory, so youíll maintain the lessons learned better with the record to look back at.

    * It May Be Inspirational ñ Depending on the journal, you might even be able to take the information inside and compile it into a real book for others to read to inspire them. You might also take from it steps for your success for a project and turn it into a course to inspire someone else.

    Journaling is an excellent way to work toward achieving all your goals. It will even help you make better goals because the process of entering facts in your journal will cause you to see them in a more logical way that is more useful.

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  • Benefits of a Balanced Schedule

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    Benefits of Having a Balanced Schedule

     

    If you want to get more done in life without feeling too busy and burning out, it’s imperative that you create a balanced schedule. A balanced schedule has enormous benefits for your life when you make sure to account for what you need and want to do in every area of your life as you make the schedule. 

     

    When you have a balanced schedule, you:

     

    ·      Get more done because you’re efficient with your time

    ·      Feel less stressed because you’re not overwhelmed by a packed schedule

    ·      Have more free time to enjoy life apart from work and responsibilities

    ·      Are able to focus better on the task at hand when you have regular breaks

    ·      Avoid burnout from working too much or taking on too much at once

     

    A balanced schedule is the key to a happy, productive life. If you currently feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like you can’t keep up, it’s time to take a step back and assess your schedule. See what can be cut out , delegated or spread out more evenly. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel when you have a handle on your time.

     

    Creating a balanced schedule means looking at all the areas of your life and ensuring there’s enough time for everything important to you. This includes work, family, friends, hobbies, and taking care of yourself. If one area takes up too much of your time, something else is likely suffering.

     

    For example, if you’re working long hours, you may not have enough time for your family or friends. Or, if you’re spending all your free time on hobbies, you may neglect your work or other obligations. Therefore, finding a good balance between all the areas of your life is essential.

     

    One way to do this is to create a weekly schedule where you block out time for each area of your life. This can help you see where you may need to make some adjustments. For instance, if you realize you’re working too much, you can cut back on your hours or take on less work. Or, if you’re not spending enough time with your family or friends, you can make an effort to schedule more social activities.

     

    Like your boss, friend, and neighbor, you only have 24 hours a day, so be realistic regarding how much time you can devote to each area of your life. Also, keep in mind that your schedule may need to change from week to week, depending on what’s going on in your life. So schedule the most critical aspects of your life, like work and family, and then fill in the rest of your time with other activities.

     

    A balanced schedule is essential for a happy, productive life. When you are mindful about what you really need to live a satisfying life, pay close attention to ensure there’s enough time for everything important to you. You can avoid stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed by taking a look at your schedule and making the necessary adjustments to create a more balanced life.

     

     

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  • Taming Time

    Taming Time

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    Tame Your Time

     

     

    Managing your time is not just good practice but it is also good for productivity, organization and achieving success with your goals. By managing your time properly and efficiently you can create an organized life. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you follow the strategies below.

     

    Get Up Early

     

    The most successful people are early risers and have a morning routine in place. This has been part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember. Even when I was only 7 or 8 years old, I remember getting up early, often watching the sunrise, then spending 2-3 hours studying. I have always had a passion for learning, which I still have today. Age has not lessened this passion.

     

    Morning routines often include:

     

    Ø Meditation

    Ø Visualization

    Ø Exercise

    Ø Reading/Learning

    Ø Healthy Eating

    Ø Planning/Prioritizing

     

    A regular morning routine will ensure that you start your days successfully.

     

    To Do List

     

    Creating a to do list should be a regular habit undertaken daily. The best lists are 10 items or less to ensure that you can complete it. Don’t forget to prioritize the items on the list and review it throughout the day. Checking off items as they are completed will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

     

    Sticky Notes

     

    Sticky notes are ideal for displaying reminders of tasks, motivational quotes and visualizations. If you’ve got a pile of letters that need to be mailed and that’s an item on your to do list, why not put a sticky note on top of the pile with a deadline for posting them? It’ll serve as a reminder to get them posted and cleared out of your way.

     

    Record It

     

    Of course you can record your notes digitally using note taking apps or in a text document, or using pen and paper but have you thought of recording them using a digital recorder? You can get free recording apps for smartphones. By making a voice recording you can replay the recording and listen to your ideas. This will give you the opportunity to listen from a different perspective.

     

    Schedule

     

    Create a schedule. Using an online planner such as Google Calendar will ensure that you are able to access your schedule on your smartphone, tablet or computer wherever you are. You can color code different categories of entry and share with friends, family and colleagues as necessary.

     

    Use Pen and Paper

     

    For your most important events, tasks and notes use the traditional recording method of pen and paper with a diary, planner or bullet journal. You can keep it with you at all times, it won’t distract you with messages or run out of power. You’ll also be able to flick through at a glance to see how much you’ve achieved, past or forthcoming events and outstanding tasks.

     

    Prioritize

     

    Be realistic. Not all tasks and events are created equal. Find a way to highlight events that are essential so that you can see them at a glance and be sure not to miss them. On your lists of things to do always prioritize them and complete the most important first. If there are items that aren’t important or not time sensitive then considering moving them off your current list and on to another day. You can’t do everything.

     

    Delegate

     

    If there are items on your list that aren’t important then think about delegating them. You don’t need to try and be a superhero and do everything yourself. Kids can tidy away their toys and when old enough learn how to load the dishwasher, set the table and do other simple chores. By enlisting the help of other household members you can get more accomplished in less time.

     

    Managing your time properly and efficiently is one of the keys to staying organized.

     

    If you want help planning your day and your week, click below to download a FREE Weekly and Daily Planner to guide you.

     

     

     

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  • Embrace Gratitude

    Embrace Gratitude

    A Great Way to Embrace Gratitude Every Day

    Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions that you can experience. It connects you to what is truly important in your life. It reminds you that as long as you’re breathing, everything is going to be okay. And it helps frame your day, your expectations, and your actions. Embracing gratitude can be as simple as saying thank you. Here are the top ten ways you can invite more gratitude into your life.

    # Start a Gratitude Journal

    Gratitude journals became popular about ten years ago. Oprah talked about how powerful gratitude was for her and people took note. A gratitude journal is a daily practice where you write down a number of things that you’re grateful for every day.

    You can make it part of your daily routine by writing in your journal first thing in the morning as you look at your day or last thing at night. There are mobile apps for gratitude journaling or you can buy a journal. A simple college ruled notebook works too. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

    If you need help with recognising gratitude in your life, then call me on +61402855787 for a FREE discovery call, or download this great Gratitude Tool to give you a jumpstart.

     

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  • 3 Tips to Start Your Day

    3 Tips to Start Your Day

    Deciding The Best Way for You to Start Your Day Positively

    You have decided to start your days with morning gratitude and/or positive thinking. That is great. Now you have to decide how to do it. You have nearly endless options to choose from. Here are some tips for deciding what to choose.

    1. It Works For You

    Not every option works for everyone. That is normal and to be expected. Everyone is different, after all. Try a few of the options and see what works for you. If something does not seem to work for you, do not feel bad, and definitely do not try to force yourself to keep doing it.

    There are many options out there and you will find something that resonates with your soul if you keep looking. Do not settle on the first thing you try unless it grabs you and refuses to let go. Try different options. Experiment.

    2. You Can Do It Consistently

    Consider your schedule when weighing options. Some methods take more commitment than others, even if that is only a few minutes longer. How much time do you have in the morning? Not just some mornings, either, but every morning.

    If you only have a few minutes most days, making a gratitude list in your head is probably a better idea than trying to fit in 30 (or even 10) minutes of yoga. That is not to say that you cannot do more than one thing. Perhaps you can do your gratitude lists every morning and do yoga as well on the weekends.

    Remember that whatever you choose must be something you can do each and every day, or at least on 90 percent of them. Life does happen, after all.

    3. You Like It (So You Will Do It)

    Do you know the number one reason people fail at starting a gym routine? It is not a lack of time or commitment. It is simply that they do not like what they are doing. Humans are strange creatures who are not likely to continue doing something they do not like, at least not unless they have an overwhelmingly good reason to do so.

    The same thing applies to trying to create other new habits too. If you do not like something, you probably will not keep it up. Likewise, it is hard to stop bad habits because on some level you like them, and your brain goes – Quit? Why?

    This is slightly different than the first tip (something must work for you) because they are two different things. Ninety minutes a day on a treadmill will work to make anyone fit, but few people like that enough to do it!

    I find a Gratitude morning ritual is very simple, quick and easy. As soon as I wake up, I take about 3 minutes to ponder on 3 things I have to be grateful for today. This morning it was another day on this earth, my physical health and my 4 amazing children, who are also my four best friends. It’s a wonderful way to start each day.

    If you need help developing a morning ritual to start your day with Gratitude, download my FREE “I am Grateful for….” Worksheet .

    DOWNLOAD HERE

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