Is life not going exactly how you planned it or are you passing through each day without feeling a true purpose? If you are, then know that you are not alone. Many of us lose the passion we once had and it can lead to trouble at school, work and with our families. To fix the situation, think less about what you should do and instead about what you should stop doing.
As an inspirational coach, Claudette P. Esterine, Chairperson of the Daughters of Sheba Foundation, has seen many folks come in the doors looking for answers. She has compiled this list of behaviours to stop now for a better life.
STOP Doing These Things For Your Well-Being
1. Stop Hitting the Snooze Button
If you are one of those people who hits the snooze alarm several times before getting out of bed, then you are robbing yourself of a chance to wake up and get the early morning exercise that you need. You may not believe you are the exercise type, but you’ll be surprised to learn that with just 150 minutes of fitness per week. You could improve your endurance, strength, and your overall view of life. Just imagine how much more energized you will feel for the day ahead after a 20-minute power walk!
2. Stop Sitting Indoors All Day
Those who come home from work and immediately plop down on the couch for the remainder of the day are missing out on the beauty of nature and the many benefits that time outside provides. Being outdoors offers many chances to improve your physical health via hiking and biking, but it presents its share of mental health benefits as well.
Being amongst green plants and trees brings us back to a more natural place. It has a way of wiping away the stresses of the world. Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors as you see beautiful sights and spend time around the campfire. If you want some tips on how to properly experience the outdoors, resources like Adventure Daily are a great start.
3. Stop Working in a Job You Hate
The pitfall that many of us fall into is continuing to wake up every day just to go through the doors of a job you hate. If you go into work just waiting for the end of the day, then you are in a bad place. If you don’t feel like you are being challenged or the work you are doing isn’t making a difference, then it is time for a change. Quitting a job can be scary but you can prepare yourself by attending classes on the side and earning a degree. With effort, you can do anything you set your mind on.
4. Stop Eating Fast Food
If your idea of a quality dinner involves stopping at your favourite fast-food restaurant night after night, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. Many forms of fast food are filled with trans-fats that can make you feel sluggish. In addition, they are causing great harm to your heart and cholesterol levels. To feel better and more satisfied, go-to foods that are full of nutrients like fish, kale, and Greek yoghurt. If you must have a snack, opt for almonds instead of french fries.
5. Stop Complaining
Few people enjoy the sound of complaining because it means that someone is upset at the world but isn’t doing anything to fix their predicament. If you are the one who is complaining, then you need to stop that behaviour immediately. Instead, think about what you can do to change your situation. Attend those classes, talk to your boss about a promotion, or take a chance on something you always wanted to do. You can’t succeed if you don’t try.
In the end, none of us is perfect. The chances are good that everyone is guilty of one of these bad habits. If you are, make the change now and you’ll see your life drastically improve.
For daily inspiration and other tips, do visit the Daughters of Sheba on Facebook and Instagram!
Dorothy Watson is a Guest Contributor, who grew up with a single mother who suffered from bipolar disorder. Her mom wasn’t properly diagnosed until Dorothy was about 12 years old, so she saw her mom struggle for a long time. Since she has seen how hard life can be for people whose mental health hasn’t been properly addressed, she is an advocate for mental wellness.