September is all about a new beginning. It’s a new season and a lot of people are starting new routines that will carry them through the rest of the year. In addition, September was officially declared the month of self improvement. We can’t think of a better time to start over and improve yourself! It’s time to view each day as an opportunity to take simple steps that will help you look, feel, and live better. To get you started, we’ve put together this list of tips to help you get happier and healthier this September.
Here are 15 self-improvement tips for a successful September:
1. Reset your habits.
We make a lot of decisions every day. But we do a lot without thinking, simply because it has become a habit. The good news is that not all habits are harmful. There are plenty of healthy habits that can make your September a successful start to a new season. Better still, research shows it can take as little as 66 days to build a new habit that’s good for you, says University College London. This may include drinking more water, starting a new exercise routine, getting more sleep, or even reducing screen time.
Not sure where to start? Check out these 10 healthy people’s work habits! >
2. Practice positivity.
You have more control over your internal dialogue than you realize. By making a concentrated effort to think positive thoughts, you can improve your mood and health. “People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook,” says Johns Hopkins Medicine. They also explain that smiling in stressful situations lowers heart rate and blood pressure, even if it’s a fake smile. You can really fake it until you get it!
3. Give yourself goals.
Every success, big or small, starts with a goal. The goals that you are most likely to achieve are specific and achievable. Simply saying that you want to lose weight, for example, or keep in touch with old friends makes it easy to put these things off again and again. Instead, define your goals as “fitting my favorite dress for a wedding” or “calling a friend every week”. Click the link below for tips on writing your own goals!
4. Accept setbacks.
No matter how motivated and focused we are, sometimes forces beyond our control prevent us from achieving our goals. Too often this makes us feel like we are giving up, as if we will never succeed. However, progress is rarely in a straight line. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that when we take two steps forward and one step back, we are closer to our goal.
5. Try mentoring.
People with experience in work, upbringing and life skills have invaluable knowledge to share with newbies. Mentoring can be rewarding for both sides – mature people can pass on their well-deserved knowledge and younger people receive help in overcoming obstacles. In addition, two learn when one teaches! Take a look at The National Mentoring Partnership: They have a “Connector” database that connects mentors with people who want mentoring.
6. Expand your circle.
If you have some close friends, you’re in luck. However, regular contact with a wider range of people is also good for mental health in old age. According to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, “the wellbeing of mid-life men and women seems to depend on having a large group of friends they see regularly,” says ScienceDaily.
7. Take the time to read.
We all spend more time than ever looking at the screens of electronics. It’s time to put your smartphone aside and pick up a good old book! Taking time to read books helps both our bodies and minds: Research shows that reading can reduce emphasize by up to 68 percent, says the University of Minnesota. Whether you like inspirational self-help, biographies, or fantasy fiction, there is a book for everyone. Audiobooks are a great option even on the go! Hear them while commuting, jogging every day, or preparing a healthy meal.
8. Try new apps.
Our phones and tablets bring the world to our fingertips and can make our lives easier. You can try apps to help you work on your memory, learn new vocabulary, pursue creative ideas, manage your finances, try new workouts, and much more. Do you want to lose weight in September? Check this out for FREE NuMi app from Food system, available for Apple and Android devices! It’s the ultimate weight loss app because it makes it easy for you to keep track of your progress and provides daily information and inspiration. Find out more here! >
9. Learn a second language.
The ability to speak two languages not only allows us to communicate with a wider variety of people, but is also good for our brains. According to the Annual Review of Linguistics, “Research over the past few decades has shown that experience with two (or more) languages provides a bilingual advantage in executive functions and can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.” You can start a new language using one of the many online courses or apps. Solidify your skills by practicing with native speakers whenever possible.
10. Correct your posture.
Sitting and staring at a screen all day can lead to poor posture. This can damage your spine, cause neck and back pain, decrease flexibility, and affect breathing, says MedlinePlus. You can avoid these problems by following the basics of good posture throughout the day: Harvard Health Publishing recommends keeping your chin parallel to the floor and your shoulders even. You should have a “neutral spine” with your arms on your sides. Make sure your hips are straight, your knees and feet are pointing forward, and your body weight is evenly distributed. Sit and stand down this list to help you regain balance and prevent the sagging that brings us out of alignment.
11. Meditate daily.
Taking a little time each day to clear your mind of your daily worries and worries can help you enjoy a stress-free September. According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation relieves symptoms of high blood pressure, chronic pain, anxiety, headaches, sleep problems, and more. You can find plenty of apps and videos online to help you get started. The basics, however, are simple: sit in a comfortable position in a place free from distractions. Focus on your breathing rhythm and let any thoughts or worries that come to mind wander. All you need are 10 minutes to take advantage of this little break from hectic everyday life.
12. Cook often.
When preparing your food, you pay attention to the ingredients and can do without unhealthy additives such as salt and sweeteners. If you don’t have a lot of cooking experience, just start and practice your skills before moving on to more elaborate dishes. Not sure where to start? Visit The Leaf Weight Loss Blog for thousands of simple and tasty recipes that fit into your healthy diet! You can also purchase a copy of How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. It covers all the basics and shares the little tips and secrets great home cooks learn after years in the kitchen.
13. Get more sleep.
You may not be thinking that sleeping is a way to improve your life. However, so many of us are chronically tired that it is actually damaging to our mental and physical health. Lack of sleep actually increases our chances of overeating and makes it harder for us to lose excess weight, says Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. Try your best to keep a regular sleep and wake-up schedule. If you’re tired in the middle of the day, a 20-minute nap can freshen you up without disturbing your night’s sleep.
Find out more about the importance of a good night’s sleep! >
14. Lose weight.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, being overweight or obese can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Losing excess weight can reduce your risk for these problems and promote positive feelings, a sense of achievement, and a better self-image. To help you achieve a healthy weight, try a convenient meal delivery service that will fit into your new September plan. Food system provides you with a simple meal plan, meal delivery and amazing support system. Click here to find out more! >
15. Be grateful, be happy.
Just being grateful for the most basic things we have in our lives – food and shelter, health and safety, family and friends – improves our wellbeing. Practicing gratitude is linked to “higher life satisfaction,” according to a study published in the medical journal Psychiatry. What better way to improve this September than to be happier about all the good things we have? Try to keep a gratitude journal and think about what you are grateful for throughout the month. It’s a great way to start the day with a positive mind.
