Think big.
Start small.
Small steps.
Everyday.
That’s all you have to do.
Just take that first step.
The small steps make all the difference.
The Basics
The basics of anything will always be the most important.
It’s the starting point, the foundation upon which everything else is built.
It’s these basics that set you up for all your successes to come.
The basics are small steps in the same direction that when done regularly and consistently overtime, set you up for success.
It isn’t one giant leap in the future, it’s the small steps you take today that will begin to bring you health & happiness.
Time Is Of The Essence
Time is valuable, and free. It’s also limited.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day to do all it is we need to do.
Dedicating time for exercise or having breakfast in the morning may seem impossible.
Drinking water throughout the day takes up too much time and effort to think about and get done.
Helping others just doesn’t fit into your schedule.
The quantity of time you dedicate to your health and happiness isn’t as important as the quality. It’s not the amount of time you spend that matters, it’s how you spend the time that counts.
Money Doesn’t Always Talk
Money isn’t necessary to be healthy.
Money isn’t necessary to be happy.
It’s not what you have, what you buy, or your possessions that bring you happiness.
Happiness is the result of being healthy, of giving, serving, and being grateful for what you have. Last time I checked, exercising, giving, serving, and being grateful was free to do.
5 Simple Steps For Health & Happiness
Drink 3 Glasses of Water Daily
Focus on drinking an 8oz glass of water, which isn’t much at all, three times a day. First thing in the morning, at lunch, and then once in the evening.
Breaking it up this way makes it easier to complete, not to mention less bathroom breaks. Although 64oz it the optimal amount of water to drink daily, drinking these three glasses, you’ll find yourself more thirty and therefore drinking more water.
Daily Gratitude & Affirmations
Start each day off by giving thanks and being grateful for something or someone in your life. Don’t just think it either, verbalize it to yourself or someone. Whether it’s in the shower, at the gym, or driving to work. Say what you’re thankful for aloud.
If there’s people around you that you’re grateful for, whether it’s mom, dad, your kids, colleagues, who ever it may be, tell them.
In addition to giving thanks, pick one or a few affirmations and recite them first thing in the morning. Here’s a few examples:
Every day is a new day full of hope, happiness and health.
Today is going to be an awesome day.
I’m going to relax and have fun today, no matter what the day may bring.
I am limited only by my vision of what is possible.
Start & Finish Your Day With Exercise
Exercise doesn’t need to happen in a gym or take up hours of your time. Remember, small steps.
Start the day off with 5 minutes of exercise. Any type of exercise will do; push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, jumping jacks. Here’s a 5 minute exercise routine you can use. Anything to get your heart rate up, blood pumping, and muscles moving.
In the evening, take a 30 minute walk, pop in your favorite yoga or Pilates video, or repeat the same 5 minute routine you did in the morning.
By starting and ending your day with exercise, you’ll have more energy throughout the day, feel more alert and productive, and get a better nights sleep.
Eat Breakfast
Mornings can be hectic. If you don’t have time to scramble yourself some egg whites with spinach and have a sit down breakfast, grab a banana or apple, protein bar or shake as you head out the door.
Keep some protein bars or almonds in your car or briefcase for those times you head out and forget to grab something.
Eating breakfast not only kick-starts your metabolism so that you’re burning more body fat throughout the day, it also gives you the ability to think clearer and make better decisions.
Acts Of Kindness Or Service
There are dozens of opportunities throughout the day to display acts of kindness of service. Make it a point to deliver one, or more, daily. It could be the simplest and smallest of acts.
Smile at a stranger walking by. Hold the door for someone. Let someone merge into your lane when driving. Buy the person behind you in a line a cup of coffee. Help an elderly person carry their grocery bags to the car.
Happiness is derived from what you give, not what you get.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Gandhi ~
It’s often the small steps that lead to big changes.
Start by taking these small daily steps and before you know it, you’ll soon find yourself, happier, healthier, more energized, and feeling better than you ever have. So, what are you waiting for?
Take that first step.
Which steps mentioned here are you willing to commit to? Please share you thoughts and commitments with me in the comments below.
Daily gratitude is such an amazing commitment, that everyone should practice. Don’t lose sight of the beautiful world around you!
It certainly is and sometimes easy to lose sight of as you said. The world is indeed beautiful and reason enough for each and every one of us to be grateful every day. Thanks for your comment and being here, you’re awesome! 🙂