Simple steps for women who want to improve themselves

I think you would agree if I said that our lives today are so busy that we don't always get time for the important things in life. We become so busy that we hardly get to everything and before we know it, so much time had passed. Yet, although we are constantly busy, we cannot always say what we did with the time that was given to us.

In fact, we use the word “busy” way too much! We use it to explain how we are doing, as if being busy is an emotion. We use it as an excuse to procrastinate on unpleasant tasks. We even use it to come across as important at work, because for some reason being busy somehow equates to being successful for some.

Smile

You should never be too busy to spend a few minutes improving yourself just a little each day. Depending on what you want to improve on, you can take time out to do something important. You can de-stress with meditation, reading or yoga. Track unhealthy spending habits or work on a money plan (budget) to improve your finances or just learn a new language.

No one does you better than you. It's time to become a happier, healthier version of yourself.

Whatever you do, it’s time to replace the “busy” parts of your life with being “productive”. Do important things to improve your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Below is a short list of simple ways to improve yourself in just 20 minutes or less.

Body Basics

Move it

You don’t have to spend hours working out at the gym. Instead, try some of the various apps with tons of workouts to choose from. You don’t need much space to exercise at home or even at work… just some basic equipment, such as dumbbells, skipping rope, yoga mat, toning tubes, your chair, a wall, etc.

It has long been shown that yoga reduces stress & anxiety, and it improves overall wellbeing. A survey conducted found that people who do yoga are 20% more likely to have a positive self-image. Try a free app such as Daily yoga, for guided positions to start with.

Walk Mindfully

Take some quiet time outside and combine nature with breathing exercises to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Not sure how to walk and meditate at the same time? Try This:

-As you begin to walk, notice how your body feels. Heavy or light; stiff or relaxed; perhaps a bit tired? The self-conscious feeling will pass quickly so don’t worry about it.

-Next, take note of what you see around you. Trees, people, cars, road signs, buildings, grass, birds, the sky etc.

-Now pay attention to sounds. Don’t think too much about what you hear, just be aware of sounds as you pass them by.

-Next up is smell. What do you smell? Food, perfume, etc. Your mind will automatically try to create a story from each smell.

-Now pay attention to physical sensation. The warm sun, the cool wind, raindrops, your headache going away.

-Pay attention to your feelings. What happens if someone walks too slowly in front of you? Do you greet people as they walk past you? How do you feel if they greet back or don’t greet back? Don’t feel guilty or judge yourself, just take note of your thoughts and feelings and let it go.

-Finally, pay attention to your own pace. Note the rhythm of your walking and use it to end off your meditation bringing your attention back “home”.

There!!! You did it! It becomes easier the more you do it and soon you will see the benefit of this simple exercise.

Take a guilt free nap

Running out of “battery power” by the afternoon? Skip caffeine and the sugar rush. Instead, a 10-minute shut-eye session can dramatically improve your clarity, alertness, and accuracy.

Mind your own Mind

Learn a new language

With 11 official languages in South Africa alone and an extensive list of international languages, I’m sure there is space in your life for one more. Try Duolingo or any app that makes you want to learn a language and learn a line or two every day.

Read a book

With a variety of eBooks as well as hardcopy books, choose one of interest to you and read a few paragraphs a day. This is not school, so no one is rushing you. Take your time and just read enough to improve your mood, mind-set, or knowledge. There’s always something to learn from books. Watch this space for my first book to be released soon.

Spoil yourself

Be Creative

What do you like to do? Find a hobby, something to do or create and set a goal for yourself. Spend a few minutes each day working on that goal. The only rule that applies to this is to have fun while doing it and not having to think too hard. Perhaps you fancy painting, writing, or scrapbooking. You Choose!!! Get your creative juices flowing and who knows…you might even discover a hidden talent or a completely new calling.

Last but not Least!!!

We all have a burden or two that we feel we cannot share with others. Some have more than the rest; as many as you might have, God knows them all.

Find a quiet place to talk to Him. Tell Him your worries, thank Him for your blessings, meditate on the word and listen to Him. If necessary, cry before Him. There is no better therapist to improve your emotional and spiritual state than God.

Holy Bible

Tell us what else works for you. You never know who is out there and in need of your opinion, tips and advice or who will be inspired by your success story.

Feel free to refer your friend or colleague who might benefit from this article to help other women improve themselves as well. Sharing is caring!

Thank you for popping in and hope to have you around more often ☺

Have an awesome day!!