Amy Walton by the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Photo by Roger M. Richards
Self-improvement comes in many forms, but for those who want to make sure they meet their goals, it’s important to ensure you choose the right methods to get there. Think about the things that could use a boost; often, self-confidence, physical health, mental health, and career goals are the biggest considerations. Depending on what you want to work on, there will be several different things you can do to inspire success. Staying motivated is a big part of any lifestyle change, so you’ll need to find the best ways to stay on top of your goals.
Start by writing down a list of the things you want to achieve or change. Getting organized will ensure a smooth beginning. In order to keep stress and anxiety at bay, set realistic goals or start small. For instance, if you want to lose weight, break up your ultimate goal into manageable numbers, such as two or three pounds per month, rather than standing on the scale every morning with the final number looming.
Read on for some great tips from Holy Grounding on how to improve your life starting today!
Boost Your Self-Confidence
Self-confidence issues can occur at any age, for any number of reasons, and there’s no shame in learning how to give it a boost. Practicing self-care, including getting better sleep and eating well, is a great way to raise your self-image and confidence, as is repeating an affirmation every day that is focused on something which pertains to your life. For instance, if you’re feeling unsure of yourself when it comes to your relationship, write down a phrase like “I am a supportive spouse” and repeat it each day when you wake up. This can help you learn your value.
Another way you can boost your self-confidence is by going back to school. Earning a nursing degree online, for example, can help your career while really helping people. There was a demand for nurses before the pandemic, now the heroes are welcoming more nurses into their ranks. And best of all, the flexibility of online programs allows you to study while still working. You get 24/7 access to online programs at a significantly lower cost.
Work Through Your Grief
As the years go on, most of us lose people we love and face grief, depression, or anxiety because of those losses. This is why it’s crucial to learn how to cope with those feelings to improve your stress levels, mood, and ability to juggle work and relationships. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, consider an online bereavement group that will allow you to work through feelings with support. These programs are wonderful for those who want to cope on their own terms.
Set Realistic Goals
Whether you want to move up in your career, spend more time with your family, or go back to school, it’s crucial to set realistic goals to avoid discouragement. Staying motivated can be difficult when the things you want begin overwhelming you, so starting small is the best way to avoid those feelings. For instance, if you want to buy a home, first learn what you can afford, then determine what it takes from you to make it happen. Perhaps you cut certain expenses to put more money toward a down payment. Whatever goals you have, one step at a time paves the way for achieving what you want.
Work Through Family Issues
The last 18-plus months have proven incredibly difficult for people everywhere, and it’s taken quite a toll on families. While all that together time was good at first, it may have turned sour after so many months. If your family is regularly arguing, not speaking or dealing with outbursts, it’s time to get help. That can teach everyone how to work through their concerns and how to move toward more supportive and positive relationships.
Get Healthy
Pretty much everyone could use a health boost, whether that means eating better, getting more exercise, or actively working to keep bones and joints in good shape. Consider taking up a new workout routine, such as yoga — which will help you focus on both your physical and mental health. If you’re in the Virginia Beach area, contact Amy Walton for private or group yoga, or private meditation.
And we could probably all be better about adding more dark leafy greens, lean meats, and whole grains to the diet. Talk to your doctor before making any big changes, especially if you have existing health issues.
Self-improvement doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with a solid plan, and be kind to yourself through the process; even the goals you want to reach the most will take some time and patience. By starting slowly, you can ensure you live your best life.
Amy Walton is a multi-certified coach and yogini who currently lives in coastal Virginia. She is an RYT-200 with the Yoga Alliance and a certified Holy Yoga instructor. She also holds a certification in trauma sensitive yoga and is an ambassador for Holy Yoga Global. Amy loves infusing her coaching sessions with breath and energy work, scripture, and prayer. When she’s not on her mat, with a client, leading a seminar or writing from the heart, you can find her with friends, in the woods, in the gym, or just curled up on her porch with a good book and a somewhat lazy cat. Connect with Amy at amywaltoncoaching@gmail.com. This article was written with Jason Lewis. Connect with Jason at http://www,strongwell.org.
