Lifestyle self-growth

13 Small Changes to Improve Your Life

Small Changes to Improve Your Life

Small Changes to Improve Your Life

Every change begins with one simple step. When I think of what my life and levels of happiness and fulfillment were like years ago, and I then see where they are now and how much joy I get out of life, I know that a lot of change went into it.

The thing is though, it wasn’t a one, big, drastic change at all. They were all small ways, habits and new patterns that improved and simplified my life.

To change or improve your life, you have to change some things that you do (or don’t do) on a daily basis. You need to change what you do and how you do it every day.

Small changes are also a little easier to make and stick to- you don’t have to make them all at once. Focus on what’s most important to you, at this moment.

13 SMALL CHANGES TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Small Changes to Improve Your Life

MIND

1. MORE MINDFULNESS

It isn’t easy to notice the good in our lives if we’re constantly chasing something better. Learn to take and do things slowly and try not to rush through life too much. Enjoy your food, savor that book, take the time to enjoy nature, pay attention to the people around you.

2. SINGLE TASKING

There are times when your to-do list is so long, the only way you think you can tackle it is by doing everything at once. Truth is, our productivity goes down as much as 40% when we’re attempting to do several things at once. Pick one thing from your to-do list and give it 100% of your attention, and you won’t have to waste more time fixing mistakes, double and triple-checking your work.

3. DO SOMETHING CREATIVE

We are all creative beings- you don’t have to know how to paint or draw. We’re creative in the way we dress, do our makeup, cook, care for our families. You can find more about embracing your creativity and curiosity in this piece. Also, this book is amazing and a must-read for anyone looking into adding more creativity to their routine and living a curious life filled with passion.

4. MEDITATE

If you’re busy, a worrier, have a packed schedule or deal with anxiety, a daily meditation practice will help you be calmer, it will reduce stress and give you some clarity. You can find free guided meditations on the UCLA site right here, or use a free app like Headspace.


SPIRIT

5. JOURNAL

Journaling, if done right, can become one of your most powerful habits. Like many other small changes, journaling is a habit that translates into other areas of your life. The main thing that journaling will help you with, is achieving clarity. We sometimes want one thing, but do another- our actions aren’t always consistent with our goals or plans. Journaling can help you spot those inconsistencies, it can help you learn things about yourself and will clear your emotions.

6. ORGANIZE + PURGE + DECLUTTER

This can be very overwhelming if you haven’t done it in a while. If that is the case for you, make a plan and devote 1 day to tackling one specific area/room or category (one day for sorting out and organizing books, old DVDs the next day, 3rd day go through your closet and so on). Make an effort to do this on a regular basis and you won’t need to do this as often.

7. CALL UP 

… someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with for a while. Life goes by too fast sometimes, but despite that, we should cherish those true friendships and relationships. Laughing with an old friend and recalling some your funniest memories is just one of those things in life that is priceless.


8. SPEND MORE TIME ALONE

Okay, so most of us do spend some time alone, but this particular change aims at doing and trying new things, by yourself. Taking a class, going out to dinner or lunch all by yourself, visiting a local museum. The more you do these things, you develop more courage. Get more ideas here.

9. FIND A HOBBY

This was probably the best advice anyone has ever given me. I was spending so much time ruminating and over-thinking every single aspect of my life, all of which was making my anxiety levels even higher than normal. One day, my husband (then boyfriend) straight up told me: you need to find a hobby! It was then when I started blogging. When you fill your free time with things you enjoy doing, things that help you learn new skills, you don’t have time to concentrate on the stress in your life. Something as small as knitting can help you unwind after a tough day at work. You can even pick up a hobby with a friend, partner or your child. Days when I would sit next to my grandma, her teaching me how to knit, were some of my favorite times growing up.

Small Changes to Improve Your Life

BODY

10. NIGHTTIME ROUTINE

Let your body relax before going to sleep. Take time to unwind before bed. Do some yoga or stretching. Your body is in a constant *go-go-go* mode throughout the day, which is why it’s so important to try to slow down at night. It is nearly impossible to fall asleep when your mind is racing, so make sure that you’re not going to bed stressed– do some breathing exercises or finish up your day with a short meditation.

11. TAKE THE STAIRS

I mean, it’s like a free workout, no? If you can, avoid the elevators. Don’t park too close to that store entrance. Get up from your desk every hour or so and walk around for a minute or two. All of these extra steps quickly add up.

12. PLAN OUT YOUR MEALS

Planning out and prepping our meals every Sunday for the week ahead makes life SO much easier. I no longer have to wonder what I’m making for dinner while on my way home from work. Also, when you prep and pack your own lunch you’re less likely to reach for junk food, not to mention that it also saves you money.

13. GET AN EARLY START

To me, getting an early start to your day is not necessarily about arriving to work super early. It’s about having those extra few minutes just for yourself, to really enjoy that morning coffee, to have a light stretch, set your intentions for the day and prepare yourself for the day ahead. You can try doing this even if you don’t consider yourself a morning person or if you’re always busy in the morning. Even as little as 15 minutes of extra time in the morning can make a huge difference. Create a morning ritual you will look forward to, every single day.

You can’t expect your life to change if you do the same things, every single day. You don’t ever have to stop growing or learning. It’s never too late to make those small changes, to improve things and seek happiness and fulfillment. Start off by changing something small and subtle, but something that will truly make a positive impact on your life.

34 Comments

  • Reply
    Yourbeautypantry
    March 23, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Alone time is always needed and very important. Thanks

    http://www.yourbeautypantry.com

  • Reply
    Aleksandra // bunniesaremagic
    March 23, 2018 at 10:03 am

    Planning out my meals may be the only useful thing I will never ever learn. I feel like I will pick up all the ways one can remove stains of every single surface in the world (not the best at it atm) before!

  • Reply
    Zoë Ware
    March 23, 2018 at 10:24 am

    I love all these ideas! I definitely need to declutter my space more often, I really need to go through all the junk in my wardrobe, I just cannot seem to make myself do it! I remember the time I decided to take the plunge and try dance classes on my own. I was 14, and had never danced before, but now that is where all my best friends are! Trying new hobbies on your own really is good for you! It also allows you some detachment from everyone else in your life, where you have friends that are only yours, and no one else knows them. Loved this post! xx

    https://zoe-ware.blogspot.ca

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      March 28, 2018 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks so much, Zoe! A couple of years ago I got rid of so many clothes, some that I still had left from High School! I love your story about taking the dance class and what you mention about having to detach yourself from everyone else and do something just for yourself. Love that! x

  • Reply
    Susan
    March 23, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    Getting a good night sleep is so important in feeling, looking, and working well.
    Great post!

    http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/

  • Reply
    Kelly Anne
    March 23, 2018 at 10:01 pm

    These are all amazing tips, especially just focusing on one thing to do at a time. I find I get so much more done by justing focusing on one thing at a time!

    Kelly Anne xx
    http://www.anneinthedollhouse.com/

  • Reply
    Madeleine
    March 24, 2018 at 8:25 am

    Single tasking is life changing but good god is it easier said than done. I’ve heard such good things about Big Magic, should probably get around to actually reading it now!

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      March 28, 2018 at 3:47 pm

      I’m still recovering form years of multitasking, haha! Definitely isn’t easy! I’m sure you’d love Big Magic, so many important lessons in that book!

  • Reply
    Danielle Alexa
    March 24, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    I always adore your posts, they are so helpful and insightful, I love to read your blog!

    Danielle xx
    http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

  • Reply
    Lisa Autumn
    March 25, 2018 at 7:12 am

    I have been meditating since January this year.. daily. And it made such a difference!

    x Lisa | lisaautumn.com

  • Reply
    Hayley // hayleyxmartin.com
    March 25, 2018 at 9:59 am

    I’m sure I always come across your blog posts when I REALLY need to read them! They really help my mindset, I definitely need to have a think about the things I do on a daily basis and things I want to incorporate in order to improve my mood and outlook.

    hayleyxmartin

  • Reply
    Claudia Norris
    March 25, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    I love all of these ideas but I really love single tasking… it’s something I totally need to work on more!!

    Claudia | claudianorris.ca

  • Reply
    Sophie Sierra
    March 26, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    I love this beautiful post my sweet Paula, so full of motivation and inspiration! I love how little changes and small steps can change our lives majorly. That thought in itself is uplifting and full of hope :) I really want to get into journaling, and I always find reading so soothing and helpful after a stressful day. You’re so right in that it’s never too late to start making changes, as always (and like all your others) this post has given me such a boost of positivity, reassurance and faith. So proud of you as always for writing such powerful blog posts that inspire me and so many others out there! Love you! <3 xxx

    Sophie | soinspo xo

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      March 28, 2018 at 3:53 pm

      Naww thank you so much my Love! I think you would definitely love journaling if you decided to pick it up. It’s just so nice to do some brain dumping once in a while and write out all your feelings, fears and dreams. Definitely gives you a lot of clarity. I can never thank you enough for your support and kindness. Love you more!!! <3 <3

  • Reply
    Gallantly, gal
    March 26, 2018 at 9:27 pm

    Thank you! Loved this! Needed this!
    It’s sadly hard for me to get much alone time… but it’s very important to me. Otherwise I am drained… like right now, sigh.
    I liked all the points, like calling up someone I haven’t spoken to in a while :)

    https://gallantlygal.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      March 28, 2018 at 3:55 pm

      So happy you enjoyed this post, thank you so much! I love my alone time, can’t imagine life without it!

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    March 27, 2018 at 6:57 am

    I had no idea about single tasking and how that can be more productive, but it makes sense! When I multi-task it’s almost like I get more overwhelmed because you’ve got your hand in too many pots, so to speak. Since January I’ve been meal prepping and meal planning as well and my god, you’re totally right it makes things so much easier! Plus you end up wasting way less food.

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      March 28, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      Yess, exactly! Whenever I try multi-task, I always end up wasting so much time double and triple checking my work because I was distracted. So glad you stared meal prepping- makes life so much easier doesn’t it? Saves a ton of time, too!

  • Reply
    Maria 🇬🇧🇷🇺
    March 27, 2018 at 9:17 am

    I definitely think that massive improvements in life arise out of smaller changes in the way we go about our daily routines. It’s incredible how something as simple as cleaning out your room or computer can translate into mental clarity and reduce overwhelm. Thank you for sharing your thoughts :)

    maria | http://inaccordance.co.uk

  • Reply
    Neha Gada
    March 28, 2018 at 11:50 am

    I am still not there with planning my meals. Its actually one of the bigger stressors in my life and I need to become more organized with it.

    Neha | dreamsandshades.com

  • Reply
    Natalie Redman
    May 23, 2018 at 6:55 am

    Great list blog! I love your lists, they also inspire and motivate me!

    http://www.upyourvlog.com

  • Reply
    Betsy Ramser Jaime
    July 21, 2018 at 11:17 am

    This is so good! I know that both meal planning and meditation are two of my favorites from the list! The have both been big game changers for me!

  • Reply
    Lotika Sharma
    December 4, 2018 at 6:55 am

    Hey.. Thank you such a wonderful information….

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