Better Living: a few practises for approaching life with more intention

I’m starting a new series, which is very much based on one of the initial inspirations for my site and my byline: “on the road to better living.” With the Better Living articles I will share lessons I’ve learnt, revealing tips for how to navigate life a little more easily - based on books I’ve read and am reading, articles I’ve read and podcasts I’ve listened to; basically I’ll be sharing all round positive ways and practises that I’ve discovered to live better and practise a healthier mindset to achieve your goals.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I would like to achieve this year - doing more of what I love, less of what I don’t and letting go of the things that aren’t serving me. One of the most important things in this process is a healthy mindset. I’ve struggled with anxiety for much of my life - it comes and goes and last year it was particularly prevalent. But as the year ended and with a trip to the mountains just in time for New Year’s Eve, I’ve felt my mindset and perspective shift in the past couple of weeks. I’m sleeping better and generally feel calmer. It's also helped that I’ve been reading more, listening to more of my favourite podcasts and practising yoga. But there a few practises that really help me focus and stick to my intentions.

Create a vision board

This is a great way to start a new year. It also helps you set your intentions for the next twelve months and manifest your goals. You could do this physically with a pin board by cutting out images from magazines or on Pinterest. I have one on Pinterest and am constantly adding to it, but as soon as we organise our second bedroom/ office space I will also fill a pinboard with cuttings I love. 

Journal Daily

Otherwise known as the Morning Pages to those of you who have read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Think of it as your own private therapy session. Journalling helps empty your mind of all the things that have been bothering you - those thoughts that you’ve been turning over and over in your head, probably while you were trying to fall asleep last night. Journaling just after waking up can helps create a clean mental slate before starting your day, which in turn makes you more productive.

Plan your day and week

Block out time during your days and week for various activities at the beginning of the week - this especially helps if you work for yourself like me. It’s also how I wrote my book. I’d block out 2-3 hour writing windows during my day and set an alarm. I’d put my phone away and just write.

Listen to inspiring podcasts

Whenever my head is in a spin I put on a podcast - they really help to quiet my negative voice, plus they’re inspiring and help shift your mental state, plus I always learn something new.. I’ll do a longer list in a future article, but a few favourites are: The Tim Ferriss Show, Saturn Returns with Caggie Dunlop and Expanded by To Be Magnetic.

Less screen time, more reading 

This is one of my personal intentions for 2022. Reading has been proven to help you focus better. It can also help you sleep - read fiction before bed at night to help you switch off! I know I always have a better night’s sleep when I read fiction before turning the light out. Visit my reading list (to be updated) for some inspiration!

Limit social media

This is an obvious one, but there’s nothing worse than the mindless Instagram scroll to get in the way of your goals. Put a limit on your social activity - you can do this on your iphone for example by going to the ‘Screen Time’ in settings.

I hope these help! And let me know what you’re currently practising xx