These 3 Simple Things Can Improve Your Quality of Life Right Now

Written by Vanessa Bax

There’s no need to sugarcoat: we’re living in stressful times.

Aside from the challenges of the pandemic, forced isolation has significantly impacted our quality of life, and people are experiencing bouts of physical and emotional distress.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 77% of surveyed Canadians reported feeling “negative emotions”.

To remedy this, many people turn to activities that provide instant gratification. While things like having a cocktail, enjoying your favorite meal, or watching a beloved TV show can give you a boost of instant endorphins, it is fleeting.

Luckily, some practices are time-efficient, relatively easy to accomplish, and will provide you with both 

Are You Asking Yourself: What Can I do to feel better fast?

If you do, you are not alone.

Here are 3 easy ways to feel better and significantly improve your quality of life in a very short time.

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1. Meditate for a few minutes

Meditation has long been regarded as a practice for holistic wellness. In terms of your mental health, meditation can help you practice mindfulness.

This can calm the mind and relieve stress or anxiety, as the practice emphasizes clarity and centeredness. In terms of physical health, meditation can correct posture, encourage better circulation, improve sleep, and temper any chronic pain you might be feeling.

When done regularly, studies from the National Institutes of Health have noted that individuals saw decreased pain and depression with continued meditation. If you’re new to meditation, try allotting a few minutes a day to it.

While many feel pressured to “think positive” thoughts during the meditation, sometimes all you have to do is think of nothing. If need be, there are also apps and online videos that teach guided meditation.

[IMAGE: https://nitrocdn.com/PBUPfwKmLzomemRunagDJMJnJODlTaii/assets/static/optimized/rev-4ea2075/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MicroDesk-Document-Holder-1024x682.jpg] Credit: painfreeworking.com

2. Make your workspace comfortable

Of course, your immediate environment affects you just as much as any built-up internal issue. Not only do you want to create a space that is conducive to productivity, but more importantly, to your happiness and comfort.

Physical discomfort is, on its own, already troublesome to deal with, but it can also be a major source of stress and discouragement. This rings even truer if these problems become chronic.

Since remote working has become a norm and remains the reality for many workers, it’s a good idea to curate your workspace. This doesn’t have to mean a pricey renovation. Instead, choose to enhance a few key areas.

Since the average Canadian worker spends over 40 hours at their desk, this is one place you'd do well to improve. 

Using some ergonomic accessories, you can make your setup more comfortable, less mentally draining, and more conducive to creativity and critical thinking. A few easy to install examples are wrist rests and document holders since they're lightweight and easy to move. Some studies even show that a good chair can improve creativity and focus.

Another easy solution you can implement is letting in some natural light. Headaches, eyestrain, and even job dissatisfaction can be managed by making sure your work area has access to sunlight. Over time, these can improve life by enhancing your mood and cognitive function.

[IMAGE: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1590322739578-fb3d9ff41465]  Credit: unsplash.com

3. Practice some self-care

According to a Harris Poll survey, 35% of respondents believe self-care is just for those with money to spare. But self-care is for everyone and is, thus, personal and varied. There's no rule that it has to be time-consuming or costly. By all means, it can be totally free.

A few good examples are sleeping in and following a skincare regimen. While the former won’t cost you anything, sleep experts from Harvard Medical School share that just 20 minutes of extra sleep can boost your mood, strengthen your immunity, and increase productivity.

When you are following the simple rules for a better sleep outlined here, your sleep rhythm may even self-correct. Still have trouble sleeping better? Find out if you may be depressed here.

Meanwhile, a skincare routine does more than address skin concerns. Getting immersed in your skincare is said to halt “worry spirals”, according to a 2019 psychology journal. When done regularly, skincare can also improve your quality of life as it encourages the development of healthy routines and the release of happy hormones.

Although the future may be uncertain, we do have control over our present. By choosing to take part in activities that uplift us both in the moment and the long run, we’re fostering a more resilient, positive, and healthy self.

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