5 life-changing actions that will make you feel richer & stronger (& have nothing to do with hustle or money)

There’s so much more to life than money. In an economy that seems to inflate out of control, it’s hard to feel you’re getting ahead financially. But we’ve always heard that ‘the best things in life are free’; so what are the best things? And how can we get them? I would argue that the best things in life are peace of mind, resilience, love, health, and dreams.

The 5 life-changing actions that will make you feel richer and stronger today are:

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1. Meditation

Meditation is simply breathing — and being aware of the present moment. Training your body to be mindful of itself, and your mind to focus on the now, can reduce stress and anxiety. It promotes emotional health, enhances self-awareness, lengthens attention span, and may reduce age-related memory loss. Regular practice can lead to an overall sense of well-being and peace.

Further Thoughts:

• Types of Meditation: There are at least 8 various types, such as mindfulness meditation, spiritual meditation, focused meditation, movement meditation, mantra meditation, transcendental meditation, progressive relaxation, and loving-kindness meditation. Try them out and find which one(s) suit you.

• How to Start: Begin with just five minutes a day and gradually increase the time. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath.

• Benefits: Besides mental health benefits, meditation can improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and enhancing immune function.

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2. Visualisation

Visualization provides a ‘practice run’ of future goals. By mentally rehearsing your success, you can increase the probability that it will happen successfully. Visualization activates the same neural pathways as actual practice, making it a powerful tool for performance improvement.

Further Thoughts:

• Techniques: Create a detailed mental image of your goals, including the sights, sounds, and emotions you will experience. You can use this technique for anything, from athletic performance to personal achievements.

• Daily Practice: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your goals as vividly as possible. Combine visualization with positive affirmations to reinforce your aspirations.

• Scientific Support: Studies show that visualization can enhance motivation, increase confidence, and improve outcomes in various areas of life.

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3. Exercise

Moving your body is one of the most powerful activities to enliven your brain activity; increase your blood flow, and ignite the imagination. Regular exercise improves your mood, boosts energy levels, and promotes better sleep.

Further Thoughts:

• Types of Exercise: Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

• Mental Health: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Routine: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Find activities you enjoy to make it sustainable.

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4. Drinking water

Our bodies are about 70% water. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles.

Further Thoughts:

• Daily Intake: Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.

• Benefits: Proper hydration aids digestion, maintains skin health, prevents headaches, and supports weight management.

• Tips: Carry a reusable water bottle, set reminders, and infuse your water with fruits or herbs for added flavour.

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5. Journaling

Writing out your thoughts and organizing what’s been troubling you is just as powerful as exercising. Journaling can help you clarify your thoughts, process emotions, and track your progress.

Further Thoughts:

• Types of Journals: Consider a gratitude journal, a daily diary, or a goal-setting journal. Each has unique benefits. You can have a different journal for each benefit or combine them all into one journal.

• Prompts: Use prompts to get started, such as “What am I grateful for today?” or “What did I learn today?”

• Routine: Set aside a few minutes each day to write. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits.