1. Exercise. I learned from an intelligent man named Bill Ohanlon that exercise is the best way to increase brain power. That’s right! Physical exercise produces more brain cells and allows the brain to work better. (I secretly want to punch people who are like “I love exercising”, so I totally understand if this seems daunting. I promise it’s a routine that when kept up makes you feel better consistently).
2. Leave Regrets Behind. “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with nonsense.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. If you have trouble leaving things behind get a “regret bank”. Similar to a piggy bank (I use a jar). Write items you have trouble forgetting at the end of the day on a sheet of paper and place in the jar. Sometimes actions help us manipulate the brain to assist in letting something go.
3. Leave Your Smart Phone Behind. I see more of my peers looking down and typing rather than engaging in a public place with another human being. Look at yourself right now, where are you reading this? Put down the cell, walk over to another human being, say hello, share a smile, or simply engage in a few sentences that help pass the time with less isolation. (Being from the Midwest I sometimes say Hi to fellow humans here in Southern Cal and might get shot down. Take the risk. Every dog has his day.. or was that a cat…either way….step out on a limb like the monkey you are.)
4. Stop typing LMAO and do it already. How many times when you type LMAO are you actually doing it? Probably very few. I recall some of the hardest laughs I have had are in the company of other people. They never happen behind a screen. It is possible to make someone yawn if you do it. it is the same with smiling and laughter.
5. Eat Well. First came Atkins, then came paleo. All the while we still had so many other diet fads to keep up with. Overall they mostly say the same thing. Whole wheats, veggies, fruits, and lean protein. Don’t eat sugar, avoid too much dairy, and limit caffeine and alcohol. (consult your physician, I am a mere layman). Moderation and Diversity is my motto. If you don’t vary up what you eat, you are bound to get bored. Plan ahead to make staying on track super easy and to curb the cravings.
6. Love Politely. ” Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with other people who are reckless with yours.” Mary Schmich. The world of psychology has been shifting into the realm of solutions not excuses and positive not negative. The world of life is far better undergone and honored through kindness and love.
7. Contribute Something, Even if it Only Touches One Heart. “Everyone wants to be somebody fancy,” Donald Miller wrote that in Blue Like Jazz. Stop playing candy crush and spinning in that staples office chair. Contribute something, even if that something only touches one person. If you are not sure what it is, write down five things you have always wanted to do in your life. It is through our dreams that contribution comes naturally.