CHOOSE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS
Find the right lifestyle, create the best habits
Firstly, if you are reading this because perhaps you have noticed a drop in the way you are feeling or you need a little boost to improve your mental health well, congratulations! You have already made your first step by recognising this!
Secondly, Fit For Life Youth is ALL about community, bringing people together and supporting each other in any way that we can, so, you are not alone! Whether you are youth, an adult or family, we welcome you all!
Thirdly, the small adjustments you make to your lifestyle and little daily habits that you create, really build and maintain the life that you live and mould the person that you become. With that, creating habits can seem daunting, so make them simple, go steady and you will soon build a great foundation!
Here are some top tips:
Morning routines
Routines are just consistent patterns of activities in order to get things done, so why not start with one first thing! By doing this, you have already accomplished something before the day has even started, how liberating! The feeling of accomplishment is such a positive and will certainly boost your mood for the rest of the day! You could even introduce a night time routine which could help to take any pressures off for the following day.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Yes you heard correctly, move that body of yours. Studies have shown that exercise can reduce anxiety and depression whilst improving mood and brain function. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean endless time on the treadmill or having to brace yourself for a dreaded workout, find something that works for you! Afterall, it is a lifestyle, YOUR lifestyle, so make it worth your while.
Do it at your own pace! Chucking yourself in at the deep end is not always the best way for us all. You could find yourself disliking an activity before you have even given yourself the chance to love it. There is no timeline, you make the rules!
Luckily at FFLY, we have so many activities that could be perfect for you! Ranging from boxing, 30 minute interval classes to fit around your schedule, Kickboxing, Salsa, Zumba, LBT and a well equipped gym for you to use as you please! These are suitable for all levels beginner, amateur and professional. Who knows, you might be the next Mike Tyson and you didn’t even know it!
Get outdoors and appreciate your surroundings
Nature and fresh air will improve your attention, boost your mood and also allow you to connect with yourself. Let's also not underestimate the power of walking, it gives you the advantages of exercise along with mental benefits too. Some say that being outdoors and breathing the fresh air is a form of therapy!
Consider adapting your lifestyle by enjoying a stroll to school or work instead of your usual transport. Why not put your headphones in and switch off?
Rest that body AND your mind - GET THOSE Z’s IN!
Never underestimate the power of sleep, it is a non negotiable! Quality rest will always reflect a healthy mind along with better digestion, more productivity and less mental distress. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, studies have shown (and from experience of course), any less than this you are more likely to have inconsistent mood, lack in cognitive function and increased mental distress. Plus, no one likes feeling groggy!
If you struggle to sleep at night or find it hard to unwind, try to interpret these habits below:
Put your phone away at least 1-2 hours before sleep
Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, this may be hard at first but give it time, your body will adjust. Things can feel worse before they get better!
Cut the caffeine! This is a stimulant and can stay lingering in your body for a while so say no after 3pm
Clear space, clear mind - make your bedroom your happy, clutter free space so you can relax into your sleep with ease!
Stay hydrated, drink water
It seems too simple, right? But it is true! Our brain is mostly made up of water so lacking this, it will start to crash, slow down and lose its spark! Dehydration not only impairs focus but it can also add a stressor on the body and lower your mood which is not good for your mental health. A suggestion to increase your water intake would be to have a big jug of water by your side whilst you are at work, at school or college, that way you won’t forget and can make a conscious effort to keep hydrated!