10 Ways To Get More Out Of Life

1. No comparison

Social media has really got us into the habit of comparing ourselves to other people - everyone else’s life looks so nice and shiny, what can’t mine be like that? This kind of self-talk needs to stop. If you really want to make the most of life, you have to stop concerning yourself so much with what everyone else is up to and focus on your own personal goals. There’s no harm in being selfish every once in awhile. Step away from the screen and invest in a little ‘me time.’

2. Be present

People say ‘live in the moment’ so much because it’s important. We’re either too busy reminiscing about the past or thinking about the future to appreciate all the wonderful things that are happening right now.

Time flies by when you wish it away or waste it idly dreaming about stuff that happened years ago. Where possible, really direct all your attention to being in the here and now. Practicing mindfulness through yoga is the perfect place to start.

3. Be grateful

If you really want to make the most of life, self-reflection is key. We tend to be over preoccupied with the things that we don’t have rather than what we do have, and sometimes it’s important to remind ourselves of all the lovely things we can be grateful for.

Maybe you love your job or have a great group of friends. Force yourself to reflect. Create a gratitude diary if you need to and list 3 things you're thankful for each day. It can really help put things into perspective - what felt like an awful day may not seem so bad after all.

4. Exercise

You’re tired, hungry, too busy, we get it. But whatever amount of exercise you can manage each day will make you feel so much better. Not only does it promote better health, but it also helps you get stronger and fitter for future adventures. The hardest part is motivating yourself to get moving - once you’ve got that covered, it’s non-stop muscle toning endorphin rushes.

Busy-bees, work on fitting a 15-minute HIIT workout into your everyday routine. You’ll notice a difference within weeks.

5. Eat well

Indulging in a tasty treat every now and again is harmless. But when a little becomes a lot and your health isn’t top priority, that’s when you need to address your eating habits. A complete detox isn’t the answer. If chocolate is your weak spot, work on weaning yourself off it initially.

Cut down your intake and focus on making smart food swaps . Switch crisps for popcorn, sweets for a handful of almonds. You’ve only one body, so take care of it.

6. Become a morning person

Night owls will find this tough, but research into the subject has found that there are so many perks of being an early bird - people tend to be happier, healthier and more productive compared to those that love a lie-in.

Morning people value their time and in turn, get more out of life. So stop hitting snooze, throw back the covers and seize the day.

7. 10 years time

A good way to evaluate your current level of happiness is by asking yourself, “would I want to be living like this in 10 years time?” As you get older, and caught up in the routine of ‘eat, work, sleep, repeat,’ it’s easy to lose all concept of time. 1 year turns into 2, 2 into 5 and suddenly you realise that a decade’s past and you haven’t accomplished half of what you wanted to.

If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of being in the place you are right now in another 10 years time, do something about it - today. The sooner you address any underlying issues, the closer you get to living the life you want to live.

8. Speak to someone

Bottling up negative emotion is bad for your health. It’ll will eventually find an outlet, and the best place for it is a kind ear. Without even realising it, keeping problems to yourself can cause all kinds of physical and emotional stress , including headaches, stomach cramps and restlessness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help, speak to someone, be that a friend or a professional. They could provide the advice or direction you’ve been looking for.

9. Be kind

Life can feel like it’s taking a downward turn when it lacks purpose, and a good way of rectifying that is by giving back to the community. Whether that’s by tending to an elderly neighbour’s garden or donating your time to a local charity shop, there are so many ways and means of helping others.

Yes you're working for free and for strangers, but someone’s day will have just got brighter because of your kindness. There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back.

10. Set yourself a challenge and stick to it

Get more out of life by pushing yourself. Do something completely unheard of and prove to yourself what you’re really capable of. You won’t know what you can achieve until you try.

Need a little inspiration? Head over to the challenge section  and pick one to suit you.