Getting on with life Valuable tips for 2023
HEADING into the new year, I was inspired by this powerful quote: "Spread love. Hug the people you care about and make sure they know that you care and appreciate them. Make it known to your friends and family that you love them" - (Germany Kent). We are blessed to have seen the first few rays of 2023, and it is important to appreciate life, and live it well. It is important to be happy, and enjoy the provisions that have been given despite the trying times. 2022 is history and it is vital that we reflect on the year that was as we march into 2023. Here are some valuable tips that will enable us to enjoy the new year.
Strengthen ties
The family is the basic unit of any society, and it is considered the foundation of every society. A person spends most of his formative years with his family. A family shapes the future of children. The family is the only place where children get an opportunity to study so much after school, and one of the reasons why family unity is important is it assists households to achieve their aims. As a family, we need to agree on the best course of action and work towards realising our goals. The main thing that keeps the family together is love, and family time is important. A family should always spend quality time together as a healthy family emerges from the time they spend together. Sharing time together allows members to share quality experiences. Quality family time allows parents to pass virtues to their children and this is important during these trying times. There is a need to emphasise on moral values which are declining. Family reunions will help build and strengthen family ties, and prevent the erosion of family traditions. I was in Savusavu during the festive season, and it was refreshing to meet up with family members from the Friendly North. We had so much fun, and when it was time to bid farewell, we were so emotional.
Healthy and nourished food is the crux for well-being. A balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains is what one needs. After all, we really are what we eat. It is vital to consume a variety of foods from the three food groups to get a range of nutrients to energise you throughout the day, and one could opt for fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat healthy to live healthy. What children eat must also be monitored. We must cut down on fatty and oily foods,
noodles and fried foods.
Get regular exercise
Exercise has been proven to reduce stress and release endorphins, which help one feel great. Regular exercise can help you reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while giving you a happiness boost. Start small, for instance, a family walk. This will help with family bonding as well. Regular exercise will also help reduce the rising cases on non-communicable diseases in the country, especially diabetes. I started the new year on a high note, ensuring I spent at least 30-45 minutes doing physical activities.
Picture; JONA KONATACI This is doing wonders as I can feel the difference in my health. My body feels light and I am active.
To find happiness and stay happy, it is very important to train our brain to focus on the positives instead of the negatives. If we spend all day thinking about what is bad, we won't be able to enjoy the good and be happy. It is important to be happy and not stress. Happiness is something everyone deserves and wants, but not everyone has. Happiness is often seen as the meaning and purpose of life and the point of our existence. Despite this, many of us are plagued with sadness and persistent negative emotions like stress and anxiety instead of feeling happy. Thus, let's make happiness a life-time goal.
It is hard to be happy when you are always doing things you don't like, such as working in a terrible job or being belittled by your peers. Think about what you are passionate and interested in like sports. Find what you love and start doing it. This will fill you up with joy each time and keep you happy and lively. Being grateful, gives happiness. When we think about the things we have and realise how blessed we are, we begin to feel happier and appreciate life. It is important to appreciate provisions that we have.
We feel happier when we have helped someone else. When we volunteer or help others, they will be happy, and so will you! It's a winwin situation. Think about all the times where someone has given you a hand, and how that made your day better. The impact we make when we help others is fulfilling and a source of happiness that one can tap into. It is important to give back to society what it has given to us.
Getting more sleep seems to be a healthy habit many people need to improve on. We already know that we need at least seven hours of shut-eye. So what prevents us from getting it? Sleep deprivation can perpetuate health conditions, as well as negatively affect our mood, motivation and energy level. Thus, prioritising sleep is one of the best things one can do to set himself up for a successful, energised day.
Worthwhile activities for children
Set worthwhile activities for the children rather than allocating more time to them on mobile phone, laptops or in front of the television set. While education remains top priority, time must be allocated for extra-curricular activities such as reading, gardening and sports. It will keep them well-informed, fit and healthy. The two girls at home, Mahika and Akshainie, have been making use of their school vacation, cycling, reading story books, doing yoga, drawing and painting. Hours spent on their phones have been reduced.
Lives have been lost as a result of carnage on roads. This year’s resolution should be to drive safely and ensure we don't become the reason for somebody's injury or death. Focus should also be placed on preventing driving under the influence of alcohol, over speeding and driving while using mobile phone.
Humans are social beings, and we crave social interaction. Spending quality time with our family and close friends can make us feel happier. People love spending time with those we love and it's great to go hang out with them. All that matters is that we connect with our loved ones and have heaps of fun.
Thus, these are just some tips to make our journey rewarding, eventful and fruitful, but foremost let's do the little things that matter. It's time to be vigilant and take all precautionary measures as flood waters are rising, and there are high chances of severe flooding in Fiji.
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