Recipe to living a good life

IT HAS taken me a long time to get here, but I think I can finally say I’m living a good life.

While many of us believe that this depends solely on having an abundance of disposable income, not having to work or having the time available to do whatever we want, you may find that by implementing just a few small changes in your life, you may see your happiness levels soaring.

Not too long ago, I was in a rut. I worked, ate and slept. Then repeated the cycle.

I started feeling resentful of people who seemed to have all the time in the world. They exercised. They took lunch breaks. And even slipped out for a coffee midmorning.

We all had the same 24 hours, didn’t we? But the more important question was, what was I doing with my 24 hours? It was an article about the modern-day “sickness of being busy” that was my wake-up call. I realised that we are all busy – although that doesn’t necessarily make us productive. And so, I decided to focus on making time for the things that were important for my overall well-being.

While in the life of a working journalist, no two days are the same, I have implemented daily practices which I do not compromise on.

Get moving

I list this first because it’s how I start my day. I’m an early bird, so

I’m out on the road running, or in the gym before I get stuck into work.

If I don’t keep myself in check, I can easily start working and only come up for air hours later. This happens to many people because the perception is that if we’re behind our desk, we’re earning our living and being productive, right? It has been shown, however, that incorporating time for movement during your work day can make you more creative and productive.

Enjoy what you eat

By this I mean eat what you enjoy, but also, enjoy the experience of eating. Often our circumstances force us to eat on the go or shovel our lunch into our mouths while we’re working, but why not take just 15 minutes to really enjoy your lunch? Getting away from the work and distractions at your desk will enable you to eat mindfully.

Make some quiet time

When I tell people that I meditate twice a day, the most common response is: “Where do you find the time?” The truth is, I have had to make the time.

For me this means getting up 30 minutes earlier and consciously reminding myself of the benefits of this practice when I start feeling frantic at the thought of being away from my desk for 20 minutes. But quiet time doesn’t have to be meditation time.

It can be as simple as stepping outside and clearing your mind.

Stand up for your health

Many of us have jobs which require long periods of sitting – often behind a computer. This can cause, among other things, poor circulation, neck, back and shoulder pain, and poor posture. To combat this, I have a sit/stand desk solution which enables me to spend part of my working day standing while I work. This is something you’ll have to ease into so in the beginning aim for about 30 minutes a day.

Be grateful

Sounds cheesy, I know. But once you start reminding yourself of the good things in your life, you’ll realise just how much you have to be grateful for. Write them down and at the end of the week, go through your list.

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Chantel Erfort Manuel chantel@editedeating.co.za