16 Ways To Hit The Refresh Button On Your Life

Whatever the season, there are always methods you can use to lift your spirits, re-energise yourself and clear the clutter in order to clear the mind. Think holistically and apply as many refreshing opportunities to your day or week as you can, by focusing, even for a short time, on your mind, body, surroundings and family.

Refresh your body

1. Hot and cold therapy
For the ultimate in circulation-increasing, immunity-building, cleansing stimulation, apply at home the methods you would try at a day spa. After showering at your normal temperature, switch to cold water – as cold as you can bear – for around thirty seconds. Then revert to warm and finish up on cold.

2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating is like polishing the skin. All those dead skin cells are just lingering there, giving your skin a dull appearance. Slough it off with a gentle exfoliant and enjoy the glow you achieve afterwards. It also encourages the growth of new, fresh skin cells. Men, you can do this too!

3. Wake up your digestive system
Every morning, prepare a cup of hot water, add the juice of half a lemon and throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Yes, you read correctly. Cayenne jump-starts the stomach by encouraging the release of gastric acids and it actually elevates the metabolic rate. With the assistance of the sour lemon juice which stimulates the release of bile from the liver, the two go hand in hand to kick-starting your digestion for the day.

4. Stop avoiding breakfast
If you really must, you can grumble and groan and not look the world in the eye before 10am, but you have to treat breakfast like your morning companion. Include complex carbohydrates, some protein and a small amount of fat; all of these components can be found in a simple to prepare breakfast of cereal with low fat milk. Slice a banana over the top and pat yourself on the back.

5. Extend those limbs
Don’t kid yourself by thinking a good, hearty stretch before your feet hit the floor is adequate. Make the time to spend at least half an hour stretching your body before getting on with your day. This simple activity will help prevent stiffness, encourage blood circulation and will help you feel better about your body on the whole. Remember to incorporate good breathing while you do your stretches.

6. Is your heart in there?
Say good morning to your heart each and every day. Give it a bit of a workout even for fifteen minutes and you’ll love the way you feel – guaranteed. Aim to work up a bit of a sweat and you’ll pump some happy chemicals around your body. Serotonin, endorpins and adrenalin are all mood-enhancers. Self-medicate with your own internal hormones and you’ll keep the doctor at bay.

Refresh your outlook

7. Laugh
It’s a medically recognised fact; laughter is a tonic. Laughter therapy is utilised in many hospitals around the world and has achieved success where other methods have failed. Try to get your hands on a comic CD to listen to on your way to work or fill your iPod with your favourite comedian’s jokes. But even if you have no way to access anything remotely funny when you need it, just smile. All those endorphins will start to seep through your brain and into your blood stream and if you smile for long enough, you may just experience spontaneous laughter, which itself has medicinal value that can’t be underestimated.

8. Dance
With or without music, dancing gets your body moving but it also makes you feel like being sociable. Put on some great tunes and just dance. You don’t have to be good at it! Take it a step further and seek out a dance club, lesson or social group and suggest putting on a CD and simply moving around to the beat. Do it with the kids, alone or with the dog in the backyard.

9. Mingle with enthusiasts
Some people have so much enthusiasm, it’s as though they’ll burst. Think Steve Irwin. If every person could tap into that kind of energy, the world wouldn’t need jelly beans. When you’re feeling a bit blaah, avoid people who make you feel inadequate, low or neutral. Call a friend who is naturally effervescent or go to a live performance where everyone’s in an up mood. Absorb others’ energy and embrace how it makes you feel.

Indulge the senses

10. The fab five
Consider the five senses: taste, touch, hearing, sight and smell. Have you ever noticed a festive feeling wash over you when you smell fresh jasmine in the air, knowing that summer’s on its way? Does the sound of surf make you feel like you’re on holidays? If the sensation of twigs and leaves crackling beneath your feet relaxes you, it’s time to go bushwalking. Make a point of indulging your five senses whenever you can. Listen to your favourite music, find a painting with your absolute favourite colour combination, savour a smooth, delectable Belgian chocolate.

11. Embrace the elements
The four elements of nature – earth, fire, water and air – all have an effect on your body’s rhythms. A camping trip is like therapy for your body and soul, and even a walk in the park with the sun shining brightly can raise your spirits and top up your energy reserves. Swim at the beach or paddle in a stream.

12. Inhale and energise
The nose is a powerful receptor for energy-enhancing triggers. There are smells that can do all kinds of things to your mood, some good, some bad. Essential oils are designed to create positive changes in your mind and body and all you need to do is inhale them, either by adding a few drops to your bath water or using an aromatherapy diffuser or an essential oils candle. To stimulate the senses try rosemary, clary sage and peppermint. To feel energised and clear-headed, citrus oils are ideal.

13. What not to wear
Anything that stifles, restricts or pinches should be banished from your wardrobe. Similarly, anything prickly, itchy or clingy (in the wrong ways) should be eliminated. Wearing comfortable fabrics and garments is a great way to feel refreshed, any time you put them on.

Put your mind to it

14. Use your imagination
We’re so used to being entertained, informed and educated, that we sometimes forget to use our own imagination. When was the last time you painted for no other reason than to splosh some paint on a sheet of paper? It may not occur to you to turn the TV or computer off and write a poem, create a new recipe or dream up a new colour scheme for your home.

15. Turn off the gadgets
Don’t let electronic gadgetry consume your every waking moment. Switch them off and ‘hear’ the silence that’s left behind when your gizmos are relieved of their duties. From the washing machine to the stereo, the Playstation to the Gameboy, give it all a rest, even for a few hours. Challenge yourself not to feel lost in your electronically challenged environment.

16. Avoid the rut
Even walking a new way home from school or work can refresh things in your daily routine. Instead of grabbing takeaway on a Friday night and veging out in front of the TV, try buying a nice bottle of wine and eating in a new restaurant you’ve never tried before. Look up what’s on in your area and go to something different like an outdoor movie, a classical music performance or an arts festival. Change things around so that you have something to look forward to every day, even if it’s just using the ‘good’ dinner set now and then.

Article Source: http://www.therepozitory.com.au

Gina Lofaro runs Live It Up Lifestyle Products, an online retail store that offers wonderful products to help improve and enhance your lifestyle. Visit www.liveitup.net.au or call on freecall 1800 227 004.

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