The urban lifestyle that you lead comes at a cost.
And it takes much more than your spending power. Most people caught in the urban trend of life lack a lot of things in their daily life, like time, freedom, peace and, most importantly, happiness. When your demanding lifestyle starts taking a toll on your mental, physical or emotional state of being, you know it's time for a change.
We bring 10 small but ideal habits which can help you lead a better lifestyle.
1. Opt for juice over coffee
Whether its a persistent migraine or lack of sleep or even a bad day at work, the urban man actually depends on coffee. Not everyone knows that the dependence is actually a bane and poses health hazards. Substitute your daily cup of coffee with a glass of fresh juice. It will not only bring a marked improvement in your health but might also reverse the ill-effects of your lifestyle on your body.
2. Writing over typing
With most offices embracing the concept of going paperless and the convenience of typing, people have forgotten the essence of writing. Just like an artist needs his canvas to paint, the experience of writing can only be a fulfilling one with a pen and a paper. It will be a sort of re-discovery for you and will add a freshness to your daily, boring, routine.
3. Plant a tree every birthday
Though this is not something that will bring immediate changes to your lifestyle, it is definitely something that will bring you a sense of satisfaction in the long run. By planting a tree every once a year, you pledge your support to help the environment in a small way. You might also feel a lot happier than you did before with all the heavy-duty partying or boozing.
4. Ditch your car, once a week
You've heard about the benefits of car pooling, taking the public transport, etc. If you cannot bear to take the trouble everyday, do so just once a week. Forget about the environmental factors. When you pool your car, you get the opportunity to mingle with your colleagues. Using the public transport serves as an excuse to enjoy the journey as opposed to concentrating on reaching the destination when driving yourself to work. This way, you can appreciate the little things that usually go unnoticed in the light of your busy schedule.
5. Have some 'Me' time everyday
You probably have not realized it till now that in your daily run around your job, wife/girlfriend, friends, family and dogs, you lose out on the most important part of you i.e. yourself. When your priorities are everything else but yourself, it is a desperate cal for some 'me' time. Extract at least half an hour a day for some self-introspection. You will be amazed at how refreshed your mind feels and following this everyday will contribute to your mental and emotional well-being.
6. Sunday= Holiday from gadgets
I wouldn't want to start the whole debate about how man is becoming a slave to technology, etc. You surely know that you are, indeed, dependent on gadgets to get through your day. Though I agree that they are crucial in today's fast paced world, spending one day without them isn't exactly a mission impossible. Your Sundays should not only mean a holiday from work but from gadgets too.
7. Laugh more often
Whoever said laughter is the best medicine, most definitely said it right. Laughter is an antidote to pain, stress and heartache. Go back to the time when you were a little man in a world where you could laugh your heart out without any worries. Shed those burdens that come in the way of your happiness and give in to laughter whenever it comes calling.
8. Explore the magic of classical music
I'm sure you enjoy listening to music like most people but have probably not thought about using it as a tool to find some mental peace. Of all genres, classical music is said to have the most soothing effect on the human mind. It enhances relaxation and lowers the levels of stress hormones. Perhaps, you can already imagine the importance and benefits of music in your life.
9. Walk
Walking is, perhaps, the best exercise ever because it not only helps the body but also rejuvenates the mind. Walking is said to help you more than any doctor or his medicine can. While you can choose to walk on your treadmill, I would suggest you opt for an open space. An early morning walk improves your mood, reduces anxiety, improves blood circulation and makes you more sensitive to your surroundings
10. One good deed a day
Instead of only thinking about benefitting yourself, think for the benefit of others for a change. By one good deed a day, I do not expect you to go distributing food or clothes to the needy every single day. A good deed can be something as small as offering someone a lift, helping the elderly cross the road or taking an injured animal to the vet. Anything that makes you feel humane is a good deed and will tremendously help your growth as a real man.
