7 Ways to Improve Your Life
As I’m getting older, I’ve been taking stock of my life and deeply considering how I want to live. What’s important to me? How do I want to spend my days? Who do I want to spend my time with? What do I want to put out into the world through my actions, energy and work?
I’m burnt out by hustle culture and am more and more drawn to simple or slow living. Slow living is a whole other topic I can dive into in the future, and I acknowledge that sometimes we have to GSD so we can create more space for slow living.
Like many of you, I have a home to maintain, family to care for, business to run, kids with sports and extracurricular activities, pets, and a body I want to keep healthy and strong.
To start being more intentional with my life, I’ve been making tiny changes that I feel are adding up to big improvements in the quality of my life.
These changes/habits/routines have been building up over time and I wanted to share them with you here.
ONE | Spend Time in Nature
Whether it’s going for a walk, heading to the park, or just being outside in my front or backyard, I’m spending time outside every day.
This helps clear my head and also reminds me of the bigger world out there. We don’t need fancy vacations to experience the beauty of the world around us. Not to say vacations aren’t nice! But on the daily, we can simply go outside our front doors.
At my house, the sun rises from my backyard and sets from the front yard. It’s glorious and so gorgeous to watch the way it changes and looks different every day.
I’ve been going to the Houstonian (where I workout) for over 10 years and only last week, I sat by the stream and enjoyed the flow of the water and marveled at the majesty of the trees on site. It only took walking in a different direction to realize this beauty was there – and even a chair to sit on to enjoy it!
One thing we’re accustomed to in the modern world is how we can make our environment perfectly suited to our desires. That is, we can set the thermostat to our perfect temperature and not have to worry about nature’s weather, the heat, rain, cold or wind. Even annoyances like mosquitos!
I’m trying to embrace how the weather is, but I can’t imagine I’ll be excited to be outside this summer when it’s 100 degrees and the humidity is 100%. Luckily, Spring in Houston is pretty easy to enjoy.
TWO | Sit in Silence
For many years, on and off, I’ve tried meditating. I have the headspace app and enjoy it, but I haven’t been able to stick with the practice consistently. A few weeks ago, I came across Alicia’s youtube video of her evening routine and part of it included “silence bathing.” She showed how she literally just sits in silence and lets the quiet wash over her.
My first reaction was wow – you literally just sit in silence?? I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone do that if they weren’t meditating.
Yet, I also felt pulled to try it. I recognized that just sitting still in silence is something I NEVER did. Sure, I’d plop down on the couch and read a book, journal, scroll on my phone, or take a nap- but to just sit and be . . . . nope.
And I was reminded of the famous quote from Pascal, “all of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Can I sit quietly in a room alone?
Let’s try it and see . . .
I just – sat.
with nothing
to do
other than
just be
Being the Type A person that I am, I used a timer at first. 5 minutes. 10 minutes.
As I suspected, it was challenging. When we’re so accustomed to DO as opposed to BE – it can feel uncomfortable to sit still.
My default mode is to always be doing something, even if it’s something I enjoy. I do take breaks in the day for reading or to savor a snack, but it’s still doing something.
When I started sitting in silence for a few minutes each day, I noticed a wonderful feeling of being more relaxed. More patient. Less stressed.
Sitting in silence is different from meditation because I’m not trying to ‘let thoughts pass’, rather, I’m noticing the sights, sounds, and sensations around me. I may close my eyes or keep them open.
I consider it a gift to myself and try to do it several times a day now.
I’ve built it into a routine where I sit in silence in the morning while I enjoy my coffee, before journaling or reading. And I do it again in the afternoon after Rhonda leaves and before the kids come home. I’ll also sit in silence in the evening, just noticing and appreciating the beauty around me.
Couch • PJs • Throw • Pillows • Rug
THREE | Take Deep Breaths
Why does taking a few deep breaths each day feel like it takes too much energy?
I think that’s because you have to slow down to do it. And we feel like we need to go, go, go. So stopping to take even three deep breaths is for ‘other people.’
Until I tried it for myself. It’s easy to combine with the sitting in silence. Like habits that build off of each other.
And when you take a deep breath, you may even realize you’ve been holding your breath.
FOUR | Eat One Meal a Day in Silence
I enjoyed the sitting in silence so much that I decided to try eating one meal a day in silence. My default is to turn on the tv or read or watch a video while I eat, so this is another one that challenged me.
Usually it’s breakfast that I eat in silence and it’s lovely to simply appreciate the nourishment before you.
It wasn’t until I started eating in silence that I realized the nuts I was adding to my oatmeal was stale. When you’re not distracted, you can pay more attention to the way your food looks, smells and tastes.
FIVE | Go Makeup Free Once A Week
I wear makeup most of the time, even if it’s just mascara. But, I’ve been experimenting with going makeup free (not even mascara) at least one day a week.
I’ve been insecure about how my face looked without any makeup, like I needed mascara to help me look alive. I’m working on accepting my face without makeup and letting the natural beauty of my well cared for skin shine through. Thank you Colleen Rothschild and botox – yes, I have a ways to go.
I’ve gone to the gym, restaurants, cafes sans makeup and felt pretty good about it. Who even cares?!
Plus, even though my makeup routine doesn’t take long, sometimes it’s nice to save the time by going makeup free.
This practice is a way I’m trying to love myself more, just as I am. I want to just be confident in my skin.
SIX | Slow Down Your Evening Routine
My morning routine has always been sacred, but I realized I could cultivate a better evening routine.
One thing I’ve really been enjoying is making an intentional switch from the productive work mode of the day to the more relaxed time in the evening.
When I go upstairs to my bathroom to change out of day clothes to evening clothes (joggers) or pajamas if it’s at night, I’ll light a candle in the bathroom to remind myself to take it slow.
I’ll put my hair up, sometimes take an evening shower, always gently cleanse my face and do some skincare. I’ve been loving the CR Purifying Cleanser from her Gentle Collection.
This part of my evening routine doesn’t take long, but the simple act of lighting a candle while I do it has caused me to be more present in these moments instead of rushing through them.
SEVEN | Put Your Phone Away for Extended Periods of Time
This one is big and I know most of us feel like we spend too much time on our devices. I bought the ARO box which charges your phone and comes with an app that tracks your screen time. I don’t use the app, but I like how the box is pretty and can charge your phone while it’s put away in the box.
On retrospect, you don’t need the ARO box to fulfil this function, you can buy a pretty charging box on Amazon and skip the fee that ARO charges.
The benefit of having my phone out of sight has been a game changer. I used to always want to be listening to a podcast while I was making dinner, but it’s kinda hard to multitask and often my daughter also wants my attention at that time.
I can be more patient with her when I’m not distracted by my phone.
I’ve often left the house, forgetting my phone was in the box and guess what, I survived! So, I don’t always bring my phone everywhere with me.
Yes, what if there’s an emergency, but if so, we’ll figure it out.
Elliott and I often leave both of our phones behind when we go out on a date.
I brought my phone here and it was nice to be able to snap a pic with his daughter, but that was the only time my phone came out of my purse.
It’s a work in progress over here, but I can feel the shifts happening.
I would love to know if this post resonated with you and the things you do to improve your own quality of life.
Have a fantastic day friend!
I really enjoyed reading this post. Please add more on this topic of slow living. I think it’s so important, especially now that I’m in my late 40s.
Thank you for the encouragement Jenny, I plan to share more content like this every week!
Loved this post! Makes me want to be more intentful about my day. I used to sit in silence every morning for 10 minutes and got away from it because life got busier. I’m bring it back tomorrow thanks to you! It really does calm me for the day and set my internal compass in the right direction. Thank you for taking the time to write these so I can reflect and adopt them.
Sue! I didn’t know anyone else that did this! Let’s keep it going!
Such a lovely post! These simple, mindful actions really do add up to improve our overall state of being. I also go without makeup on the weekends or days when I’m not working, and I typically allow my hair to air dry on these days. I remember reading once that a famous, beautiful news anchor would always give her face and hair a break on her days off, and I’ve also tried to do the same. I find that I enjoy getting ready for work more during the week now. Please keep sharing your tips/thoughts! Loved this one.
Love this post! Living with more intention has become something that really resonates with me as I’ve tried to step back from the intense go go go of our culture. It’s not always but you’re so right…even small changes can have a big impact on our mindset and mood
Really true Hanna. I can’t believe how much I’m loving the silence and it only takes a few minutes to feel the benefit of that.
These all resonated with me so much Megan, thank you for sharing! Can I just share a thought for women, (as I try to go makeup free occasionally too, having a tween daughter. While makeup is fun and I personally feel better with it on, I don’t want her to feel it’s a daily necessity,)
Anyway, please don’t tell another woman she looks tired, like ever! I have had a mother in law and friends say that to me, which is so insulting and unnecessary. Worst of all, I wasn’t tired, I was simply makeup free! Yes our faces look different without concealer or eye makeup, it doesn’t mean I’m tired or that it needs to be pointed out. Just a reminder that not every thought has to be shared 🙂
Such a good point Nancy about our daughters. And I’d never say that! Who would?!
Hi Megan, I just wanted to express, that I’ve been really enjoying the change in your posts and content! Thank you!
That means so much Lenka. I do have more posts like this coming in the future. It’s making my heart happy to share this kind of content. 🙂
I totally agree with Lenka. Your recent content has been so refreshing. Thank you!!
I love this post and posts like it. We are a fast-paced world, and I am working hard on slowing down and savoring the minutes.
I really loved the thought behind this. I am always on the go… but I do love to be quiet, and sometimes my husbands “whats wrong”? nothing!!! i just don’t have anything to say and I’m relaxing.
So funny, it’s usually the women who want to talk and the men are quiet. I get it! 🙂
Love this post and the tips for being more mindful and present. I’ve always prided myself on barrelling through life at 100 miles an hour but I’m starting to realize that what I admire most in others is when I see that they are moving through life with more intentionality and patience. Definitely something I want to cultivate more of!
Such a great post! So important – thanks for the reminder! It’s so easy to get caught up in the every day rush – thank you!!!
You’re so welcome Faye!
Love this post, Megan! Thank you for sharing these practices, they are all great. I’ve been leaving my phone behind when walking the dog, and it’s nice to not have it nagging at me in my pocket and instead just enjoy the fresh air and nature. I’m limiting podcasts to cleaning time and solo car rides!
Great ideas Jodi, I agree my phone will nag at me when it’s with me.
Thank you for this post, Megan, I appreciate you sharing your life with us. As I get older, I too am trying to live life more slowly and with intention so all of the tips you have shared strike a nerve with me; except that I hardly wear makeup (just never figured it all out). Like you, I am tired (literally and figuratively, ha!) of the hustle culture. Thankfully, I was able to step away from my 9 – 5 and work fewer hours which also gives me more flexibility but I realise that I have to be intentional of not taking on more and more work. That is a decision that reading this post has reminded me of – so thanks again.
Not wearing makeup is very freeing. I’m loving the feeling. Good for you for choosing a better work/life balance, that is so important.
I loved this post and would like to see more like it. As I get older I want to live life to the fullest and that includes going more slowly and living with intention. I shall be adding some of these to my daily routine.
I’m right there with you Sue!
Yes, more content like this for intentional living.
I love this post Megan. Thank you so much for sharing.
More of this!! I have been trying out some makeup free days but feel like I look so invisible with my blond eyelashes and eyebrows…trying to learn to accept that it is ok to be natural too. Next up for me- considering letting the gray hair shine through but I’m not quite ready! Is not coloring your hair something you have ever considered exploring?
Wonderful post! Thank you! I just taught a small group Bible study for the young adults at our church on this topic using a very good book called “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by a pastor named John Mark Comer. Such good practical ideas about how to slow down and maintain your spiritual health in the fast paced world.
I just read this book as well! Highly recommend!
Hi Karen! Thank you for putting that book back on my radar, I want to read it!
Your post was perfectly timed. I have been reflecting on all the busyness and how so many things distract us from being present. To learn to still our mind, enjoy the beauty that surrounds us, and not be consumed with things that don’t really matter is definitely refreshing to read! Thanks for sharing!
It’s so true, we’ve gotten so used to always scrolling we instinctively pull out our phones at any free moment instead of just being in the moment.
Your insight has really made me consider how I’m spending my time. After reading today’s post I went for a 2 linked walk with a friend. Then I to my craft room and looked up some beginner drawing ideas that I’ve pinned and say I don’t have time. I sat for 2 hours and practiced my ‘how to draw’ pins. Thank you for helping me to slow down. It’s a bit easier since I’m retired.
Oh I love this sooooo much Carol. I’ve been thinking more about my leisure activities and adding in some new ones. Lately, just taking care of my pool and back patio, and plants/flowers has been very fun and rewarding.
Such great tips! Fully agree with all! I’m a Type A as well and also have a hard time sitting quietly. I used to even struggle to do relaxing activities (reading, walking, etc) without feeling guilty about not doing something more “constructive”. I’ve learned to look at these as a requirement for my mental, emotional, and even physical well being and give myself permission to enjoy them guilt free! Also for those who haven’t done it, this article gives great tips for how to set limits on iPhones. Limiting my total time on certain time sucker apps, as well as not letting myself use certain ones during “downtime” hours, has really been a game changer for me! https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/addicted-to-your-iphone-or-ipad-how-to-set-limits-with-apples-screen-time
Love this post!
What a journey you are on. Thanks for taking us along and for the inspiration. I needed this.
I need it too Cela.
This is such a good read and just what i needed thanks for sharing x
Perfect timing Niv!
A refreshing post. This is what blogging used to be and not the new blogging always trying to shove buying something to their audience. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I plan to continue these types of posts and it’s very fulfilling.
Megan, what a great post! Years ago, you posted about the Miracle Morning and I read it because of you. What a gamechanger for me. And this – what a great reminder of slowing down and savoring this beautiful world we live in. Thanks for being such an inspiration! I love how you show up, and appreciate your content!
I remember that Abby! Thank you for being here!
Great post! This truly resonates with me. I hope you will continue these types of posts. You are an inspiration and very real. You are on the path for a beautiful and meaningful life which we all want. Many thanks for your honesty and openness.
Thank you so much Nanci. I will definitely keep these posts coming!
Great post! Another I would add is staying off social media for 24 hours. Summer 2020, I got off of all social media with the exception of Pinterest. It became such a toxic arena, people posting such horrible things and basically living someone else’s life. I know because of your business Megan, it would be impossible for you to get off. But, it was such a wonderful decision. And we are losing our children to technology and social media.
This was just the post I needed to read today! I’ve been really struggling with feeling like I’m rushing from one thing to another all day every day and I’ve been trying to come up with ways to slow down. One thing I’ve been doing is eating my lunch and drinking my after lunch coffee on my front porch where I’m immersed in nature and feel the wind on my face. I like your ideas of sitting in silence and taking deep breaths. These are practical ways to really slow down in the midst of it all. Thank you for sharing!!
I’m so glad for perfect timing. I think a lot of us are feeling this way and I’m excited to bring you more meaningful content and ways to slow down going forward.