Over time, you may start to think of life as something that’s ordinary. Routines may get old and disappointing, and now and then, you need a burst of light to remind you that life isn’t ordinary at all. Have you ever thought about the fact that you’re currently living on a planet that is always spinning? And somehow you’re completely still? Merely thinking about realities from another perspective is the shift we need to experience gratitude and a renewed excitement for life. Here are a few ways you can freshen up your perspective and see your life through a new lens.
- Remind yourself of the big picture
A great way to get a fresh perspective is to get down to the basics and think about what matters. Although you may be stuck in a rut at one particular moment, it doesn’t mean that’s going to last forever. Practice gratitude by listing everything you’re grateful for and why you’re thankful for those things.
If you’re struggling with that, consider writing an encouraging letter to your younger self. What events or moments would you be excited to write about? What would your younger self be proud to see that they accomplished? Sometimes you need to take a look at all of your wins to recognize just how much you’ve accomplished.
- Spend time in nature
When was the last time you spent an hour outside to appreciate it? Getting out of your daily environment can help you see all of the incredible beauty that surrounds you.
One Stanford study found that nature is good for you, scientifically—
…nature experience, even of short duration, can decrease this pattern of thinking that is associated with the onset, in some cases, of mental illnesses like depression,” says Gregory Bratman, the lead author of the study.
- Take care of your home
Almost equally as important to taking care of yourself is taking care of your home. Think about how many times you’ve used your dishwasher, washer and dryer, and microwave. Similar to our bodies, older appliances won’t work at full capacity without repairs and maintenance. Taking care of our pricey everyday appliances will save us from being forced to buy pricier replacements.
- Self-reflect with daily journaling
Gandhi once said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” It can be challenging to keep track of how you’re feeling from day-to-day, which is why daily journaling can help you process, express, and reflect on your emotions. You’re able to write about how you’re truly feeling and strive to find that harmony between what you think, feel, and say. Think about how your decisions help or hurt your ability to live with all three in sync.
About the author: Emma Cook is a recent graduate and freelance writer working hard to build her portfolio. Whether it’s aging, home life, or mental health, her goal is to empower others to live their fullest life—and her strategy is writing.
