Apply this to life in general - isn’t that what we all
wish? A life where we are in top form with a series of memorable and exciting
experiences?
However, the reality is that life is more like a
roller-coaster ride of ups and downs, sometimes it can feel that we have lost our
groove. I do not mean existential crisis levels, since that would require something
stronger than this blog post, just perhaps a feeling that things have flat-lined,
you know like on an ECG monitor.
In this blog post, I am going to draw on personal
experience and talk about three ways to get your groove back.
#1 Exercise
I know you have probably heard a zillion times about
the benefits of exercise. However, the reason you have heard this a zillion
times is because it is true. Exercise, any exercise, is incredibly good for you
physiologically and psychologically.
I have a little story to support this - at work last summer
my boss started a running club. A number of people joined with a lot of them doing
any sort of regular exercise for the first time. Even a 20 minute run or walk
made them so much more relaxed and happy. Towards the end of summer, some
people who had never exercised before actually became regular runners because
of how good it made them feel. How incredible is that?
I can quote you multiple statistics on the benefits of
exercise but as they say - the proof is in the pudding. You have to experience
the benefits first-hand. In fact I think if everyone worked
out regularly, the world would be a happier place and a lot of the drug
companies would go out of business.
#2: Seek a new
experience outside your comfort zone
A couple of years ago, I was turning 30. I know it
sounds overtly dramatic but it was the one thing that really hit me. I guess it
is an age milestone and an opportunity for everyone to evaluate their life and
perhaps be critical about it.
My husband surprised me on my 30th birthday
with a fabulous birthday experience - skydiving from 10000 feet! It definitely took
me out of my comfort zone and I felt absolutely fantastic after. I certainly don not think drastic measures need to be
taken to experience something out of your comfort zone. It could be simple things like trying new food, taking a new route to work and so forth. The bottom line is that you have to kick your daily
routine out the window on a regular basis.
#3: Focus on
personal growth
There is an old saying – People don’t grow old, when they
stop growing they become old.
I think one of the best feelings in the world is to see yourself
improve and grow every year. On the flip side, there is nothing worse than feeling stagnant. How do you fix this? Again nothing dramatic required. For example - Last year, my husband
and I realised we had been in NYC for over 4 years and had not really
experienced all the cultural aspects that the city has to offer. We decided to
call 2012 the “year of culture” and focussed on seeing more museums and
attending more cultural events. It was as simple as that.
I think seeking personal growth is a life high - the simple
fact that you are doing something to improve yourself little by little every
day. And why not? The opportunities are endless and there is so much you
can do!
The best way to get your groove back is by knocking
your life out of its little groove. You
have only one life so don't let the small stages where it flat lines bother you
because you can so easily get your groove back!
