Spirit, Mind and Soul Self-Improvement: the 20 golden rules

These are the basic Self help rules to live by

1-Accept the aging process: many people have trouble coming to terms with their body’s changes as they age. Understanding that aging is a natural process is very important. Learn to love your wrinkles, your grey hair and your less-than-tight skin.

2-Invest in Sleep: reward yourself at night with expensive sheets, a perfectly firm mattress and cosy down covers. Your bed is your battery recharger. Make sure it’s in tip-top condition.
3- Get creative with food: variety is the spice of life, and this couldn’t be truer than in the kitchen. Share recipes with friends, check online cooking forums and have fun with your food. You can still eat a healthy diet that doesn’t just consist of brown rice, grilled chicken and salad. Spice it up!

4-If you are sick, then stay in bed. Getting sick is your body’s way on telling you that you are working too hard. You will feel better faster if you just accept the illness and take a break.
5- Develop tolerance and patience: people make mistakes. The first step to finding peace with society and improving yourself is by developing tolerance for those things around you.
6- Meditate: try to make time for meditation for 15 minutes at least each day. If you don’t like the idea of meditating, practice taking deep breaths once a day. This can help with circulation and ease your level of stress.

7- Volunteer: volunteering for good causes is not only good for your self-improvement, but also for others. Find something you are passionate about and look towards volunteering your time. There are thousands of charities and organizations that would love your help.

8-Write down your Thoughts: writing not only stimulates your brain activity but it also acts as a great de-stressor. Keep a journal so you can record your thoughts if you are feeling down. Invest in a well-made journal to increase your creativity.

9- Read: Find some time on the weekend to curl up on the couch with a good book. This simple pleasure is not just relaxing, it is also stimulating.

10-Think Positive: Positive thoughts lead to positive results. Surround yourself with positive energy and this energetic vibe will be released into your lifestyle and daily habits.
11-Think about getting a pet: a dog or a cat can provide unconditional love and support, which can lead to self-improvement. They will lift your spirits in more ways than can be expressed. Dogs can motivate you to exercise and are always around for a cuddle. However, before you consider a pet, make sure you have the financial security and freedom to look after the constant demands of a pet, especially a dog.
12-Be generous: selfishness and self-improvement do not mix. Think about others beside yourself.

13-Stimulate your brain: grab a crossword puzzle or enjoy the Sudoku in your morning newspaper on the commute to work. These fun little games are quick to do and keep your mind sharp.
14-Find daily alone time: between work, kids, your spouse and your friends, it might seem like you don’t get a single moment to yourself. Find that moment. This could just be shutting the doors and taking a 20 minute bath. You need to find time to reflect and relax.

15-Smile and make eye contact: let your facial expressions do the talking. A smile and eye contact with a stranger can release a spark within you and also brighten up someone else’s day.
16-Find time to catch up with friends and family: sometimes our schedule gets so busy that we simply cannot fit in family and friends. This can lead to serious woes and a lack of self-fulfilment. You need to find a balance between work and play. Take a late lunch to catch up with your friends. It’s hard to stay in touch but it’s important to try.
17-Forgive others: Forgiveness is not something you can just switch on and off. It can take time to forgive someone, especially if you were really hurt. Forgiveness is one of the most important steps of self-improvement. If you can forgive, then you are proving to yourself that you are growing stronger.

18-Forget wrong doings: the past is the past. In order to self improve, you need to move on. Forget about those problems that are holding you back. They are in the past. Stay away from that heavy burden and look towards the future.

19-Do something for someone else: think about someone else. The little things make all the difference for improving yourself worth, and lifting other’s moods.

20-Stop trying to control the things you simply cannot: this is a big one. The Universe works in mysterious ways. You need to accept what has been given to you and stop trying to change what hasn’t. Acceptance is the key to self-improvement.