Negosentro.com | Always a Work in Process: A Practical Guide to Self-improvement | In today’s hectic world, we tend to be over-stressed and over-worked. So naturally, we see the concept of self-improvement as yet another task in our lives that we must excel at.

That is the wrong way of looking at it.

Yes, self-improvement does require effort, it is not something that will happen magically and by itself, but you shouldn’t force it and push it beyond your means and capability.

Here you can read about certain ways, or rather ideas, that can guide you on your path of self-improvement.

Physical activity

Working out is not everyone’s favorite activity and some people need a bit more incentive. But when you do decide to take that step, it will be well worth it!

There are so many different types of exercise. So you will need to find the kind of physical activity that will suit you the best, keeping in mind what you want to achieve. 

By establishing a regular workout routine, you will notice the change very quickly.

It is great stress relief, it improves mood, increases energy and stamina, and it helps with handling issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD, etc.

You will also notice a change in your physical appearance. And who doesn’t appreciate a nicely sculpted body? 

Not only will your body look better, but you will also feel healthier and stronger. This will reflect on your self-esteem and will work as a confidence boost.

It is all about a healthy mind and a healthy body.

Just don’t forget to be kind to yourself and to your body. Always strive to do a little bit better than the last time, while still trying not to overexert yourself. 

Pushing yourself too far can potentially lead to injuries and serious pain.

A healthy diet

Understandably, it is difficult to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and incorporate it into a busy schedule when there are so many cheaper and faster alternatives. 

Even though those options are usually terribly unhealthy, we tend to reach for them simply because it is easier.

But the thing is, you can only get the proper nutrition that your mind and body crave for from healthy groceries.

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There are numerous research conducted and papers written about the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Not only does quality food benefit your body, but it benefits your mind as well. It makes your body feel more energized, while improving your immune system, and your mind more focused and sharp.

Additionally, the whole process of cooking and preparing the meal can feel quite therapeutic (although it is not a substitute for an actual therapy).

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy can do wonders for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, phobias, etc (just to name a few). 

It focuses primarily on symptoms and symptom relief. CBT identifies negative thoughts (cognitions) and finds a functional coping mechanism for those thoughts.

There are so many advances in cognitive behavioral therapy made every day. You just need to find the right CBT therapist that will suit you, your sensibility, and your needs the best.

One of the things you might do once you decide to seek professional help is to go through a comprehensive cognitive skills assessment. Do not be alarmed as it is all part of the process in a form of a test that could serve as a guideline for further therapeutic strategy.

Even today, therapy still tends to be a delicate subject. And it shouldn’t be!

Someone may require a few sessions a week, someone might need it once every few months.

Even if you feel like you have nothing to ‘’fix’’ or to talk about, an occasional therapy session can work as a sort of mental hygiene, keeping everything in check. 

Sometimes things can get overwhelming and you can’t deal with all of it on your own. It is important to emphasize that it is never embarrassing or weak to ask for help. 

Every now and then, we need some guidance to help us get to the place in our lives where we want to be. 

Regular or occasional, a therapy session can be, without a doubt, beneficial for everyone.

Learning a new skill

Think about learning a new language or learning how to play an instrument. It is an amazing exercise to make your mind focused and concentrated. And it is also an enjoyable and productive way to spend your free time.

Gaining a new skill increases your confidence. So, learning a skill that leaves you with an actual product in the end is also a good idea. That way, you will have physical evidence of your efforts, and it can make you feel even more accomplished.

Another great perspective on your journey of self-improvement is thinking about others. 

It can go without saying that turning yourself to charity is always extremely beneficial, especially for those in need.  But you know what? It can also be implied on your skillset. 

For example, a first aid training is a useful skill that you should have anyway. So, if you haven’t got to it already, now is the perfect time to learn it. 

You will gain a new skill and you might even find yourself in a situation where you can provide help to someone else.

Making your day organized

It might sound like a silly and banal thing, but giving your day a proper structure can help in structuring your thought as well.

This is quite a simple, but effective technique for organizing your life and making that initial change. 

The key is optimizing your time management and minimizing any distractions.

You can start small, make a to-do list and take it one day at the time.

Sounds easy enough, but you may wonder how to restructure your already pact and busy schedule? 

And the answer is – learn how to say no to certain things, and to delegate when necessary. Take it easy on yourself and relieve the pressure. No one person can do everything.

The more focused and alert you are, the easier it will be to work on improving and upgrading yourself.

Routine is important, but no matter how busy you get, it is about finding enough time for yourself, your family and friends, and to do the things you enjoy.

Because let’s face it, a life without joy would be rather empty. 

So, in order to do our best in any aspect of our life, we need to spend some time doing things that fulfill us. And the way to accomplish this is exactly through a well-organized schedule. 

Final Thoughts

It is time to give yourself a break and take things at your own pace.

It is not always easy and there will be days when it might even seem impossible, but it isn’t! Just take it one day at the time.

The most important thing to remember is that it is not about the destination, it is about the journey. 

In other words, it is not a quick and easy task that you can do in a day and your life will miraculously be changed. No, it is a process, something you will have to work on every day.

Also, keep in mind that there is no one-fits-all, perfect recipe. 

You need to find what works for you and these guidelines can help you get there. Maybe it will happen immediately, maybe it will require a certain amount of time. 

The key is to keep trying and not giving up.

Your goal shouldn’t be thriving for perfection, since there is no such thing. Instead, you should always find new ways to grow, evolve, and to improve yourself.