DID you know you can change and start again as many times as you choose in life? Changes don’t have to be huge. I changed career and started a new business at 50! It is never too late.

You can also make little tweaks to your lifestyle. If you know you don’t get enough exercise, then make a little vow to walk a daily minimum number of steps or length of time that you will take a walk. Add a little bit on occasionally and stretch your target. You don’t have to tell anyone. It can be your own secret. Stick to it, even on the days you don’t feel like it.

Use the time to take some deep breaths, look around you and appreciate all the colours, noises, smells! Don’t use the time to think about work, family, or plans…. this is your time. It may only be 15/20 minutes. You deserve this. You may also notice that you are walking further in your time allowance as you get fitter.

If walking is not an option for whatever reason, then just use the time to STOP. Rest your brain from all the stress thinking. Close your eyes and pop a huge smile on your face. Sounds strange?

A simple smile can trigger the release of neuropeptides that improve your neural communication, as well as neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood. Think of smiling like a natural antidepressant.

Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced. Regardless of whether or not your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that “Life is good!” to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.

As well as gentle exercise and smiling more, are there things in your life that you know you need to change but just haven’t? Make a conscious effort to make those changes one at a time. Start small, make a list, and tick each one off as you achieve them. Do you need to call someone, add them to your list.

Plan something to look forward to, coffee or lunch with a friend? Add to the list! Each time you cross something off your list you will feel a real sense of achievement. Keep adding to your list, every day. For me personally, if something doesn’t get written down it just doesn’t happen at all. Such a bad memory!

Keep smiling everyone.

See you again in two weeks!

Until then – Stay Safe and Be Kind.