So, you want to be more consistent with the things you do, but it feels overwhelming. This is understandable, any change can be overwhelming! Life can be unpredictable and unstable at times, but the one thing that you can control is yourself. Being consistent is something that’s sure to pay off, and it starts with you.
1. Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness activities are a great way to become more consistent. As you sort through your thoughts, you can figure out what your priorities are. With a clearer mind, you’re much more likely to take action in changing your life. Meditation is a common mindfulness activity, and there are plenty of guided meditations online to listen to when you have a quiet place and a few minutes.
Many people complain that meditation feels impossible because their thoughts don’t quiet, or they can’t sit still. These are often the people who need meditation the most, as it will give them a chance to navigate through their minds. Mindful breathing is another method, and it is a form of meditation. It is particularly helpful for those who suffer with anxiety, as it can balance the nervous system and help you calm down.
2. Balance Your Work and Personal Life
Consistency can be synonymous with stability, both of which are challenging to tackle at first. One of the most common ways to gain stability in your life is by balancing work and home. If you aren’t trying to keep these two parts of your life separate, you may find yourself more stressed and overworked than is necessary.
This can look different for different people. For some, you’ll have to establish boundaries that completing work when you’re not getting paid to do so is not within your contract or your means. For many, it also means finding something purposeful to do outside of work. This could mean finding a hobby that you enjoy, joining a club of some sort, or practicing meditation. Business does not have to equal work.
3. Develop Healthier Habits
Another way to stay consistent through whatever life throws at you is by becoming healthier in general. You’ve heard it a billion times; exercise more, eat cleaner foods, get enough sleep. This doesn’t have to be done in one foul swoop, maybe it means slowly eliminating fast food, or going for short walks a couple times a week.
Whatever you define health as, the more you commit to being healthy, the more stable your life will be. Exercise and eating healthy foods are, unsurprisingly, linked to a happier brain. Our gut produces around 95% of serotonin (a happy chemical) for our brains, so making it a good place for serotonin to produce will result in more, and better, serotonin.
4. Keep Away from Chaos
Sometimes, we seek out chaos subconsciously. Maybe this means being around people who are dramatic or gossip or make us feel anxious. When you decide you want consistency in your life, this means you’ll need to take a step back and evaluate your personal relationships. Are the people around you consistent?
5. Commit to Change
If you aren’t committed to being consistent, it won’t last. It isn’t always easy to stay consistent, especially at the beginning. Think about the reasons you want to be a more consistent person, and how it could benefit you. These reasons will help motivate you. Continue to assure yourself that consistency is worth the effort and will pay off in a plethora of ways.