Creating an action plan for your wellbeing can be simple and impactful. Here are some quick tips to help you set effective goals:
**Start Small**
- Begin with manageable steps. For example, aim to drink an extra glass of water each day instead of drastically overhauling your entire diet. Small successes build momentum.
**Be Specific**
- Clear, precise goals are easier to follow. Rather than saying, "Exercise more," set a target like, "Take a 15-minute walk every morning."
**Set Realistic Goals**
- Choose achievable targets that fit into your daily routine. If you’re new to meditation, start with 5 minutes a day instead of committing to an hour-long session.
**Track Your Progress**
- Keep a journal or use an app to record your achievements. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating. For instance, note how many days you’ve managed to stick to your new bedtime routine.
**Be Flexible**
- Life can be unpredictable. Allow yourself the flexibility to adjust your goals if needed. If you miss a day, don’t be discouraged. Just pick up where you left off.
**Celebrate Small Wins**
- Acknowledge your efforts and reward yourself for reaching milestones, no matter how small. Treat yourself to a favourite book or a relaxing bath as a reward for sticking to your plan for a week.
The key to an effective action plan is to make it realistic and sustainable. It’s about progress, not perfection and it shouldn't feel exhausting and unrewarding. Be kind to yourself as you work towards better wellbeing. Here a few simple action steps for different feelings you might be experiencing:
> [!NOTE]- I'm not feeling great (worried or other)
> 1. Remind myself to focus on processes, not outcomes
> 2. Spend five minutes a day relaxing or meditating
> 3. Incorporate a short daily exercise routine
> 4. Take time to write down my thoughts and assess the validity of them
> 5. Ask myself what is it that I am most afraid of
> 6. Break down tasks into smaller tasks
> 7. Avoid multi-tasking
> [!NOTE]- Not good at all (feeling sad or down)
> 1. Incorporate a short daily exercise routine
> 2. Reach out to a friend or family member once a week to stay connected
> 3. Spend some time doing something I enjoy
> 4. Listen to uplifting music
> 5. Spend less time with anyone that creates negative energy for me
> 6. Spend more time with positive and supportive people
> [!NOTE]- I'm feeling angry
> 1. Spend less time with people that provoke my anger
> 2. Spend more time with positive and supportive people
> 3. Take some time to write down my thoughts and process them
> 4. Learn to accept and be ok with the fact that other people have opinions I don't agree with
> 5. Express my opinion honestly and calmly
> 6. Set healthy boundaries for the benefit of myself and everyone around me
> [!NOTE]- Going well
> 1. Share my positivity with others
> 2. Find ways to support others
> 3. Take on challenging tasks when I'm feeling positive
> 4. Greet people with enthusiasm
> 5. Reflect on what it is that's making me feel positive and how I can sustain that