Mar 29, 2016
Are you looking to improve your life? Feel free to go all out. Research out of UC Santa Barbara finds that it's easier to make improvements to your life simultaneously rather than one at a time.
Michael Mrazek, director of research at UCSB's Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, conducted the study in which participants were encouraged to eat healthy/whole foods, get a good night's sleep, do yoga or other forms of exercise and practice 'mindfulness.'
"The fundamental skills of mindfulness are the ability to tend to something and release distractions that arise," instructed Mrazak. "In any task that you choose to engage with, try to engage fully with that task."
Mrazek says the combination of eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and practicing mindfulness is very powerful when it comes to making changes in your life. "Mindfulness is easier to cultivate if you are well-rested."
The results were remarkable. Participants noticed positive changes in their lives, along with a a dramatic increase in self esteem.
"Everybody found their own value.... everyone also left with some unique benefits and some unique strategies," said Mrazek.
The Buddy System
If you are very serious about making a big change in your life, it's best to not do it alone.
"Both a buddy and a coach can be invaluable when you're trying to change your life," said Mrazek.
Are you ready to become the person you dream of being? There's no time like the present.
"Every moment counts," said Mrazek "because we chose to help people in so many different dimensions in their lives, they were capturing every opportunity available in every moment to move their lives forward."
Read more on Mrazek's research in the UC Santa Barbara Current