Gain Control of Your Life by Focusing on These 7 Things ...

One of the best ways to gain control of your life is to be grateful for what you have and what's right in your life. Tell people thank you whenever they do something nice. The more grateful you are, the more optimistic and hopeful you'll become. I know it sounds too simple, but it does make a difference. The next time something bad happens, you'll be in a much better place in your life and better able to control the situation.

You might not have full control over your body sometimes, such as getting the flu at the worst possible moment, but you can work towards a healthier you. Exercise helps strengthen your body. It also reduces stress and clears your mind. Imagine how good it would feel to take control for just 20-30 minutes a day. A little control goes a long way towards making you a happier person.

Personally, this is one of my favorites. I love getting a good night's sleep. Getting plenty of rest helps you control your concentration, health and even moods. It might be difficult to get the sleep you need sometimes, but try taking naps or meditating before bed. Develop a nightly routine and you'll soon find yourself sleeping better and waking up feeling more in control of your life.

Control the way people look at you simply by changing your body language. For instance, if you're feeling insecure, try standing taller with your head held high. You'll seem much more confident and as you notice others respecting that confidence, you'll feel more confident yourself. Learn subtle body language signs by watching others. The more you know, the more control you have over how the world sees you.

Eating healthier is vital to feeling better inside and out. It's fine to indulge in fast food and double chocolate cake sometimes. However, mix in some veggies and fruits. Adding in healthier foods a little at at time will help you change your eating habits without feeling as if you're losing anything. Before you know it, you'll gain control over what you consume and how you feel.

I know this sounds weird, but focusing on your breathing helps give you control over stressful situations. We breathe on autopilot most of the time, so why bother? Paying attention to each breath and letting it slowly relax you will give you an immense sense of peace and control. This is why yoga and meditation are such powerful practices. Try a few breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes a day and you will notice a difference in yourself.

Knowledge is power, but if you don't give your mind a good workout, you might lose that power. Spending time on mental exercises helps ward off memory loss and even helps you pick up new skills quicker. You do have control over your mind. Try working logic puzzles, playing strategy games or download a brain exercise app. Spending 10-15 minutes a day working your brain helps drastically improve your mental capabilities.

You might not be able to control everything, but these seven things will give you a lot more control over your life. They're simple, yet powerful and effective. You deserve to have control and all you have to do is take the reigns. How do you take more control in your life?