9 Little Changes in Your Life That Can Make a Big Difference ...

1. Mindful Meditation

One of the first little changes that can make a big difference to your life is mindful meditation. Anyone who practices meditation will tell you that the benefits are ten fold and all it takes is a few minutes a day. It costs nothing and can make you feel calm and centred after just a few minutes. Download the Mindfulness Daily app from the Apple store and feel the benefits.

2. Being Present

This is something that links with mindful meditation and is all about enjoying the present moment rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Try as we might, we can't control what it going to happen tomorrow. Of course, we can steps to ensure we're organized but we can't predict what will happen. Be present in the current moment and enjoy it. It's all we have!

3. Laughing More

Laughter really is the best medicine and it is so beneficial that laughter clubs are popping up everywhere. Make yourself chuckle everyday by sharing a joke with a colleague or watching a funny clip online. It's a small change that can make a big difference to your overall well-being and outlook on life.

4. Gratitude

Saying thank you to the universe is something that can also work wonders. When you start to say thank you, great things happen. It can be as simple as thanking the universe for the ability to breathe and walk down to the kitchen to make your morning cup of coffee. These are all things that we need to be grateful for. At the end of each day, say thank you for at least three things in your life and watch the magic happen.

5. Journaling

Journaling is another great thing to do at the end of the day. Reflect on your day and write down your thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams.

6. Moving More

You don't have to join a gym if you hate the thought of spending money on gym membership. You don't even need to buy any equipment. All you need is some comfortable shoes and a little will-power. Moving more can make a huge difference, especially if you lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle. Go for a fifteen minute walk around the block on your lunch break or do ten minutes of Tai Chi in the morning. When you're at work or out shopping, take the stairs instead of the elevator. A little more movement in your day will make you feel more energetic and will improve your sleep too.

7. Cutting Back

Small changes can make a big difference and sometimes if you try and give something up all at once, it doesn't work and the body feels deprived. Cutting back gradually can work better. For example, if you smoke twenty a day and you want to give up, try cutting back week by week rather than all at once. If you're a caffein junkie and find yourself guzzling ten cups a day, gradually decrease your amount week by week.

8. Smile More

Do you find yourself frowning or scowling during the day? Not only will this give you those dreaded frown lines, you will also become a person-repellant and you won't feel great. Try smiling a little more and you will feel happier too.

9. Snack Right

If you're a serial snacker then you can change your snacking habits and feel the benefits on your waistline. Swap your favorite candy bar for a couple of squares of chocolate with at least 85% cocoa content. Swap your high salt and high fat potato chips for a handful of nuts and seeds and feel your energy levels soar.

These are just a few of the small changes that can make a big difference to your overall health and well-being. Can you think of any more?