Steps To Take To Start Improving Your Overall Quality Of Life

Life is a funny thing. There can be plenty of ups and there can also be downs. However, the key to enjoying life is trying to keep your quality of life high at all times. Otherwise, the down periods may last a little longer.

Yet improving or maintaining the quality of life is often easier said than done. Especially when you consider the changes that people undergo as they age.

Rather than letting life pass you by, there are some key steps to take to improve your quality of life and then maintain this quality. At their core, these steps are about remaining physically, mentally, and socially active. All of which help you enjoy everything that life has to offer.

Quality of life- why is it important

The term quality of life is often used but seldom understood. This is because many people view quality of life as something that can be achieved by doing one thing. For an athletic person, they might say that a day on the golf course provides them with a great quality of life.

For someone who loves the indoors and using their hands to paint or read, their idea of quality of life would be different. That’s why it’s important to understand the depth of this often used phrase.

With this in mind, quality of life is defined as the total sum of your health, happiness, vitality, leisure and income. As such, this is an all encompassing term. That’s why, when Australian Seniors surveyed individuals for their requirements for a quality life in retirement, the top 3 answers were good physical and mental health and enough money to live comfortably.

8 steps to help improve quality of life

As quality of life is made up of many different facets, individuals must take varied steps in order to improve their quality of life. These steps include ensuring good physical and mental health and even undertaking steps for socialisation.

1. It all starts with a good night's rest

Research suggests that there is a direct link between the quality of sleep and the state of your physical and mental health. As such, ensuring a good night’s sleep is the most logical place to start.

2. Keep moving

Ensuring and maintaining physical health is incredibly important. This is because an expanding waistline may affect mental health and it may even impact your heart health and blood pressure levels.

3. Don’t forget to have fun

When it comes to quality of life, having fun plays a huge factor. This is because periods of fun or leisure often increase happiness levels. With this in mind, make time for fun. This varies for each person but may include watching TV, visiting the beauty salon or going out with friends.

4. A simple smile can do a world of good

Improving quality of life takes steps both big and small. One such small step is smiling more. Something as simple as a smile can be incredibly beneficial. This is because smiling prompts the body to change the brain’s neurochemistry, resulting in happier feelings.

5. Embrace meditation

Just 15 minutes of meditation can help improve quality of life. This is largely due to the fact that meditation forces a person to be present. Something that can work wonders on perspective. All of which helps to eliminate stress so that feelings of happiness can blossom.

6. Aim to learn something new everyday

Keeping the brain healthy and active is essential to enjoying improved quality of life. Without the brain, there can be no thinking or conversation. With this in mind, aim to stimulate and use your brain by reading a book, going on the internet or talking with people of different ages.

7. Keep relationships at the fore

During certain periods of life, it can be easy to lose contact with friends. However, relationships are key to good mental health. This is because relationships impact happiness and wellbeing. Having friends also means that you have people to try new experiences with.

8. Continue to set goals

Oftentimes it can feel like there is nothing to look forward to. This feeling directly impacts motivation levels. By continuing to set goals, no matter how big or small, feelings of purpose return. This helps you get out of bed and in turn, improves quality of life.

Improving your quality of life

There are many times in life when we may feel like our quality of life is low or diminishing. While these feelings can be overwhelming, there are steps that can be taken to get things back on track.

By undertaking various activities and making a concerted effort to stay physically and mentally active, you are improving all aspects of life. Something that is key to enjoying an improved quality of life, where experiences are rich, feelings are positive and memories are made.