As a health and wellness reporter, it is nearly impossible to walk away from my numerous conversations with experts without picking up a few practices I want to adopt for myself. In 2024, through countless interviews and research, I found three habits that significantly improved my quality of life.
1. Taking a Month Off Social Media
After feeling overwhelmed by the ceaseless scrolling, I decided to take an entire month away from social media. This decision came shortly after my conversation with George Jerjian, author of “Dare to Discover Your Purpose: Retire, Refire, Rewire,” who described how a 30-day silent retreat reshaped his life.
While a silent retreat was not in my plans, a month without social media seemed achievable. I hoped this would provide the solitude I craved and reduce the overstimulation from constant notifications.
“In the noise-filled world we live in, silence is a secret weapon,” Jerjian shared. “It allows you to shed the masks you wear and confront your true self.”
During this month, I devoted time to journaling and spent a minimum of 10 minutes each day appreciating the view from my window. Recently, I permanently deleted my X account, and the change has been incredibly liberating.
2. Embracing Winter
Typically, I dread the onset of winter and the shorter days. However, Kari Leibowitz’s insights in “How to Winter” transformed my outlook on the season. Leibowitz, a psychologist trained at Stanford, spent a year in Tromsø, Norway, where the locals embrace winter, despite its dark two-month span.
以下是特龍的居民如何享受冬天：
- They look forward to winter and maintain positive expectations.
- They create festive activities to celebrate the season.
- They venture outdoors despite the cold.
This year, as a new solo resident, I decorated my apartment to channel a cozy winter vibe. Moreover, I planned activities every weekend throughout December, a stark contrast to my previous inclination to hibernate indoors.
Earlier this year, a close friend and I decided to read “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, which centers on principles from Adlerian psychology. The premise is simple yet profound: embracing the prospect of being disliked by others can lead to a more liberating existence.
According to the book, being disliked signifies exercising freedom and living according to one’s values. This resonated with me deeply, inspiring me to share my creative writing without fear of rejection or criticism.
By focusing on personal happiness over the opinions of others, I learned that fulfilling my passions brings a sense of joy and authenticity into my life.
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