An Article by Karen Weeks
We all know that everything changes. When your life is in the middle of a major transformation, what better time to start making room for better personal habits? Getting into a new routine could be just what you need to get things on the right track. Here, Dr. Thomas Maples discusses how to take this opportunity to eliminate toxic relationships, move with the assistance of a real estate agent, seek regular medical care online, and “stage” your home to kick off your new regimen.
Transition or Change Toxic Relationships
The people we surround ourselves with have a major impact on how we feel about ourselves. When you have a healthy support system, you feel loved and grounded. When it’s toxic, it can drag you down to the lowest of depths. If you’re in an unhappy romantic relationship, some signs it’s toxic are:
- Lack of trust
- Controlling behavior
- Frequent lying
If you believe you’re in a toxic relationship and need help transitioning to freedom, try contacting the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233).
Toxic friendships can be just as harmful. According to Well+Good, feeling energetically exhausted is one indication of toxicity. To remedy this situation, first try talking to your friend, voice your concerns, and see if anything changes. Then, set some boundaries until conditions improve. If you’re still having trouble receiving the support you deserve, take some distance for a while.
Move with the help of a real estate agent
Sometimes, a change of scenery is the ticket to a fresh start. Whether you choose to move near or far, you’ll want to find a real estate agent for help. It may seem simple to sell a house yourself. However, agents can guide you through each step of the process, including some that you might not be familiar with at all.
U.S. News suggests that while choosing the right agent, ask questions like how long they’ve been in real estate, their average number of clients at any given time, their territory, and preferred communication methods. Check their references and be sure to meet in person instead of relying on phone calls and virtual communication. Once you’ve chosen your agent, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and concerns. Remember, they work for you and want to help.
Find a new job
While not a silver bullet, changing employers or career directions can provide a big boost toward a more positive life. If it’s been something you’ve considered, you may want to try a resume builder as a good first step. An online tool can make creating a professional and attractive resume easy. Getting your resume up to date can help you reflect on what you want for yourself at your next stop.
Keep up with medical care
Though yearly physical check-ups are recommended, many people skip the doctor completely. In fact, according to a study by Gallup and West Health, nearly a third of Americans report that they’ve skipped medical care for a health issue due to cost concerns. If this describes you, now is the time to get back on track. Serious medical conditions can creep up on you, and if you don’t know the symptoms or haven’t had any yet, it could progress into something even more critical.
Once you’re ready to jump into that healthier lifestyle, consider seeking mental health care online. It’s reliable and flexible, plus it’s usually more affordable than in-person appointments. Opting for an online visit gives you a broader variety of options for treatment. Plus, getting prescriptions refilled is significantly easier.
“Stage” your home and see it change before your eyes
This step is especially important if you plan to move, but it’s still good advice even if you’re staying put. Keep your home clean and decluttered as if it’s going to be shown to potential buyers.
To “stage,” hang attractive décor and add little touches like vases and candles. Let in as much natural light as possible. When you’re selling your home, you’ll want to remove personal photos, but if you’re simply revamping your existing home, hang those photos and personal items around the house. Make it feel homey with objects that make you smile and bring back happy memories. Keeping your home “staged” can help it sell faster and/or more organized and manageable.
Whatever the major life shift you’re going through, seize the opportunity to turn negatives into positives. Eliminating toxic relationships, moving with the help of a real estate agent, seeking regular medical care online, and “staging” your home are four ways to kick off your healthier, happier routine.
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