Some simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference

![5 things I don’t do to stay mentally sharp,

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” — Napoleon Hill, an American author

I am obsessed with self-improvement, personal development, and the power of a growth mindset.

I have learned many life lessons that have helped me overcome tough times.

• I was laid off.
• I almost died of sepsis.
• I was in a big car accident when I was a kid.
• I was robbed at gunpoint when I was taking out the garbage.

These experiences have led me to make lifestyle changes that have helped me succeed.

Read also: Why you should do what scares you

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” — Stephen Covey, an American educator, author, businessman, and speaker

There are five things I don’t do to ensure I stay mentally sharp, energized throughout the day, and healthy.

1. I Don’t Take More Than 3 Days Off from Exercising

I don’t exercise seven days a week, but I try to exercise four to five times a week. I don’t take more than three days off from exercising. My body always gives me warning signs when I am not exercising.

Don’t be a person that grows roots.

Sometimes, it is tough on a business trip, but exercise is good for mental health. Research has found that regular exercise is more vital to good mental health than how much money you have.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines, adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise at least 2.5 to 5 hours a week. I like to jog for at least 30 minutes or three miles when I work out. I also stretch after the run. I also like to take brisk walks.

2. I Don’t Drink a Lot of Alcohol

When I was younger, I used to drink more alcohol. At night, I drink liquor such as bourbon or vodka straight or with a chaser. Or a glass of wine. It helps me relax, but I don’t go overboard on drinking.

“Moderation in all things, especially moderation.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American author

Less alcohol helps me with sleeping and productivity. When I drink too much, I get up too much at night. You don’t need to stop drinking; the key is to drink in moderation. Life is all about moderation, especially drinking alcohol.

3. I Don’t Get Less Than 7 Hours of Sleep

Poor sleep can impact your mood. Getting enough sleep is underappreciated, and it shouldn’t be. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults, on average, need about 8 hours of sleep every night, and we must go through the four sleep stages uninterrupted.

“Without enough sleep, we all become tall 2-year-olds.” — JoJo Jensen, an actress

The amount of sleep people need varies from person to person, but I get at least seven hours of sleep a night. I go to bed at 10:30 p.m. and get up at 6:30 a.m. every morning. This bedtime routine helps me fall asleep faster at night and makes me mentally sharper the next day.

4. I Don’t Lose Sight of My Life’s Purpose

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain, an American writer

A sense of purpose is hardwired into our brains. Humans are driven by our “why” in life. People who lack purpose in their life can have chronic stress and become depressed.

Life’s purpose will help you cherish your accomplishments and overcome your setbacks.

When you know your life’s purpose, you live a more meaningful life and live each day to the fullest. You know who you are, where you are coming from, and where you are going.

I know my life’s purpose; do you know yours?

“There’s no greater gift than to honor your life’s calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” — Oprah Winfrey, an American media executive and philanthropist

5. I Don’t Stop Focusing on Self-Growth

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” — Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

Focusing on self-growth is about learning new skills, confronting your biggest fears, spending more time outside in nature, meditating, sharping your saw, and being kind to yourself.

I don’t stop indulging in my favorite activities, such as exercise, my side hustle, and spending time with family and loved ones. I know the key benefits of personal growth, such as learning to control your emotions and overcome negative thoughts.

Self-growth helps me overcome procrastination and laziness. It enables me to continue to have a growth mindset — a mindset where you view failure as an opportunity to improve yourself and your outlook on life.

I don’t stop focusing on self-growth because it helps me find contentment with things I can’t change and focus on what I can change.

Read also: Goals without systems=useless

Bringing It All Together

There are five things I don’t do in my life to stay sharp, energized, and healthy. I don’t take more than three days off from exercising, don’t drink a lot of alcohol, don’t get less than seven hours of sleep, don’t lose sight of my life’s purpose, and don’t stop focusing on self-growth.

If you want to become mentally sharper, more energized, and healthier, some minor tweaks to your lifestyle can make a big difference. The key is consistency when you make those changes. By avoiding certain things in life, you can live a better life.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot, a British author

Contributed by Matthew Royse

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