Independent living is being self-sufficient in controlling your life while taking responsibility for your own actions. It is choosing what works for you. Here are 5 easy ways to achieve empowering independence…
Have a hobby
Having a hobby gives you independence. Why? Because it’s the ultimate me-time. For instance, youcanset aside 15 minutes daily to write your journal.Journalling allows you to reflect on what you’ve done that day and want to do tomorrow. It’s your thoughts, without any interruption or input from anyone else. Other great hobbies for self-empowerment are cooking – what is more life-enhancing that producing a plate of food to eat? – while walking or hiking can be refreshing, invigorating, and above all healthy, as being in sunlight boosts serotonin, the feel-good chemical.
Stay healthy
And staying healthy is one of the most empowering things you can do. Healthy mind, healthy body. Staying connected with people (so much easier nowadays) helps your mental health. Eating well helps you stay physically healthy.As does sleeping for the recommended seven hours a night. Staying healthy gives you the independence to get around under your own steam – whether that’s walking into town or jumping in your car to go on a longer journey.
Own a reliable car
Cars have always been a symbol of freedom and independence. They allow you to go where you want, when you want, to explore new places without being limited by rail strikes or air traffic meltdowns. Few things beat sitting behind the wheel with just the open road ahead of you – you’re in control of where you go. Owning a reliable car whether it’s a brand new model or a used BMW 4 series gives you this freedom.And if you keep an eye on your finances, there are so many ways to afford a car nowadays.
Create a nest egg
Keeping on top of money gives you freedom. Having a fall-back fund to get you through tricky financial spells – redundancy, anunexpectedbillor other costs– can give you independence. Maybe you want to leave your job but without money in the bank you can’t meet your bills, rent, or mortgage. So, make sure you build a savings pot over time that adds interest to savings. Investing in a pensioneither privately or through work can give you independence in your later years.
Be yourself
Ultimately the greatest empowerment is being yourself. Many people validate themselves by what others think of them – you only need to watch a gushing Oscar night speech to know that. But think how great your world would be if you didn’t care what people thought of you– which is distinct from not caring about other people! Focus on what you are good at and concentrate on your qualities not what other people think about your inevitable weaknesses. Take a ‘Messi can’t kick the ball with his right foot, does he care?!’ approach and feel the freedom.
