I’ve spent the last two weeks talking about ways to upgrade your life – your morning routine and managing your energy. Let’s land this upgrade plane with three action steps to optimize your lifestyle.

Upgrade Your Diet

The first is your diet. I’m not just talking about eating less donuts and processed foods (although that will help), I’m talking about food triggers. Some people can eat spicy food just fine, while others have intestinal issues. While gluten isn’t great for anyone, it could have minimal to no effect on some and have a debilitating impact on others. If you don’t know your food allergies or how inflammatory foods affect you, for example, consider taking upgrade action steps by visiting a dietitian to help you understand what might be problem areas for you so you can optimize what you eat – and don’t eat – to feel your best. Upgrade your diet, if you will.

The other category within diet, is understanding your portion size and food ratios. How much protein, carbs & fats should you been eating to meet your goals? I follow a simple formula the helps me make the right choices at home and when I eat out. It’s not about being perfect, but being aware so that you understand how your choices impact how you feel. I’m always happy to share more about what I’m doing so reach out if you’re interested in learning more.

Learn Something New

Have you ever heard the phrase If you’re not growing, you’re slowing? The idea is that if you’re not learning something new, challenging yourself mentally, than you’re not only stuck but may be losing ground.

It’s how I refer to Over the Hill. If your world consists of the same activities and conversations, then you might be slowing. Find something that will challenge you and go for it. It could be a new hobby, learn something new like taking a class at the community college, taking on a new role at work, or even finding a coach to help you work through whatever has you blocked. Focusing on you does not make you selfish or high maintenance. It’s helps you be your best. How will you incorporate this upgrade action step?

Schedule Free Time

The last area I encourage you to explore is to schedule your free time as diligently as you do your work time. All work and no play doesn’t just make Susie a dull girl, it makes her frustrated, too.

Free time could be a grand vacation but could also be a nap, an hour at your favorite bookstore, or a night out with girlfriends. Just planning the activity has a positive impact on your mood as it gives you something to look forward to. But make sure you do it, too!

I’d love to hear if you’ve introduced any of these upgrade action steps into your life and how your upgrade is going.

Is getting a better handle on your emotions part of your upgrade plan? Start with discovering which emotion you lead with by taking my free quiz.