Just a Small Shift: The Power of Doing Things a Bit Differently

I’ve lived in my current house and area for 13 years. Last week, a set of roadworks on a route I use almost daily meant I had to follow a diversion along various roads I haven’t driven down before. To my astonishment, I discovered that off one of them is a pretty little park I never knew existed.

This revelation, whilst hardly earth-shifting, I do appreciate, did give me a welcome shot of joy. It also got me thinking about how small, seemingly insignificant changes or shifts in the way we do things, or the habits we unconsciously form, can be surprisingly invigorating, Like a window opening and a breath of fresh air bursting in.

Turns out this isn’t just a flight of emotional fancy on my part. There’s actual scientific evidence which shows that making small changes can significantly improve mental wellbeing by boosting confidence, reducing stress, increasing productivity and promoting positive habits. Who knew.

It seems small, achievable changes build momentum and a sense of accomplishment, which in turn boosts self-belief and encourages you to do more of the same. Minor rather than major changes are easier to integrate into daily routines and are therefore more likely to become sustainable habits. And when they do, that leads to a sense of accomplishment and the incentive to confidently tackle larger goals. Add to that the emotionally stimulating pleasure of trying, discovering or exploring something new, and you can understand why small shifts can have such a significant impact.

The ripple effect of small shifts can be significant

With all of that in mind, here are some

Small shifts you can try

none of which are dramatic, but each of which could have the power to make you feel a bit better. Or more confident. Or happier. Or less stressed. Or all of the above.

Shift yourself more

You know I’m always going to talk about exercise when it comes to improving your physical and mental health, so here’s your gentle nudge to try incorporating some kind of exercise, or new, or different exercise into your life. I won’t say daily routine, because that feels like something bigger than a small shift, but see above for how it could easily become something you do manage to do daily.

Shift what you eat

Snacks are my downfall so swapping one of them for something healthier is a small shift I’m determined to do more often. A handful of nuts or some fresh fruit instead of a handful of Pringles. Adding veggies - or more veggies - to your meals, or choosing whole grains over white bread, rice or pasta are also easily manageable shifts (as well as tasty ones) which can make a heap of difference.

Shift your routine

Changing up the way you habitually do something - maybe your morning or evening routine - gives your brain and your emotions a surprising boost. Try taking a new route somewhere (see above). Even something as small as brushing your teeth with the other hand counts.

Shift your socialising

Contacting a friend - even if it’s just by way of a text saying you’re thinking of them - is a lovely mood booster, for you and the friend in question. Even better if you arrange to meet up. And sometimes saying yes to a social invitation that you think you don’t fancy, can lead to invigorating meet ups and conversations.

Shift your learning

Challenging your brain to learn something new is a great for your mood and mind. There’s no need set your goals high - don’t try learning a new language, rather just commit one word in a different language to memory. Or maybe you could master folding a fitted sheet (a video I did of this when I was editor of Woman’s Weekly was the most watched one we made! Sadly it doesn’t exist any more, but there are lots of others online)

Doing something a bit differently isn't about fixing anything. It’s not a to-do list for self-improvement. It’s more like giving your life a stretch. You know when you’ve been sitting in one position too long, and then you move and everything straightens and opens out? That.

Making small shifts says: “I’m still here. Still curious. Still growing.”

Being forced to do things a bit differently can make a refreshing change