February is a challenging month formany people. Often, February is when we really start getting tired of all the cold and snow. We huddle in our homes hoping that things will get better. But instead of just waiting things out, why not devote February to self-improvement?
Consider these ideas for tasks to keep you active in February:
1. Call an old friend. If you’ve had a relationship you cared about that ended years ago, have you ever thought about re-connecting with that friend? We all seek to have healthy and enduring friendships. If you think there’s a chance you can revive a relationship you’ve missed, go for it.
2. Spend a Saturday with a parent. When was the last time you spent a whole day with a parent? If you’re like most of us, you haven’t done this much since childhood.
- Maybe you can help your mom clean out her kitchen cabinets or just watch a great movie together. You could ask your dad to come over for a homemade dinner and to spend a day or an evening with you.
3. Learn from an elderly person. Ask them tell you about their life’s work or experiences. As people age, they gain an enormous amount of talent, skill and knowledge. Why not use February as a time to tap into some of that information? You’ll be amazed at what you learn. Plus you’ll bring joy to the person you approach with your questions.
4. Volunteer. Call a local assisted living facility and ask to read stories to or take short walks indoors with the residents during the month of February each year. Knowing that you’ve given of yourself can do your heart good, even if it’s just an hour a week for a month or two.
5. Do a special work project. If you live in a place where the weather’s frigid in February, consider completing a special work project at home. Maybe you’ve tabled some project that requires a lot of extra research that you don’t have time to do at the office. Perhaps it’s a task you’ve wanted to do on your own but isn’t a priority from your supervisor’s standpoint.
- At any rate, utilize a couple of hours each week to immerse yourself in a work project that you’re interested in completing. Finishing the project will help you feel more emotionally attached to your work and remind you why you do the job you do.
6. Take a personal physical inventory. Do you ever reflect on your physical condition and appearance? Taking a personal inventory of your health is worth the time and effort.
- First, ask yourself how you’ve been feeling physically. Then, consider your physical appearance. Are you comfortable with the way you look? Is there anything about yourself you’d like to change? Perhaps you’d like to try a new hairstyle or use teeth whiteners to spruce up your appearance. Maybe you just want to lose that last 10 pounds.
For some, February can be a trying month. However, if you take advantage of this time to do some self-improvement activities, March will be here before you know it. And when spring comes, you’ll feel like you’ve already accomplished some of your self-improvement goals for the year.