Six simple life hacks from Baylor profs to make your life better in 2020
Making a few small changes to your daily life could bring you a surprising amount of joy in the new year. Here are six suggestions from Baylor experts:
1. When it comes to vacation memories, focus before Facebook.
Want to preserve your memories? Process the experience and save posting the photo for later, says Baylor psychology/neuroscience chair Charles Weaver.
2. Trouble falling asleep? Take a few minutes before bed and write your to-do list for the next day.
Shooting for a better night’s sleep? Writing down your worries and unfinished tasks just before bedtime can help put those thoughts to rest (pun intended) and help you get better sleep, says Baylor psychology and neuroscience professor Michael Scullin.
3. Unplug and be present around your friends, family, and co-workers.
Want to improve your relationships (and even your own mental health)? Practice respectful screentime. Otherwise, you’ll likely find yourself in a vicious cycle — those who feel ignored over technology often turn to their own phones for solace, perpetuating the problem, explains Baylor researchers Meredith David and James Roberts.
4. Give your grief — and even your complaints — over to God.
Looking to better your relationship with God? Don’t try to hide your problems, or handle them on your own; take them to God. Such honest prayers, like those found in the Psalms, can actually help you grow in your walk with God, encourages Baylor religion department chair W.H. Bellinger Jr.
5. Take short breaks at work before your energy meter hits 0%.
Wish you enjoyed your job more? Simple mid-morning breaks can help enhance your work-life balance, keeping you from feeling depleting and trying to rush to get to the end of the day, says Baylor business professor Emily Hunter.
6. Look on the bright side of things.
Trying to reduce your stress level? How you interpret your situation has a surprising effect. Instead of saying ‘This is going to be the hardest test ever, and I’m going to fail,’ say ‘This is going to be a hard test, but I’m going to do the best I can.’ Even that slight shift in thought can make you less stressed, says Baylor psychologist Annie Ginty.
Sic ’em, Bears!