While there’s no specific action plan for becoming the best version of yourself, self-improvement is something anyone can start working on at any life stage. From fitness to mindset shifts, there’s no shortage of paths toward a better you. Consider these ideas for living a better, healthier life with Total Impact Martial Arts

Minimize Daily Stressors

Stress can put a damper on your self-improvement efforts. After all, when life gets busy, it’s hard to feel calm and collected. Minimizing daily stressors can get you back on track.

Hopkins Medicine recommends taking time to identify what triggers your stress. Then, you can decide whether practical steps or a mindset shift will be most impactful. For example, you might decide to leave an emotionally draining job or approach a problem in a new way.

Finding ways to let off steam will also help reduce stress and keep you grounded. Developing healthier habits and defending against negative energy in healthy ways are two must-do steps for minimizing stress.

Change Up Your Exercise Regimen

You know exercise is good for you, so it’s an instrumental part of self-improvement. But there are more benefits to working out than losing weight or getting stronger. Psychology Today calls exercise a natural antidepressant, pointing out that studies confirm exercise benefits like brain growth, endorphin creation, and lowered stress hormones.

Plus, exercise like taekwondo can even level up your career; it teaches discipline and control and challenges you. Physical activity can get you in the right mindset to tackle professional and personal goals, and it’s great for your body, too.

Exercise can also boost your confidence in your appearance. But what you wear also matters; look for clothes that feel good without sacrificing style.

Prioritize Staying Hydrated

Drinking more water might sound like a simple solution to complicated problems, but research shows it is a viable solution to many health issues. Cleveland Clinic confirms that proper hydration levels lead to better-lubricated joints, more functional organs and cells, improved digestion, and even more energy.

You don’t need to drink an entire gallon of water every day to reap the benefits, but sipping H2O throughout the day can make a huge impact on your overall health. It’s also an easy way to improve your health if you drop sugary drinks in favor of plain water.

Try a New Career Path

Career stagnancy can wreak havoc on your mental health and self-worth, not to mention your finances. Data from Pew Research suggests that job switching boosts about 60 percent of workers’ earnings. It might be time to try a new professional path to rejuvenate your career and meet new challenges—plus gain in wages.

To get started on a career pivot, dust off your resume and update your skills, experience, and academic background. A CV template can help you make it all look professional and eye-catching with custom colors, images, and photos.

Start Your Own Business

If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself, flex all your professional abilities, and do work that you love, consider starting a business. Running a company gives you freedom and independence from a 9 to 5 job, which can be great for mental health and overall happiness.

No matter where you are in your career or life, launching a business is feasible. In fact, one large-scale study of entrepreneurship found that “successful entrepreneurs are middle-aged, not young.” Growing a company in your 40s or later may offer higher odds of success.

Of course, you must file the required paperwork to start your business right. For example, forming an LLC and establishing a registered agent keeps your business running smoothly and protects your assets.

Whether you take on a career pivot, launch a company, or start hitting the gym more often, self- improvement is easier than you might think. A combination of self-care plus healthy challenges results in a positive change you can be proud of.