We are a world that is always looking for the latest trends to help us enhance the quality of life. Weight loss plans, supplements, secrets to less stress in our lives — the list goes on. However, we are perfectly capable of creating a peaceful and healthy lifestyle for ourselves.
Exercise and Eat Well
I know, these are such cliché ways to take care of our bodies, but they are very important to our health and well-being. Many people dread going to the gym, but you don’t have to. Do any exercise to keep you healthy and moving. Life is busy, and sometimes when we focus so much on making time for the gym, we are pushed away from wanting to go. Do what you want and what is best for you. No one is the same, but taking care of your body with exercise decreases stress, makes us feel better, sleep better, and makes us want to be better. When we eat well, we feel well. Healthy foods are not intended to make us feel like crap and starve, they are meant to nurture our bodies. Dessert is not poison, so eat it once in a while. I think people get very intimidated by guidelines, but that is not the point. It is all about taking care of yourself to be your best self.
Take Time for Yourself
Life is so busy we sometimes forget that aside from cramming our schedule with appointments and work, it is important to set aside time to do what you want to do. Every day, I take a half hour to do something for myself. Whether that is drink a cup of coffee while watching an episode of my favorite show, or just going for a drive to do nothing, it is just what I need. Alone time is so important. We all need to get back to ourselves at some point during the chaos of the day. Its ok to do nothing, so don’t feel guilty for it. Also, don’t let yourself dwell on things you could be doing instead of focusing on yourself. It is only a half hour, not half of your day. If you schedule alone time into your day, it becomes like any other task you cross off of your planner, only this time, it was for you and helps you conquer the rest of the day with personal peace and a rejuvenated mind.
Go Outside
There is so much to see and appreciate outdoors. Explore the world. God created this beautiful earth for us to enjoy. Appreciate each sunrise and sunset. Breathe the fresh air to remind you that is all ok, soak in the sun to feel the warmth of the earth on days it feels cold and bitter. Go on a hike to overcome your personal mountains. Sit in a hammock with someone you love to remind yourself that the best things in life really are free.
Be Grateful
Say thank you. Begin each day with a grateful heart, reminding yourself that you are blessed. Pray more, worry less. Pray for others and yourself, that you can understand what you control and what you don’t. Thank God for the life you’ve been given on all days, good and bad. God is good all the time. Do what you can with what you have. Always remember that you can be a light on the darkest days, for you never know who needs exactly what you have to offer.
Detox Your Mind
While healthy eating and exercise detoxifies our bodies, the most toxic part of us is often our mind. It is cluttered with stressful events and stressful people. Letting people control your mind is exhausting and can truly harm your health and well-being. Letting bad habits drive you daily will one day ruin your life, and letting stressful events consume you will pollute you and rob you of peace. There is a quote that I think is perfect for these situations, “You never know how toxic someone is until you breathe fresher air.” Find no shame in letting these things go. Take care of yourself.
Find an Outlet
Everyone needs something to let them express themselves. We are all different, but it is so important to have an outlet where we can be ourselves completely. It is a self- healing process. You are the key to your own life, you know yourself best. Figure out what will help you along the twists and turns of life, release the restrictions the world has put on you, and get yourself through it.
There is Always Time
People often do not do any of these things because they don’t think they have enough time. There is always time. There is always time to do what makes you happy and there is always time to start over again if you need to. It’s never too late in your life to be your best and at peace with your life, it’s never too late to try something new, and it’s never too late to take care of yourself.
You are awesome, life is awesome — it’s time we start living that way.
