The best way to improve your life right now, is to take care of yourself.
Sometimes, we take care of others more than ourselves. But we ourselves are the source of all happiness and goodness – it must be the excess from our happiness that overflows into other’s cups. We are our priority. With our happiness, we can bring love and light into our lives as well as other’s lives. It will inevitably cause burnout when we try to fill or serve others without caring for ourselves.
I’ve discovered there seems to be a disconnect – almost an illogical way that I’m living my life. I seem to ignore signals from my body, also, recently a few of my perceptions have been challenged, so I would like to share these discoveries with you.
On learning
“I want to do this because it’ll make me a better person.” I say.
My friend disagrees. “Do things that will help you live the life you want.”
I’m still chewing on this concept, since I’m not sure what life it is I want yet. All I know is I wish to improve myself and be a better person, but “better” is always subjective and you can keep improving yourself forever. But “living our best life” will guide us to choose what we improve upon, and focus our energy – our time is rather limited, afterall. In the next few weeks I will endeavour to practise tying that energy to specific life goals.
On being productive
“…I’ll make fancier food, when I have more mental capacity/time”
My friend goes: “But you can put that towards other things?”
“extra time goes to fun/chilling out…”
That completely stunned me. No wonder I was having trouble being productive – because after being productive, there was no reward, there was always more to do and more things to be productive about.
After that, I tried to change my approach and give myself rewards and rest time for completing tasks on time, in addition to savouring the success of completing each item and staying on top of things.
On taking care of myself
I still marvel at the day I discovered that having chocolate can cheer me up.
Then there was the day where I discovered not drinking enough water during the day was the reason I woke up parched in the night.
Then realising going for a walk can really help clear my head.
And running makes me warm and toasty, and releases all my frustrations, sadness, and anger. I become happier afterwards.
Discovering that a nice smelling candle is pleasant.
Curling up on the sofa with a blanket is amazing.
Eating well can help me concentrate more.
Sneezing is my body telling me I’m not wearing enough, ditto with the blue fingernails.
Window shopping nice things makes me happy.
Marvelling at nature is great for the peace of mind.
With a car you can go anywhere, you’re free.
Reject taxing relationships. There are too many good people in this world to discover and hang around.
Taking regular breaks in between study helps with both my posture, back, eyes and actually increases my productivity.
Going out with friends is fun!
Who knew that self-care actually works?