I’m pretty sure you don’t look after yourself enough, just like I don’t either. The fact that I’m not giving myself enough self-love dawned on me some weeks ago.
Did I do anything about it?
Well, I promised myself to start to look after ME more from now on. I’d start by adding “me time” to my daily schedule, which I draw up every morning.
Did I do that? No, I forgot about it — again. I didn’t enter these meetings with myself in my To-Do List, resulting in me not following the planned plan. This little fact kept creeping back into my mind several times a day, bothering me.
Damn, I have to write this down as soon as I stop what I’m doing, I told myself many times.
I talk to myself a lot, you know, mostly when I’m out on my fitness walks or driving my motorbike. The idea behind my self-talk is to motivate and remind myself what I need to accomplish today.
Oh yes, and a lot of the self-talk is about positivity. Things can come up potentially push your mindset into negativity, such as a busy, stressful calendar or being rushed.
I watch that like a hawk these days.
When I find myself thinking a negative thought, complaining, or getting mad, I immediately say; Rob, stop, all is good, you are great, all is fine, and you’ll be even better in 5 minutes if you stay focused!
Be happy, smile, and stay positive!
Then I’ll laugh at the situation, myself, and I’m back on the happy track, guns blazing.
It works every time!
And this is why it’s so important to motivate yourself to create and execute your happy plan! Because your happiness and a positive mindset depend on you treating yourself well.
But you know how it is; we often put ourselves last in favor of our other responsibilities. Next, you realize you’ve run out of time to implement your happy time.
Let’s take a look at my Happy Plan — starting today.
Walking.
I Fitness or Power Walk 2 to 3 times daily. I try to beat 10000 steps a day, which breaks down to around 6/7 miles. Spending time walking the beach, forest, back roads fulfills me, resulting in instant happiness as soon as I’m out there, clocking up the miles!
If you can’t walk outside, walk on a treadmill, with the machine at its maximum incline. Please don’t walk on the flat — the speed band carries half your movement, making the walk less effective.
Meditation.
I’m now going to meditate twice a day — 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes before dinner. I know I won’t do it if I leave it until bedtime.
Stretching.
I forgot about stretching for months — thus, my calves are cramping in the mornings. From now on; 2 light stretches after my walks.
Massage.
Again, I hadn’t treated myself to a massage in over 6 months, until yesterday, when I had a foot and head massage. It was wonderful, and 3 massages a week are now firmly set in my schedule.
Swim.
I live on a tropical island and haven’t swum for weeks and weeks. I will swim for 15 minutes every day now.
Sunbathe.
Ok, I get plenty of sun exposure and vitamin D during my walks, so I’m good there.
Jacuzzi/Sauna/Steam.
I couldn’t find any open in the gyms here yet. I’ll keep looking as I love a Sauna or Steam, plus Jacuzzi chill time. They work wonders for the body and mind.
Breathing.
All the rushing around of late hasn’t had me focusing on my breathing at all. I’m taking a few 5-minute slots a day just to sit/lie still, relax, and think about nothing — just taking deep breaths.
Deep breathing is soothing for your mind and soul, plus helps your mind re-set to be sharper.
Rounding up the Wellness.
You may say the classic words; “I don’t have time for all of that.”
I say you do. We all do; we simply need to make these minor appointments with ourselves, write them on your To-Do List, and do it!
Making you a priority will result in far happier and productive you. Your mind, body, soul, and ultimately your overall health will thank you.
Please view my short video.
Thanks for reading,
Rob
