Todays blog is about the need to be positive (again!). I recently re-read my June 2020 blog called "Positively Locked down?"and while I don't think i'm back to that feeling, these latest restrictions have definitely been an unwelcome halt in Singapore's (and our own mental) recovery. Here is the link to last years blog:
So in the words of a friend "Its time to get your positive pants on" and for want of a better phrase "make shit happen". Here are 5 Habits / Ideas to get yourself out of a funk over the next 30 days.
1. Fitness
I seem to say this to people all the time but there really is no better time to focus on your personal fitness. Its time to immerse yourself in something that is physically challenging which will force your body and mind to perform. "challenging" can mean any number of things to different people:
- Complete a 30-day hot yoga challenege
- Run 5km a day,
- Walk 15-20,000 steps per day
Whatever your challenge is, make it daily, Make it achievable and just get going!
2. Try meditation
Here are some of the many science-based benefits from regular meditation:
- Reduces stress
- Controls anxiety
- Promotes emotional health
- Enhances self-awareness
- Lengthens attention span
- May reduce age-related memory loss
- Can generate kindness
- May help fight addictions
Im not sure about you but I could use a bit more of all of the list above right now.
3. Hit the beach
Okay we can't go on holiday at the moment, it sucks... but we can create a holi-DAY at the beach? Put your 'out of office' reply on, Pack your suntan lotion, a good book and head to the beach for the day. Its cheap, easy and really does help. The idea of the day is to recuperate - so avoid using your phone and use the time to rest your eyes from screens if possible.
Although this would be a great time to also rest your liver, sometimes there is nothing better than a ice cold beer or cocktail in the sun. If this helps you get to the relaxation high then go for it!
4. Eliminate that 1 thing you know is not good for you
Usually we know what is bad for us and we still can't stop. Do you have something in your life that drains your energy? It could be a good time to identify it and try to eliminate for 30 days.
- Gaining too much weight? ease up on the bread and/or desserts this month
- Waking up feeling groggy? Ditch the alcohol and change to sparkling water
- Cant sleep? Cut down on your screen time, especially after dark
Eliminating these bad habits will give you more energy. We need more energy in our lives if we want to think positively and maintain good mental health and get through these mentally challenging times.
5. Call your family/friends more often
ET wouldn't shut up about calling home, we need to be more like ET! Admittedly, I am terrible at this and its something we have tried to make a regular habit - calling home and talking to my family. Its a lazy habit that my wife is always scolding me about and the truth is that i always feel good afterwards. Call home moreLets face it...we need each more than ever :)
Thats my list. added to the previous lockdown list, thats quite a bit to get on with and helping us staying positive and energetic, while we wait for the world get back to normal.
What daily habits are keeping you positive right now?
Like, comment and/or share if you liked this post. Start a discussion in the thread :)
Nathan