10/06/2022
6 daily habits that changed my life:
1. Waking an hour earlier than I was used to in the mornings. I won't say there are so many ridiculous benefits to waking up early since I'm sure you hear that from your parents and other chirpy morning people. I wanted to wake up an hour earlier than I was used to because I wanted to have that hour to myself. There were no unreasonable demands I had from myself regarding why I needed this small practice. Sometimes I lie in bed and think about the things I want to do for the day, sometimes I'll read the morning newspaper, and sometimes I walk around my apartment and munch on some fruit, whatever prepares me for the day ahead. All I know is that the extra hour in the morning is a game-changer for my mental health.
2. Journaling. I know, I know, I keep bringing up journaling. If you don't write about yourself, do you know yourself? What is there to think about if you don't?
3. Cooking my food with intention. I try to cook at least two meals every day infused with my significant intentions for the day. I used to hate cooking because I did it so often, thinking it was a chore and an added responsibility. Not going to lie, some days, I still feel like it is a mind-numbing chore, but then on other days, I put my intentions into cooking. Sorry if it sounds too woo-woo to you, but I try to put my love towards myself or the thought that I cook healthy food because I love myself in my food, and it makes the process of doing an ordinary chore so much more loveable.
4. Walking. I'm not sure if you care, but I have a dire stomach ailment that is more manageable with walking. Walking around an hour makes all the symptoms passable in my daily life, and it's good for my overall physical, emotional and mental well-being that I'm happy to die on a hill that was conquered by walking.
5. Having a hobby that helps you relax. I have a bunch of them that helps me destress and relax. Sometimes, I watch Netflix. I also read books. I'm in love with making art. There are times when I talk to my friends and crack bad jokes. Sometimes, I stare at the night sky. I believe having a hobby is crucial for our sanity in this multi-layered world that stresses us so much.
6. Yoga. You knew this was coming, didn't you? How can Anjali go on without talking about the Anjali mudra? I'm not sure, my friend, why people don't stretch so often? Stretching out your muscles is a good thing. When I'm having a bad day, twenty minutes of stretching while practising yoga gives me the buoy in the storm I need. Why wouldn't you practise yoga every so often when you get stronger, flexible, and happier?
