The best version of you blooms when you support your mental well-being and maintain a lifestyle that backs it up.
While nothing about 2020 feels celebratory for anyone. I’ll consider it a success, especially as a single mother managing a business, a team at work, and several other major projects alongside doing second-grade with my seven-year-old daughter during a pandemic.
In these times of uncertainty, I’m learning to appreciate everything I have. Plus overcoming hurdles to continually meet my goals and objectives, has made me realize that to save space for myself to be well is necessary for my mental health and productivity. I found myself slaying goals at the job, working on client projects into the wee hours of the mornings, then having to get my little one up for virtual school, and repeating the cycle all over again.
If I’m honest, powering through wears you thin. So I’ve had to set some ground rules and discover new ways of caring for myself to create abundance in the areas that actually make life worthwhile. And because your outside is a reflection of your inside, when you get healthy, your environment starts to change too.
I needed to create space that actively supports and enables me to feel God’s presence, live fully, and become my best self. When you start to truly take care of yourself, you will start to truly look, feel, and attract better. And because you can ever only attempt to gain mastery over yourself, below are a few things you can do to help create space and set up life to support you.
Create a morning routine
The way you start your mornings essentially sets the foundation for your day, at least from my experience. Sticking to a morning routine has been helping me to have better days. Instead of starting the day by checking my emails or social media, I’ll try to kick my day off with a prayer. Next, I make my bed and drink some water then I make breakfast for the little one. I’ll have a cup of tea or hot chocolate as I get her ready for her online classes.
Give yourself grace
When you lead as busy a life as me, being organized and setting boundaries will go a long way to being productive and getting things done. However, the truth is, there are days when just like all advice it’s easier said than done. You are not going to get it right all the time, because you’re not perfect. Do the best you can, and that’s what matters.
Sit outside and get some sun on your face
Whether it is taking the little one to the pool, walking to the mailbox, or sitting on the bench under the tree to get some fresh air. Getting outside has become an intentional practice. COVID makes going out anywhere feels like a task these days…You have to remember your mask and try not to come into close contact with anyone outside of your household. However, exposure to sunlight triggers and boosts ‘feel-good’ chemicals, plus research shows that people who spend more time outside tend to be happier.
Put on something you love
Truthfully, these days I’m enjoying getting dressed and keeping it cute at home. Comfy and chic loungewear has been my go-to lately, and it’s been boosting my confidence. Feeling good is about choice. And since life is requiring more from us than ever before. You will find that touching up your face and hair for good measure will go a long way to brighten up your day.
Set boundaries
Boundaries – physical or emotional, are essential to a healthy life. Having healthy boundaries simply means knowing and understanding your worth and your limits. Setting and sustaining boundaries is a skill that many of us don’t learn, but it is an important part of self-care and a crucial part of mental wellness. Personally, I’m starting to get better at recognizing my own needs so I know what boundaries to set, and communicating it to others.
