A walk refreshes not only your mind and body but also your perspectives on anything. Sitting down too long and working on something can, at times, cause a block or murky feelings. Just taking a small break and walking will totally refresh everything. If you have never tried it, why not do it next time?
Stay hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated with water throughout the day makes you function better than usual. Staying in a tropical country such as Singapore, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Lack of water gets your energy levels depleted and tired. If drinking plain water is boring, try new ways to keep yourself hydrated. An example would be adding lemons to your drinking water or consuming fruits. When adding new items to your diet it is always best to do it slowly so that your body is given time to get used to it.
Focus on Positivity
We always have a choice on what we can focus on. You would have heard many times that whatever we focus on, that will grow. Whenever you feel anxious and get pushed to think or have negative thoughts, turn it back to positive thoughts. One way is to take consistent conscious breaths to clear your mind and thoughts. At times, when negative thoughts hit you, stop whatever you are doing and take a short walk. It will help you clear your mind, and thoughts and will refresh you (point number 1).
Our mental health is our responsibility. Do not blame anyone for the condition of our mental health. Take ownership and be responsible for our health. Slowly introduce new things to your life to move away from negativity. It can be a small effort – but it matters.
Another year will be over soon. We will be welcoming another new year soon. Anything new offers us an opportunity to look at things from a new perspective. I write journals or reflections daily. For the coming new year, 2022, I have purchased a planner and a Pursebook from Mori. Mori is a women-run business, giving opportunities for women to earn a living while supporting their families.
I do not believe in restricting the Mother’s Day wishes to those who are already mothers. This wish applies to all who takes on the role of a lead, guide and support to anyone.
Lastly, I would like to thank our Mother Earth that has always been doing her work for all of us. Let us take this opportunity to remember her too.
“And once the storm is over You won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, that the storm is over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, You won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm is all about.” ~ Haruki Murakami ~ (from his novel “Kafka on the Shore”)
“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.” ~Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist~
Each of us must try to get active for 30-45 minutes each day. There are many ways to get active indoors. Some of the ways will be through qigong, tai chi, yoga, meditation, home exercise types of equipment such as the treadmill, etc.
The lesser things you have, the more positive energy flows in. Are there things that need cleaning/clearing at your surroundings, closets, kitchen cabinets, etc.? When you are focused on cleaning/clearing, it will relieve you from the stress.
Focus on hobbies that increase your creativity. When your creativity levels are high, there is no place for stress and negativity. There are many online options available.
Spend more time with the plants and feel connected and grounded to nature. Some things you can consider is to grow a new type of plant, repot an existing plant or redecorating your garden space.
Are you feeling angry and stressed? You can always write out your thoughts and feelings in a journal. By doing that, not only you are releasing all anxiety to the paper, you are lightening the load from yourself.
With all the panic buying and stockpiling, this can be a bit challenging. Let’s be creative and create simple dishes or bake new items to try.
9. House Improvement Works
You can consider repainting your home or doing some simple home improvement works. And if you are intending to paint walls, why not use the stencils and get creative?
Do you still have old books stored away? It will be a good time to get them to re-read. If your nearby library is closed, you can also consider reading the electronic version of books.
12. Origami
A standard size paper of 75 x 75mm and you can make amazing crafts. It is a fantastic activity for the whole family. But do take note that origami paper comes in several sizes.
“We are like children building a sand castle. We embellish it with beautiful shells, bits of driftwood, and pieces of colored glass. The castle is ours, off limits to others. We’re willing to attack if others threaten to hurt it. Yet despite all our attachment, we know that the tide will inevitably come in and sweep the sand castle away. The trick is to enjoy it fully but without clinging, and when the time comes, let it dissolve back into the sea.” ~ Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times ~
Blog by Esther Neela M. 