I gave a presentation at a workshop last week on resilience and good mental health habits. So much of our resilience comes from a healthy mind.
The biggest problem most people have in improving their mental health is a lack of self-love or self-respect. The impact of this is that we don’t give ourselves the time and care to be at our best.
I am at my best when I exercise or have quiet time down at the beach every morning. I start my workday a little later to accommodate this now, something I would not have done in the past. Previously, work came first, then family and my personal priorities often fitted in around that as best they could.
I’m learning to surf now at the ripe old age of 61. Its good for my spirit to learn something new, let alone the joy of being out on the water in the morning. This morning I went out with my son who is also new to the sport. We didn’t carve it up, but we had fun together, had a few laughs and talked some crap, as you do.
I rarely compromise on giving myself this time. It sets up my day, makes me happy and fulfilled and consequently I have more energy and focus when I do sit at my desk.
Healthy self-love also means that I am more likely to choose something good to eat as opposed to some quick junk.
It also means I will prioritise taking a break every hour to have a walk, stretch, grab a cuppa, rather than doing “just a bit more”. Its not only good for me, but it boosts my effectiveness when I do sit down again.
Just how much do you value your physical, social and emotional well-being? It should be the most important part of your day. Your work and relationships are both better for it. You deserve it, you are worthy of this time. Just do it.