“The better you know yourself, the better your relationship with the rest of the world.” Toni Collete
On Monday I asked myself, When was the last time I went straight from work to my home to just chill, read a book and think about my life? Since it’s been a while, I decided to make this my day and take a break from everything and everybody. Time much needed.
All I can say, it was wonderful. I realized I can spend hours hearing and discovering new music; I can eat humus and chips until I feel like it was my dinner; I can write clearly and concisely; and I can regroup my thoughts about what’s going on with my life.
That’s why I consider everybody should take few hours for themselves every week to clarify where they stand in their life.
What to do?
Unplug yourself
Give yourself a break, stop checking your text’s, stop looking at Facebook, Twitter, and anything social. Taking time for yourself doesn’t involve putting a status on FB saying “Alone at my house thinking about my life”. Please don’t do that. You don’t need distractions, what you need is a break from others and time for you and only you. So, turn off the phone and don’t check any social media accounts.
“Writing about feeling disconnected has enabled me to connect, and that has been the most lovely thing of all.” Marian Keyes
Meditate
Meditation is amazing. I started doing meditation a few years ago when I began doing Yoga. It’s hard at the beginning, but if you practice to silence your thoughts for a while you will feel more serene and calm afterwards. Meditation can improve your creative thinking, your energy, stress levels and even your success. So, why not giving it a try?
“Meditation is all about the pursuit of nothingness. It’s like the ultimate rest. It’s better than the best sleep you’ve ever had. It’s a quieting of the mind. It sharpens everything, especially your appreciation of your surroundings. It keeps life fresh.” Hugh Jackman
Start writing
I know a lot of people who don’t enjoy writing, but for me is great. I write on my journal every two weeks about what’s going on in my life and my feelings. It’s private thing and it’s very liberating. Sometimes is better to put in words what you can’t say out loud. Benefits of this? Clarify your thoughts and feelings; know yourself better; reduce stress; solve problems more effectively; and resolve disagreement with others.
“Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.” Robert A. Heinlein
Ask this questions
1) Are you satisfied with the decisions you been taking lately? If not, explain. Then ask, How I can improve this? Find solutions, look at your weakness, give yourself advice. If you are satisfied with your decisions, give yourself a compliment.
2) Are you giving your best at work and relationships? We always can do better, so stop and think if you are being productive in work and if you are giving quality time to those people who loves you.
3) How you been feeling lately? Be honest here. Are you satisfied with your life? Do you spend your free time wisely? This is the perfect time to check in yourself and find what’s going on and maybe find better ways to improve your persona.
The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others. Erik Erickson
If you try this steps for a few hours a week I assure you will increase your happiness, your awareness in life situations and you completely will feel in control of you and the things in life you can or can’t change. Personal time is ‘time’ well spend…it’s precious and is more valuable because you are getting to know yourself. Don’t dwell on doing this and don’t be afraid of dealing with your feelings. It’s better to check yourself than to ignore what’s going on.
Have a good day!
xoxo,
Cristina
