Hey guys! Welcome to yet another blog post.
We had been doing a little mini-series about skincare and haircare the past few weeks, and I have genuinely really enjoyed sharing my journey and current routine with you guys.
Now we divert a bit, and I share with you a couple of healthy habits you can start incorporating into your life, today.
we'll just get right into it :):
1.waking up early
This right here, has been life-changing for me. In the newsletter that just went out on the 1st of this month, I shared more on this (btw subscribe down below if you haven’t!).
When I wake up early, and have an early start to my day, it makes me feel like I'm somewhat in control of my day, instead of my day controlling me. I'm able to be productive, reaching my goals, completing my tasks, while having extra time to just chill, do something fun and play.
I have a sick habit to snoozing/ignoring my alarm, especially when I don’t have much to do that day, and I'm working on it! For the rest of this year, I actually want to master the habit of waking up early consistently, whether I have something to do that day or not. I'm currently reading this book called 'The 5am Club' by Robin Sharma and I'm liking it so far. You could also watch this video here by Mpoomy Ledwaba, talking about the book, as well as tips and benefits of having an early start to your day.
2. forgiveness and letting go
In this life, there will be people who hurt you, offend you and do you wrong. why? because we live in a fallen and broken world, and we are simply humans, at times we let what happened to us to inform our character and behavior. Instead of walking around weighed down, downcast, sad, angry and bitter about what someone did to you, choose to forgive and let go.
and no, I'm not saying just sweep your feelings under the rug, but actually take steps to let go of what someone did to you.
cry, it really helps to just let it all out.
talk to someone, open up and allow those who love you and are genuinely for you support you, and if you can, seek professional help, like a counsellor.
it's ok to delete their contacts or unfollow them from social media, if seeing them post triggers you, it may be best to take such steps.
most importantly, remember God's forgiveness. We sin, we make poor choices, we fall short everyday, but because of Christ and the free gift of salvation, He will never hold it against us. and the more we appreciate and see how much He's forgiven us, the more we can easily do the same for others.
so, forgive, let go, travel light and be happy.
3. being teachable and willing to learn
anybody who is an expert in anything now, was once a beginner. and even in their expertise, they are still learning, growing and knowing more.
stay teachable and be willing to learn. be willing to experience new things and hear new and fresh perspectives and views, that's how you grow. drop the 'know-it-all' attitude.
4. step away from the phone/internet and be present
it's no secret that we live in a very digital era, and our phones are almost always glued to our hands. At times, try to step away from the virtual world, that can be so consuming and distracting, and actually be present in your real life.
Spend time with your family, reach out and help a friend. learn a new skill, read a book or go for a walk. just be present.
5. take care of your body
your body is the vessel that you live in, and are able to do stuff with here on earth. might as well take good care of it right?
a) get moving-do some exercise and even begin a workout regimen. for a start, you can begin by taking daily walks around your neighborhood, or you could go on YouTube and try some workouts, there are so many you could choose from! if you find normal workouts boring, you could try dance-cardio workouts, you get to have fun, break a sweat, burn calories and get healthy all in one package. don't know where to start? I gatchu! check out Hiphop fit workouts by Mike Peele or Growwithjo workouts. These are good places to start.
b) eat healthy - you don't have to go on a strict diet, just try and eat mostly whole healthy foods with treats here and there. I saw a poster the other day that said 'let food be your medicine, before medicine becomes your food '
c)also drink water and stay hydrated -invest in a water bottle and even download a water tracking app to remind you when to drink, so that the habit sticks. My friends make fun of me sometimes because of the massive water bottle I always carry around, but y'all drink your water lol.
6. step outside sometimes
go out and smell the roses, literally. With people working and schooling remotely, it can get really monotonous, and it isn't very healthy to stay sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time. get up, stretch, take a walk, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, take a deep breath of fresh air. It is so refreshing and will motivate you to perform your tasks, since taking breaks can increase productivity.
7. reach out and be to others what you need
at times, we usually complain that we don't have this thing or that thing, or at the way people treat us. but at times, we need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we are doing to make someone's life better. you want kindness, when is the last time you did a kind thing to or for someone? you want more friends? how are you treating the ones you have now? you want others to serve you? when was the last time you did something nice for someone, that wasn't out of necessity or obligation?
8. process and feel
it does you no good to suppress things and suffer in silence. it will show up in other areas in your life, and you'll hurt people who have nothing to do with whatever is bugging you. being vulnerable and opening up isn't weakness, it's very brave and a sign of strength. you don't have to suffer alone, or do life alone. at times the issue isn't that we don't have support, but we ourselves don't allow others to support us.
9. say yes to help, or delegate
it's totally okay to ask for help. you can't do it all, all the time, by yourself. and this applies in all areas, in your schoolwork, home duties or at work. don't exhaust and overwork yourself, at times ask a helping hand or even delegate the responsibility to someone you trust, so you can breathe, pour into your cup, r&r (rest and recover), then come back stronger.
10. have boundaries
I could talk for dayssss
but boundaries are important to have, both with yourself and other people.
For example a boundary with yourself can look like this:
'I won't check my phone first thing in the morning because it is likely to distract me, I will waste time and I will probably see something negative that will affect my mood for the rest of the day. so I will put my phone aside and ease into my day instead.'
with others, it can look like this: let's say with receiving calls and replying to texts after a certain time of the day:
'After 9pm I will not be receiving any calls or respond to any texts (unless urgent) because I need to rest or have some one-on-one time with my family. I will respond the next day, first thing in the morning.'
I hope you're catching my drift :)
Anyway friends, Thank you for reading this post! I appreciate you and I hope you have learnt a thing or two, and would incorporate some of these habits in your daily life :).
Feel free to like and share this post, and if you haven't subscribed, feel free to input your e-mail below.
I'll see you on the next one!
xoxo
BK.
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