There are a lot of pieces to the health puzzle, but they don’t all have to be completed on the same day… or even during the same week. They can build off each other much like a puzzle. You’re not likely to sit down and complete a big puzzle all in one sitting. But day after day, week after week, you keep coming back adding more pieces until it’s complete. When trying to reach a health goal for myself, I try and look at it like building a puzzle. I take one day at a time and make one positive change per day. Some days, I have energy for more than one, but the important thing is that I stay committed to taking small actions each day. Here are some examples of things I do to incorporate greater health and well-being within myself:
Exercise
Eat well
Spend time in nature
Have enough alone time
Have enough together time
Keep self-care rituals at the center of every day
Meditate
Practice breath work / breathing exercises
Use positive affirmations
Journal and have self-reflection time
Have relaxation time – like taking a hot bath or getting a massage
Plan ahead, write things down, make a list, get organized
Some days, you might not be able to get out and exercise, but you can take a few minutes to read some inspirational material. Other days, you may feel too antsy to sit in meditation, but a run feels really good. Tend to your self-care routine the same way you would do a puzzle. Keep coming back to it day by day and do at least one thing that honors yourself. Be consistent (not perfect). Then, by the end of the week, you can look back and see all that you’ve accomplished. If, by the end of the week, you did not end up getting something done that you really intended to do, put it down as your number one priority to do next week, and forgive yourself.
Remember: the ultimate goal in doing all these practices is simply to feel good; to keep your spirits high and your body functioning well. If you are able to do this, you’re on the right track. Allow yourself to feel satisfied with yourself and proud of your efforts. By putting your self-care needs first, the Universe also puts your self-care needs first.