The list of things to-do every day can be overwhelming: meeting deadlines at work, grocery shopping, taking the kids to sport practices, helping with homework, cleaning the house, cooking dinner...all very important must-do's. But I believe adding these five daily to-do's will create a more enjoyable and balanced life.
If you can't fit all the items on the list in your daily routine, I recommend picking the one that is the highest priority for you and start there.
Pray or Meditate
Time alone (however long that may be) praying or meditating relieves stress and can bring you to a place of calm and peace. In a world full of chaos, a few minutes of quiet is a great way to relax your body and rest your mind. Other benefits include better sleep, enhanced creativity, focus, and mindfulness.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
We are not meant to be alone. Connect with family and friends every day. This can be done in person or on the phone. It's important to build relationships, to share your life with others.
One way to foster friendships is to find something you love to do (volunteer or take up a hobby) and do it regularly in a group setting. You'll get to know some amazing people with like interests who could become lifelong friends.
Exercise + Sleep
Photo by Gustavo Fring
I grouped these two together because I feel they are equally important.
There are so many benefits to working out including the release of endorphins which helps boost your mood. Some other benefits include heart, bone, and muscle strength, flexibility, weight loss or maintenance, relief of physical pain, skin appearance, energy, a sense of accomplishment, and better sleep at night.
Sleep is important not only in allowing your body physically rest, but it is also when the body heals itself. Other benefits of sleep include being more alert, thinking clearer, making wiser choices, weight control, energy, and a sharper mind.
Help Someone
Every day when you turn on the news or look on the internet, someone or some group has caused an act of violence against another. This has to change and we can be that change.
We were made to love and help one another. Let others know they are cared about, that they matter, that someone is there for them. Help others.
Helping someone doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Give a hand to a co-worker who is struggling with their job, babysit for a friend so they can go to an appointment, donate clothes you no longer wear, open a door for someone, etc.
One act of kindness begets another.
Do Something for You
Photo by Daria Shevtsova
Now it's time to do something every day just. for. you. Whatever invigorates you or relaxes you or makes you smile - do that.
I have one friend that loves writing and she always says when she's writing that's when she's at her happiest. I have another friend that can tell the difference in the days she meditates in the morning and the days she doesn't. Neither one of these ladies spends hours and hours doing these things. Sometimes just a few minutes is enough.
Take a few minutes for you - you're worth it.
Rebecca ~
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