Author: Kim Thomas
As we start to see the new year looming in the distance, it’s time to think about what we want our futures to look like. For most of us, this means being happy, healthy, and safe. But, you can’t leave any of these to chance, and you don’t have to wait until you write your resolutions to enact positive changes in yourself that will last a lifetime.
Today’s Be Rooted blog offers practical tips and advice on how to be you at your very best every day.
Set Goals
Goals are what keep us moving forward. When we have something in sight, we strive to do our best to reach it. If you don’t have any current goals, now’s the time to set them. While yours will be unique to you, two great examples are to finish your education and to travel more.
If you’ve always tossed around the idea of getting your master’s, there has never been a better time to do that than today. You can go to school online and earn an MBA. This will help you in your personal and professional lives, by giving you the self-awareness you need to understand your leadership and management styles. You’ll also have an opportunity to boost your income because you will be an expert in business and business strategies. Plus, your children will get to see you work toward and achieve what might have been a childhood dream.
As for traveling, if you’ve never been outside of your hometown (or country for that matter), you should know that traveling leads to self-development and gives you a valuable opportunity to explore new cultures. Golden India Travel also notes that traveling is a form of hands-on education. Perhaps most importantly, when you step outside of your protective bubble, you get to meet new people with whom you may have never otherwise come into contact.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
Many of us are taught that when we experience and acknowledge our emotions that we are being unreasonable and overly sensitive. This is unfortunate, because the more we push our emotions away, the stronger they grow, especially when they are negative. Suppressing your emotions is not a natural defense mechanism. Our ancestors learned to listen to and react upon their “gut feelings” because they knew something that we have forgotten: our body and mind know what we need.
If you are struggling to learn or relearn how to live within your emotions without letting them control you, look for a positive outlet. One example is writing. Keep a journal, and write down things that bother you, scare you, and make you happy. Be Rooted journals are easy to carry with you so that you always have a place to place the thoughts and feelings in your mind and heart.
Treat Your Body Right
To be your very best, it’s not enough to simply take care of your mind and your emotions. You also have to prioritize your body. The ages-old advice of eating well and exercising applies here.
When you eat healthy foods, your body can rebuild itself cell by cell. And, by consuming antioxidants, which are found in things like blueberries and tomatoes, you can even improve your skin, according to Byrdie. Prioritize your plate by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
For exercise, you don’t necessarily have to focus on the gym. Any kind of cardiovascular activity can lower your chances of heart disease while also reducing stress. There are plenty of benefits of physical activity, including burning fat and creating lean muscle mass.
Being the very best version of yourself begins with you. You must stop learning to listen to what society says is right, and take your health and happiness into your own hands. Learn to live in your emotions, set goals that matter to you, and treat your body like the temple it was meant to be. A few small tweaks to your daily routine may be all you need to keep your crown straight so you can rule your own domain.
Image via Pexels
