Currently praying that 2021 will be better than this year. Understandably, this year has been difficult for all of us, I don’t think I know one person who had a problem-free year, except maybe Jeff Bezos. One thing I can say, is that we’re all a year older now, we’ve learnt and grown as people. We’ve become more empathetic and connected to ourselves and those around us. We understand each other more because in the end, we all went through a tough year.
Since I’ve started university, I’ve created a routine. I realise now how vital having a routine is, it gives you so much guidance and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve incorporated a few new ideas into my everyday routine and I feel like it’s helped me a lot and hopefully it’ll help you.
1. Make a routine
You’ve got to make a routine first before you start doing all these other things! Think about what you do on the daily, whether it’s university or work or nothing at all, you need to think about what you do everyday. Of course what you do daily will differ once in a while or everyday, depending on what you’re doing. So I think sitting down and writing out what you do everyday, like now I’ll be getting my timetable for next semester and I’ll plan my routine around that. Once you know what you’re doing for the day or the week, you can add in.
2. Listening to a podcast
I know podcasts have become very in and some of you may already listen to them but try listen every day. In the morning when I wake up, I immediately listen to Affirmation Pod with Josie Ong. They’re about 10 minutes long and I can start my day off well. I put the podcast on, open my blinds, lie in bed or sit up, and listen. I don’t go on my phone, otherwise I will zone out lol, so keep your phone screen down and just listen.
I feel so grounded and balanced when I listen to Josie’s podcasts, she has a variety from affirmations, to meditations, to focusing on your day and I can choose one depending on my mood for the day.
I also love MOOD by Lauren Elizabeth. These are much longer, ranging from 30 min to an hour long. I’ll listen to one when I’m getting out of bed and getting ready to go downstairs and do my morning stretches and I feel that listening to something really helps. Generally we’re always watching series and not really focusing on what we need. We often don’t listen, whether that’s listening to others or listening to ourselves, it’s important to pause and listen to what we want and need. Lauren brings people onto the show to talk about a variety of topics and I get drawn in each time.
3. Stretching
After getting ready, I’ll come downstairs and do some stretches, most of the time while listening to Lauren Elizabeth’s podcast. I warm up my body a bit because it’s better to stretch warm than cold. Do some hip thrusts, some supermans and some twisting. After that, I’ll stretch out my back and glutes since I need to become more flexible there lol. I feel relaxed after stretching and it helps centre me before I start working. You could watch some YouTube for stretches or do some yoga, whatever suits you! It makes me feel good and ready to start my day.
4. Eating a wholesome meal
I don’t know about you, but I eat a lot and I need fuel in the morning. Don’t skip out on the most important meal of the day, you need the energy. Try having some oats or avo on toast. I’ve started to drink a lot more iced coffee than I’d thought I would but I feel like I need the energy nowadays. Even starting to plan out your meals might help with stress because it takes some weight off your shoulders. You need to think about what your body needs to face the day.
5. Journaling
Now I’m a culprit of this one too. I want to start journaling and try out the whole gratitude journal thing, if it’ll help with my anxiety, I’ll give it a shot! I’m very excited with my new journal purchase to use and love next year, although I think I’ll need just a blank journal for the gratitude one. I think being able to look on how you felt on certain days is quite special and you can see how you’ve grown in a few months. I’m going to try incorporate this into my life so I hope that you will too!
6. Tarot reading
As you know, I’ve become more interested in spirituality and connecting with myself. I’ve started to do weekly tarot card readings to give me guidance and make me feel at ease. I love doing these readings because I feel grounded and connected to myself. I need to learn a bit more about it, as my mom is the one that knows all the means of the cards and it helps to have her there to clarify, so guess who I’ll be phoning each time I need help with a reading! Even if you try incorporate some form of spirituality into your routine, it will help. Try meditation and do some research on what you feel will work for you.
That’s all for today my beauties. Look after yourself this holiday season!
