Do Hard Things : 2021 Planning - Part 2
Sometimes we neglect our feelings and continue to half-function in the fog of stress and exhaustion. It's necessary to look inward and check our heart and mind inventory to see what needs to be restocked or changed. Here are a quick set of questions you can walk through when you need to pump the brakes and check in with yourself:
- Do I feel anxious? | What are things that may be causing my anxiety?
- Is my inner dialogue negative or positive?
- Have I created space to rest and prioritize my mental and physical health, or have I pushed my needs aside for someone or something else?
- Who or what did I put before my core needs?
- What two things will I do in the next 24 hours to achieve rest?
(Below is a list to help you get started).
| Go for a run, walk, or hike.
| Call a friend.
| Read a book.
| Turn off my phone for at least an hour.
| Create something- write, paint, decorate a room in your home.
| Stretch or do yoga.
| Take a nap.
I've had a few years now to build habits and work on this check-list approach to staying on track. There are times I have to check-in multiple times a day and their are times my habits and routine are rolling smoothly to keep my mind in a good place. I am now aware of how my body and mind react when I don't stick to my routine or when I'm not intentional with each day. In 2020 I worked to be more intentional with my mental health and that was just about the only priority I gave myself. I have not mastered how to be consistently aware, but now that I can reflect on the last few years and see the progress that has helped me tremendously.
We can do hard things, my friends. We can take inventory, establish a game plan, and take each day at a time to be healthier in mind, body, and relationships with others.
I'm glad we are all in this together.
