Aparna’s Musings on Life – Series 6 – Do You Give Time for Yourself?

 Life is busy always but the pandemic had turned it up a notch on a whole new level. Stress added with household chores gets added to work. Time goes up in a haze leaving you stressed, frustrated, restless and a nervous wreck. When you want to sleep you don’t feel like sleeping. So you end up scrolling social media, youtube or binge watching web series or movies online. As a result the quality and the quantity of sleep is lost. If you don’t get enough sleep it adds to the stress and makes you irritable throughout the day; maybe accompanied by a nagging headache.

I can hear you saying “Story of my life!” It directly or indirectly takes a toll on your physical health, emotional well – being and overall satisfaction in life.  You might be going through a tough phase in life at this point of time due to the financial crisis and economic slowdown coupled with stress at home with work. This is just for you!

“Relax, take a deep breathe! Spend sometime for yourself. Talk to your heart and soul. Listen to it for a while. Find that inner peace, calm your mind. Find that little ray of hope in your heart! That’s is your strength. Listen to that small voice in your heart which says you will get through this tough phase! That’s the power to make yourself hopeful! Feel the energy within you! Find your inner joy and optimism. Listen to your heart! Feel the energy and confidence flow within you. Believe in yourself and fight against the fears that raise within you. It is ok to be afraid but it does not make sense to trust the fears too much. Be inspired to change your world. Trust resilience to be your companion.”

The ideal way to care for yourself:

Step 1 : Appreciate and love yourself no matter what.

You might look fat, fit, slim, skinny, obese or whatever. You are unique just the way you are! If you want to work on yourself and commit to change your looks then it must be completely your choice.

Step 2: Forgive yourself :

You made mistakes in your past or present. Do yourself a favour by forgiving yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t pity yourself.

Step 3: Allot yourself 5 mins everyday:

Start with doing simply nothing. Sit in a quite place, lock yourself in if you think you might be disturbed. You don’t have to meditate or be worked up to do anything. Just close your eyes and sit still. If you think you need, set an alarm. Ensure not to use any gadgets or plan anything in your head.

Step 4: Talk to yourself :  aloud too if you think it makes sense to you.

Step 5: Get enough sleep everyday. Find a way to relax yourself at the end of the day. May be some music or deep relaxation meditation could help.

Step 6: Put yourself a priority even before your family. Because your family needs you to take care of them.

Step 7: Take a break for yourself once in a while. Spend a few hours in solitude. Your alone time will give you lot of answers to your burning life questions.

Step 8: Believe that LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! Remember that whenever you are upset, This too shall pass!

As Katie Reed says: “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what is left of you!”

Take sometime for yourself!

Signing off,

Aparna S