15 NON-NEGOTIABLES I TICK OFF EVERYDAY
A lot of people have asked lately how I get through my day and what I do to not go stir crazy whilst stuck at home.
So, I’ve come up with a list of 15 things I get done everyday to help keep me sane…
Physical exercise – I train 5 times per week Monday – Friday and have the weekend off to let the body and mind recover. I combine weights, bike riding and body weight conditioning work into my routine. For me, getting my daily exercise in is crucial to how the rest of the day potentially pans out. Mentally it literally can be the difference between a good or a bad day. It just has to be done no matter what sort of mood I’m in or what my energy levels are.
Eat well – Same as exercise, it’s really important to eat well as this also has a bearing on the rest of my day. Lots of fruit, vegetables, nuts and good sources of protein make up the majority of my meals. At the moment I’m having 4-5 meals per day. I’m probably the most boring cook you’d meet but as long as the right nutrient contents get ticked off I’m easily pleased.
Learn, educate, read – Love reading, YouTubing and increasing my awareness about life and everything in it. Lately I’ve been listening to guys like Sam Harris, Alan Watts, Sadhguru, Joe Dispenza, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Christopher Hitchens. They all give me a greater perspective on things to help keep me grounded. These guys aren’t everyone’s cup of tea I get that. Point is there should always be room in your day to learn something new. Also studying the Greek language which I’m really enjoying.
Work – I guess it never stops when you’re the boss. Always something to do no matter how big or small. However, even though we can complain about work we often don’t realise that it’s essential as it can give us a sense of purpose and helps us grow. I’m grateful enough to be in an industry where I can have a positive impact on people and this certainly makes my job easier.
Make someone’s day – Whether it’s a 1:1 training session, a phone call, a face to face conversation or a simple text message or email, I make it a priority to give some positivity to at least one other person everyday. It’s one of my favourite things to do in the day.
Observe my emotions, thoughts, feelings – I make time to sit and be. It gives me a chance to observe what’s going on upstairs and therefore gives me the opportunity to break it all down and respond accordingly. For me, clearing my mind of the constant clutter is a super important box I tick. It helps me function properly and productively. It’s exercise for my mind.
Laugh – There’s always something to laugh at. Even if it’s by yourself. You just gotta find it. Laughter is the best medicine as they say.
Reflect – I often reflect on my day at the end of it as most probably do. How did I go? What did I achieve? Where did I fall down and how can I learn to be better next time. I’m far from perfect and can be very over critical of myself at times. I make mistakes but this reflecting also gives me a chance to acknowledge that, deal with it and move on.
Plan/dream/visualise – Gee where do I start here. Without revealing too much I have a ten year plan about what I’d like to accomplish. I also have a 24 hour plan on what I’d like to accomplish too. Even though you can only ever control your present moment situation, these steps can eventually lead to satisfying triumphs for your future self. Day by day is the key here though.
Be grateful – I make a conscious effort throughout the day to take a look around and acknowledge what I have. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of focusing on what we don’t have or what we may have lost. The difference is how we perceive it and the all important story we’re running through our head.
Dishes – I’m a neat freak. I can’t concentrate when there’s dirty dishes lying around. Call it OCD but for me it’s a must do every day.
Shower – Is it just me or is there something about water hitting your head and over your bod that is relaxing and therapeutic? It’s almost like everything around you stops. Whether it’s a nice hot shower before bed or a cool shower on a hot day, it’s so calming and enjoyable. It’s the simple things I guess. Morning and night for me.
Embrace everything, be present – As we know there’s always a constant flurry of thoughts that can take over our minds throughout the day. The ability to accept them and let go is a hugely underestimated skill and it’s something that will always be a work in progress for me. Everyday I become more aware of my thoughts and this gives me so much power to create my own reality to be and do whatever I choose. This is probably the most important thing on my to do list.
Practice patience – Like most, I want everything yesterday. But along with practicing gratefulness and focusing on the moment now, the various things that I crave, desire and chase definitely lose their stronghold over me when I practice patience. They become less and less important the more I stay present to the point where I ask myself why I even wanted them in the first place. Patience along with presence is another skill and a huge de-stresser for me.
Switch off and relax – Something I’ve learnt to be a bit better at lately but still a long way to go. There’s a huge perception out there that we all ‘have’ to be busy all the time. We’re obsessed with it and there’s really no reason to be other than the fact we can’t stand being alone with our thoughts doing nothing. We’re always having to find things to keep our minds occupied and these then become addictions. I don’t want that so I’m embracing just being with myself moment to moment and letting go of the ‘having to be busy’ tag. Note to myself – rushing around 24/7 to cram in as many things as possible isn’t the way life should be lived.
Ps – In case you’re wondering I also brush my teeth everyday too. Twice a day! 😉
‘’If you have a body, we can help you’’
Ben
Infinite Fitness Peninsula
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