sys·tem | \ ˈsi-stəm \ : a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/system
I’ve been pondering what I should write next since finishing my first blog article. I had intended to start a blog that primarily discussed finances, but I decided against it because everyone but me would be capable of writing an article on the subject. So I’ve decided to just write whatever makes me happy, and hopefully, it will make you happy as well.
Disclaimer: These methods have proven to be effective for me. These aren’t guidelines. These are only recommendations, but you can certainly try them out. It’s possible that what works for me won’t work for you. I’m only here to hand you the lightbulb; whether or not you choose to switch it on is entirely up to you. Have fun reading!
The human body, like a computer, may be thought of as a system. Everything in our bodies must be in harmony for us to work and get through the day. Like a computer, it, too, must reboot to keep it running smoothly and even speed up its performance. I know there are a lot of articles out there on how to deal with anxiety and perhaps other things, but what I’m trying to say is to RESTART.
I realize I’m making no sense right now, but just hear me out…
I’ve been at that point of my life where I was checking the internet for self-help books and articles I can read online on how to lessen my stress (I know you know I’m not alone. LOL!) Believe it or not, I tried applying almost all of the steps I read but I was not able to sustain it on a daily basis. It’s either I’m too busy or I’m just lazy (Let’s pretend it’s the first one HAHA!). Months later I realized I do not need a REFRESH. I need a RESTART! And this is how it worked for me…
Plan a day for your restart. Two consecutive days would be better. It will be best if you do this on your day off when you can stay at home.
1.Take a good night sleep (but do not oversleep).
Get your alarm clock and set it for an 8-hour sleep the night before your RESTART DAY. An hour before bedtime, make sure your phone is no longer beside you so you won’t easily access it, turn off your wi-fi or mobile data, and resist the impulse to check your phone’s messages or your phone in general. This is something I’m guilty of: I try to close my eyes for a minute or two, only to find I’ve been on my phone for 30 minutes past the time I intended to put it down. I’d already missed half an hour of sleep and ended up missing another half because it’s difficult to let go. LOL!
2.Get out in the Sunlight
When you wake up, do not linger in your bed. You’ll probably go back to sleep and wind up sleeping for half of the day (if not more!). Get some fresh air and a view of the world waking up by going outside to your balcony or patio. Try to spend at least 15 minutes in the sun, just long enough for your body to manufacture vitamin D and serotonin (the hormone that regulates our mood and happiness). If you’re concerned about CoVid, you can just stay inside and open a window to let the sunlight in and the air flow. This is best done early in the morning when the weather isn’t too hot or humid.
3.Communicate
We can get so caught up in our office work and day jobs that we forget what it’s like to be asked how we’re doing. If you feel like you’ve been too preoccupied with things and haven’t had a chance to actually interact with someone, call a friend, talk to your spouse, or talk to a family member. Make an effort not to bring up work, negativity, or how stressed you are. Inquire about their recent activities. Discuss a recent piece of good news, a video that made you chuckle, a meme or a joke to which you both can connect. Anything but stress!
4.Disconnect
Yes, yes, and yes! This is completely contradictory to number 3. Perhaps you’re wondering how you can do both at the same time. HAHA. Stop because, first, you won’t and, second, it will make you appear insane (a minute ago you interacted, the next minute you detach LOL!)
Number four is the polar opposite of Number three. If you feel like you’ve been interacting with people too much, for example, if you work as a public relations officer, a teacher, a customer service representative like myself, or any other job that requires you to interact with people on a daily basis, you should disengage. I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t talk to anyone till the day is done, but you should learn to say no. If someone invites you to go out with them or somewhere with your entire “barkada” or buddies, learn to say no. Allow yourself and your friends to understand that today is your day to RESTART and that your system will need to disconnect for a little while during the restart process. This includes your social media accounts, work chat groups, and email.
5.Declutter
Nothing beats the feeling of being in a clean and neat surrounding. Work can disrupt our balance at times (if not most of the time) and, unknowingly, trigger our less-than-ideal personalities. We come home furious, exhausted, and (admit it) occasionally say things to our families that they do not deserve. Home is intended to be our safe haven, our resting place, thus it should be as comfortable as possible. Try to declutter on your RESTART DAY. I strongly advise you to look up Marie Kondo’s Konmari method on Google, YouTube, or Netflix. I, for one, watch it and am still learning. This isn’t your typical day-to-day cleaning.
Make certain that when you declutter, you notice a considerable difference. Something you’ll be proud of, something that will make you smile and say to yourself, “Yes! I’ve been productive today!”
6. Listen to peaceful music
Couldn’t I just say “listen to music?” But, when I said “peaceful music,” I meant it. Upbeat music has its own set of benefits: it can increase your happiness, make you hopeful, and motivate you, but that is not our goal today. Our purpose is to unwind and destress. We wanted to calm down, rediscover our peace, and meditate to prepare for the next day. I enjoy listening to Mozart. During my relaxation state, I prefer to listen to music without lyrics. The reason for this is that I am attempting not to sing along. I just wanted to listen without making any effort.
Imagine yourself lying on your bed, closing your eyes, or simply studying how your ceiling appears with soothing music playing in the background (Ah! Just thinking about it makes me feel better. HAHA.)
7. Prepare for tomorrow
Because you just did your RESTART today, try not to begin tomorrow with anxiety. Before going to bed, compile a list of what you’ll need for the next day. You can organize your breakfast, iron your clothing, pack your bag or briefcase, set your alarm to avoid being late and stressed out because you’re stuck in a traffic jam, and so on.
8. Pray
You’re about to go asleep, but you’re not quite ready. You may have brushed off your worries, but trust me when I say that’s not all there is to it. This is the stage that I regard to be the most difficult while also being the easiest of everything I’ve said. It’s kind of difficult for me because growing up, I’m not a prayerful person and I admit that there are moments when I forget to pray. I know I’m not the kindest person and I feel like I’m not worthy of speaking to someone so Almighty. I have to put these thoughts at the back of my head since I know this is what’s dragging me. I have to have a clear mind. Once done, that’s when it’s the easiest. I am no longer compelled to do anything else once I have cleared my self-doubts and committed to connecting with Him. Simply be yourself and talk to Him. What’s there to conceal when He already knows you from head to toe, inside and out? If you’re worried or scared about what might happen the next day, if you have doubts about yourself and what you can do, if you feel weary, or whatnot… talk to God in a way that feels most comfortable to you then listen.
Of course, you can’t plan for everything to go smoothly the next day – stressors and issues can’t be avoided, paperwork must be completed, and bosses will be bosses, but who cares? They will have to climb their way back up to the height of your patience since you have already RESTARTED and your mind and body have been renewed. It may be challenging at first, but before you know it, it’s becoming a habit, and I guarantee you that it’ll be easier the next time.
And oh! Before I forget, start the day with a smile.
Paul says, “all things work out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” We certainly have a responsibility to act (we are called according to His purpose), but we are not alone. We are in partnership with the God of the universe and with the body of Christ, where the power of God also dwells. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” There is a strength behind Jesus’ peace that, even when no meaning can be found in a particular pain, has the capacity to stand firm in the knowledge that God is surely working for my good behind-the-scenes of life. – Inhabitinghope.com
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