Ways to invest in yourself

Okay so this is even a “newish” one for me. Self investing!

This last week was a little crazy and it went so quick as well, but by the end of the week it just felt like my homework (more like extra things I think I should also do and actual homework) just piled up. Now I feel like I have so much to do with very little energy left after this crazy, quick but work loaded week. 

Whenever I found some open gaps of free time, I would do some homework to try and get as much done as possible, so that I don’t have a whole heap of work to do all at once. Not even to mention studying. Considering that I did this the whole week, most of the actual homework is done…well most, but I still have to do some reading and memorizing work for this week. When the weekend came I was dead tired.

This made me realize how important it is to take care of myself, even if that means sacrificing something on my to-do list.

I know self-care is a tough one for university students and people in a full time job … With a never-ending list of things to do, it’s easy to make excuses for shaving an hour off of your sleep time or replacing a meal with a quick pack of chips instead.

So it got me thinking…why is self investment so important and how do you do it?

Well, lets think of our body and brain as living beings…which they kinda are…duh! They also need rest and nourishment to stay completely alert and focused.

When any of these things are compromised, they begin to shut down and your level of performance drop. Fatigue! 

Although it may seem like you are getting more done by staying up late, downing your energy drinks (which is really unhealthy) or skipping meals (also a very bad idea), you’re actually doing more harm in the long run. In moments like these, is when you show up for a test or important work meeting that you prepped for all night, only to have forgotten everything the next day. Your short-term and long-term memory can’t send triggers fast enough in your brain.

As a result, you get a below average score only to think that it’s because you didn’t study or worked enough.

Okay, so what can we do then? Ummm and where to get the time in our so hectic lives? The thing is, we are always going to be busy. In fact we will be getting even busier! So don’t use the excuse “when I get time” or “one day I will have more time”. Lets be honest. Quickly think back to exactly a year or two ago. Were you more busy then or are you even more busy now? In most cases, we all get more busy. So lets start making small little changes now!

Lets start by implementing some of these small, simple, tips (that we should actually always be doing) for practicing self-care:

• Implement a good morning routine. Wake up a little earlier to take some time to have “silent time”, “you time” (whatever you want to call it). You could just sit and drink some coffee/tea while listening to a good podcast, read a book, do some light stretches/exercises or spend time with God. Whatever you decide to do, leave the phone or any other type of screen out of the equation. Unless it’s to listen to a positive, motivational podcast or music. 😀
• Make it a point to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Get this right and the first tip won’t be so hard to do. 
• Learn how to manage your time better so that you don’t procrastinate and leave all your real responsibilities for the last minute.
• Cut down on the processed foods. Sure a treat over the weekend or every now and then is good. We need it sometimes. But that’s more for our sanity than our bodies. Keep your body and brain nourished with the right fuel that it needs. You wouldn’t fill you car up with water if you knew it needed petrol to drive? So why fill your body with the wrong things?
• Watch your caffeine and sugar intake….again….your body needs the good stuff. Don’t over load it with the unnecessary things.
• Up your water intake. This will flush out some toxins in your body so that you don’t feel so sluggish during the day. Now I’m thirsty. Just hold a sec while I go drink some water. Bet you also feel thirsty now. 😀

Here are some self investing things to give you some ideas, that you can make time for in your life:

1. Listen to music or a podcasts (personal development, successful, motivational, spiritual. Something that adds benefit to your life.)
2. Exercise! Whether at the gym or your bedroom. Physical exercise can get rid of a lot of stress and anxiety.
3. Write a journal, or blog! 😀
4. Have a movie night with friends.
5. Get a massage.
6. If you have pets, the four legged type, take them for a walk in the park or around the block.
7. Read that book you always said you wanted to.
8. Get a new haircut, or go for a manicure and pedicure…ladies. Men, you could too, there is no shame in wanting to treat your hands and feet. It’s a real tension reliever.
9. Take a dance class 😀 or a cooking class.
10. Call a friend or family member.
11. Have a breakfast / lunch / dinner with them and try not to have the phones out all the time.
12. Go ride a bike, rock climbing or do a hobby you always wanted to try out.
13. Take a bubble bath.
14. Go for a drive.
15. Create a dream and goal board.
16. Watch your favorite series. 😀

Those are just a few random but very doable ideas. Find the ones that most appeal to you, even if it’s not one I mentioned. Just remember to do it all in moderation. This is not meant to replace your responsibilities but to give you time to breath, recharge so that you can presume them with more clarity and energy!

I hope you all can take something from today’s blog and that you enjoyed it!

Please subscribe and share! 😀

Talk to you all next week! Have a wonderful week!!!

To live is To Dance

xoxo