For some of us, one of life's pressures is to try and change how we live according to what our family, friends, professionals, society or others say that we should do.
You should eat this.
You shouldn't eat that.
You should exercise more.
You shouldn't exercise like that.
You should stop drinking.
Relax, just have a couple of drinks.
You should be productive.
You shouldn't work so much.
Sure, it's good to be fit, it's good to be mindful of what we eat, it's good not to smoke, it's good to avoid too much alcohol, it's good to have a work/life balance, it's good to keep our minds occupied, and it's good to conform to norms when appropriate.
Whilst well-meaning, the problem that some of us have is we spend too much time trying to change too many things about ourselves at once. Trying to follow a strict regime, to get the work/life balance right, to keep up with all of what others suggest of us.
The classic pressures we put ourselves under relate to our physical health. We need to eat right, drink right, smoke less, eat less, exercise more; the list goes on. Yes, these are all good things to consider, but so is the health of your mind.
Even thinking about doing all of the aforementioned suggestions places us under pressure, pressure that can easily turn to anxiety and stress if we believe we aren't meeting those expectations.
👉 Our brains are wired in such a way that it is often difficult to make changes. Changing a habit takes sixty (60) to eighty (80) days.
Just one, single, solitary habit.
☝️ To reduce this tension that goes on inside of our heads, choose just one thing that you want to change, something that will make a real difference to you, something that you want dearly to achieve. Then, focus on that single thing for eighty days minimum. When this new habit has become instinctive, i.e. a habit you no longer have to think about, pick just one more thing to change.
Each of us is very different, and that is what makes the world an interesting place. There is no such thing as the ultimate person.
Whilst it's important to look after ourselves, to do the right thing as much as you can for your health - slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
Be yourself as you are unique, there is only one of you 💛
You Should....