An Optimum Lifestyle

 

Creating a rewarding lifestyle is a major preoccupation among those who wish to make the best out of their time. It requires an active engagement with the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of one's identity. In fact, it is easier to divert into unproductive habits than it is to create a healthy routine. There is widespread belief that an optimal lifestyle is the privilege of the rich. But this is not the case. A favourable lifestyle is achievable irrespective of the financial bracket to which they belong. Focusing on the right aspects of one's actions, it is possible to create a life to which one loves to wake up to everyday.

Here are a few things to be considered in this regard:

Eat wisely!

A fit body is the reward of sensible eating. We must find the balance between overeating and malnourishment. It is good to be choosy with food items. Go for small quantities of a variety of dishes and make sure there are more veggies and leaves.

Meditate

One can't emphasise the benefits of meditation enough. Having a certain hold over the mind, breathing and inner musings is a sure reward. There are guided meditation practices as well as self regulated meditation techniques. One can find the most suitable one by trial and error method.

Prioritise sleep

The modern obsession with ‘make the most of the day’ leads people to stay awake, compromising on sleep time. Getting enough sleep can regulate the hormones and repair the damaged tissues and cells. Spending much on cosmetics and cosmetic surgery is the norm of the day. If you realise the benefits of power naps and sufficient sleep time, you won't need any of that.

Exercise

Walking an hour a day can do wonders. It can bring a body to the right shape. This also has the added advantage of uplifting the good feelings. The endorphin release in the brain is magical. You'll be saved from those terrible mood swings and awful grudges. Walking is the most basic exercise one can do effortlessly. You can choose any mode of exercise. Dance, for example, is extra fun for you.

Read

As much as the body needs food and water, the mind needs something to consume. The best available brain food is reading. Be selective with the things you read. Do goal-oriented reading. Your reading should add value to your thoughts, work and contributions to fellow beings. Having the right words and ideas will set you apart. Moreover, weeds grow in the unweaned mind. Plant the right ideas there.

Cultivate relationships

Invest your time and emotions on the right people. Strike a balance between the official and personal lives. It is unwise to prioritise one over the other. While focusing on family and friends, give particular attention to your own needs and desires. Love for others starts with self love. 

Practise gratitude

Stay thankful for everything. Being thankful brings an abundance of good things in life. It eliminates the negative emotions. It takes a little self control and will power to cut the negativity and cultivate the attitude of gratitude.

Set goals and achieve them

Having clearly defined goals and a constant drive to achieve them can help you stay focused. Something to work on and the rewards from such works are life affirming. Make personal goals and keep working for them.

Renjitha. K. R, Asst. Professor of English, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna