Prepare For Your Future With Mindfulness Practices and Positive Habits

Uncertain times can teach you a lot about yourself and your priorities; they can also inspire new routines for growth and self-empowerment

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As the world around us seems to be changing by the second, it can feel challenging to remain present and active in our day-to-day lives. Our sense of self is deeply rooted in our actions, beliefs, and patterns which might be a bit altered at this time. 

During this time of uncertainty, rather than succumbing to the panic brought on by the current global pandemic, try shifting your perspective to focus on your future. Although this may seem more aspirational than possible, there are things you can do now to take control of the direction of your life. 

Here are 8 healthy lifestyle suggestions:

1. Practice Waking With Gratitude

Within the first few moments of you waking up in the morning, it’s important to set your mind in the direction of appreciation and gratitude. It’s much easier than you probably realize to begin your day thinking about your to-do list and immediately worrying about how you will get it all done or manage your emotions to get through the day. It’s no wonder that business leaders and top performers embrace the practice of writing in a gratitude journal during their morning routine as it’s one simple and quick way to be more intentional about your thoughts. Adopting this practice or something similar might end up completely changing the course of your day or the rest of your week for the better. 

2. Read Inspirational Content  

You might have heard something along the lines of…

“What you consume is what consumes you”. 

There is truth to this idea about your ability to determine the way you live by reining in your thoughts before they become actions and habits. This is why it’s so important to monitor what you are consuming. We live in a world of information overload and it can feel overwhelming to try and take in everyone’s opinions, stories, and solutions. Decide what is important to you, what serves you, and what helps promote a positive lifestyle. From there, start to eliminate any distractions and negativity that strays away from your priorities.

3. Eat and Cook Mindfully

What you put into your body has a huge impact on the way you feel. It effects your ability to complete tasks and stay focused throughout the day. Spending your day rushing around, neglecting your workout only to pull into the drive-thru for a quick bite or third coffee, or eating quickly and mindlessly as you binge on Netflix are acts that contribute to an unhealthy daily routine. If you are finding that you have more time these days, try to learn a new cooking style or experiment with a few new recipes. Make this a fun activity to do alone or with your partner, sibling, or children. Try turning off your tv or cell phone while you’re eating and talk to someone instead. If you’re alone, turning on some music can be a calming way to enjoy your meal and stay present. 

4. Prepare For Tomorrow 

Not everyone is a Type A planner who thrives on organization, color-coded lists, and a packed schedule. With that being said, planning and preparing is never a bad idea — especially if you own a business, are about to graduate college, or are starting out as a young professional. One huge mistake people make in their young adulthood is not protecting and securing their assets in case of an emergency or unexpected event. The earlier you consider purchasing a life insurance policy, the lower your premiums will likely be since your health is at optimal state and you’re considered a low-risk individual. By discussing your particular situation and taking the time to determine your needs, you can make an informed decision that works for your finances while taking steps to support your loved ones in the future. 

5. Live Within Your Means

Getting into debt is a dangerous game at any point in your life. One way to avoid future stress and financial troubles is to learn to live within your budget and your means. Just because you want a new car doesn’t mean your current budget supports this investment that will quickly depreciate, leaving you with less value as you struggled to afford it in the first place. Instead, sit down by yourself or with your partner and map out a budget and outline your goals for the next 5 years. If you can go beyond that, it will only increase your chances of being prepared and sticking to your budget. You can even download a budgeting or banking app to keep you on track while you’re busy living your life. 

6. Embrace the Outdoors

Now more than ever it’s important to appreciate the many mental, physical and emotional benefits of spending time in the great outdoors. Getting outside and moving your body is free, convenient, and an easy way to destress amidst the chaos of daily life. By taking time each day to get outside to walk, ride a bike, go for a run, or find a spot to explore nature, you will gain a sense of adventure while increasing your endorphins in the process. With this freedom, you might feel a sense of relief, gain the ability to think more clearly, and connect with yourself in a way that you have neglected the last few months or years. 

7. Schedule Your Workout

As times have changed, it’s likely that you’ve had to adapt to a new workout routine which may be difficult to maintain. Although getting outside or working out is a good idea, there will be inclement days where this is just not feasible. With the vast array of media options available to us, it’s more than likely that you can find a free alternative workout or exercise program on a streaming service or cell phone app. One way or another, it’s important to get your body moving and get used to maintaining a routine during this time, even if it looks a little different. 

8. Set An Intention For The Day 

Lastly, and most importantly, keep your mind healthy and focused by setting a daily intention or goal. It can be big or small, a quick task or a big project, but make sure you hold yourself accountable for keeping your mind, spirit, and body engaged as best as you can.

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