Ever so often, colleagues and friends reach-out to me with blogs they have written to inspire others. This week, my friend Jen Brent forwarded a blog she wrote about being your best self in these unprecedented times. Her blog outlines ways to spend your time at home and be productive, while preparing for post-quarantine life.
Now that our days are spent just at home, it might not be that easy to stay productive or even feel motivated at all. While we can't control the tough circumstances around us, we are in charge of how we respond to them. As we've previously shared in our 'You've Lost The Exact Moment You Decided To Give Up' post, the only time we truly lose in life is when we tap out.
So, how can make sure that we keep moving forward no matter the circumstances? Simply put, we must continue to cultivate the best version of ourselves. That being said, here are some activities you start doing at home to help bring out the best in you.
Pick Up Meditation
Navigating through this new normal can feel quite overwhelming at times. This article by Katie Holmes (a fan and follower of my blog for years!) outlines how practicing meditation is a powerful way to help you stay grounded and focus on your growth. With its breathing exercises, this ancient mindfulness practice not only helps you manage your worries, but it also makes you more aware of yourself and your surroundings. However, you'll need to make sure that you meditate consistently to really reap its benefits. Find both a time in your schedule and a quiet space in your home where you can get some meditation done everyday.
Get Some Exercise
Breaking a sweat is one of the best ways to keep the blues at bay, and the good news is that you don’t need tons of fancy equipment to get the ball rolling. If you’re unsure where to begin, Gala Bingo recommends seated leg raises as a warm-up to stretch your muscles and to get your heart rate up. Performing a proper warm-up enhances your workout by ensuring that your muscles are ready for physical action, while also reducing the risk of injury. From there, you can do a quick cardio workout of dancing with some fist pumps, and don't forget to play some motivational tunes! Alternatively, you can perform some tricep dips using your chair for support. Apart from helping you gain more muscle, these bodyweight exercises can be easily incorporated into any routine you have. Fitness and health are the foundation of being the best version of yourself, so even if you are stuck at home you need to pay attention to your body
Learn a New Language
Sometimes, your daily routine can make life feel like it has stopped. This is why you must break down the monotony of your routine, and spice things by constantly challenging yourself. One way to do this is to learn a new language. Whether it's the romantic Spanish language or the interesting German form, you'll find learning a foreign language to be both fun and educational. What's more, there'll be new lessons to study as you go — one day, you could be learning about conjugations, and discovering the roots of a country's culture the next. All in all, learning a new language will truly broaden your horizons.
Try Art Therapy
Although the current situation is far from ideal, you can change your perspective on this unique lifestyle. Case in point: View this time as the perfect opportunity to boost your creativity through art therapy. When it comes to being the best version of yourself, it's equally important to see the good around you. What's wonderful about this practice is that by simply holding a pencil or stroking a brush, you train your mind to find the beauty in everything. And unleashing your imagination is key for enabling your mind to open the door to new possibilities.
Being the best version of yourself doesn’t mean enrolling in expensive classes or looking far and wide for a purpose. Instead it is a mindset that you can adopt at home or wherever you are, and we hope the above tips will help you build your own foundation.
Song of the Day: Blackbird by the Beatles
Quote of the Day: "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." — Michael Jordan
Exclusively written for brandonsteiner.com
By Jen Brent
