Whenever I start to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to “look around once in a while”, I notice my wellbeing declining. So I have prescribed myself a list, where I have to complete all items on the list until I can feel unhappy. I have found the source for a lot of my happiness, being the detachment from our ancestral way of living and conforming to the day to day activities which have come about from the industrial and information age.
So here is my list:
- Eat a nutritious meal.
Unfortunately, our biology being crafted for millions of years, has not developed the skill of quick iterations to adapt to these drastic changes in our lifestyle. For cereals, donuts and other processed foods which have become staples in some cultures diets, is not exactly the most optimal fuesl which our bodies have been programmed to run off of.😢
(for me I like high protein and low carb meals)
- Elevate my heart rate.
The are couple additives for this prescription. Preferrably the exercise should be done in nature, trying at all time to substitute the treadmill for a run in the park. And perform movements which I enjoy, tennis is my go to. The more you enjoy it the more likely you will do it (simple human behaviour)
- Engage in conversation
We are social creatures. We need to interact with one another and empty the build of anxious thoughts, when not released can drive us crazy.
Everytime I perform the items on this to do this list, I always have a greater peace of mind. A hidden propoerty of these items , is it can be performed in sequence. For example, inviting a friend to play tennis, fqacilitates banter and the catching up with the crazinesss and drama of eachothers lives, whilst you run and jump to get a ball inside the legal part of the opposition court. Additionally, after exerting calories I am typically famished, my favourite meal in this scenario is steak, eggs coupled with some avocado on the side. (quite carnivorious I know).
I believe everyone should craft their own list, which they test with themselves until finding the secret recipe. There are many others which I could have included, being:
- Removing myself from devices.
- Go exploring, do some adventurous.
But when extending the list, it invites complications and feelings of obligation to complete them, rather instrinsic desire.
All the best for crafting your own lists. Good luck.