Sometimes, life doesn’t go our way and throws challenges at us that take a toll on us both mentally and physically. During tough times, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves and forget about our own needs. To see things more clearly through these challenges and our daily lives, I believe we need to refocus on ourselves so we can bounce back stronger.
I myself faced a challenge recently, and it was only after weathering my storm that I decided to prioritize myself. I had completely forgotten about myself for a few months. It may seem easier to throw yourself into work or a project to keep your mind occupied and avoid thinking about what’s causing pain. This solution might work for a while, but it drains your energy without really making you feel better.
We need to slow down and think about what makes us feel good. In my case, a two-week break to disconnect—including a trip and getting back into daily exercise—helped me get back on track. But I still had to find a way to stop my inner “hamster.” To help clear my mind and slow down my thoughts, I turned to books. My little moments of reading allow me to escape. Someone also suggested mandalas to me. These circular designs were completely new to me. Many benefits are attributed to these images. Apparently, they bring us back to the present moment and even into a meditative state. So I gave mandalas a try, hoping they would help me let go and disconnect for the few minutes it takes to color them in.
In short, all of this is to say that we need to learn to prioritize ourselves more. Not everyone can afford to get away for a while, but setting aside time for oneself should be a priority for everyone. Finding even just one small hour for yourself during the week should be possible for everyone. Take a moment to figure out what makes you feel good and set aside those moments in your daily schedule. For my part, my workouts are now sacred, and I make it a point to never let them fall off my list of priorities. Physical activity helps me relieve stress and better manage my emotions, in addition to making me feel good.