On Thursday, March 12th, 2020, the world turned upside down. Government’s around the world closed down schools, concerts, sporting events, and large gatherings of various sizes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the immediate cessation of all Church meetings worldwide. Senior living and assisted living center’s all went into quarantine mode. And for the first time in my memory, the shelves of stores here in America were empty. Freedom as we know it, changed.
So, is this a time to panic? NO!!! This is the perfect time to look at our daily lives and reflect on where we are and what we are doing. Do you have a morning routine that supports you physically, mentally, and emotionally? If not, now is the perfect time to create one for yourself.
Here is a simple sample that you can modify to fit your own needs for when you wake up in the morning;
- Start with prayer. No matter what your religious beliefs are, there are over twenty scientific studies that show that prayer works. Prayer has a real effect on what is happening. Keep a prayer in your heart constantly for what you want to see happen. Focus your prayers, not just on yourself and your own needs, but also on the needs of others.
- Second, read from the Scriptures. Spend 10-30 minutes reading things that are uplifting and supportive. The Holy Bible, Torah, Talmud, Book of Mormon, Quran, writings of Confucius or Buddha, the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, etc.. All scriptures, no matter what religion, have common themes of living in gratitude, treating others with love and kindness, and being the best person you can. Again, no matter your religious beliefs, reading things that lift and motivate you to be a better person will put you in a better frame of mind to do better throughout the rest of your day.
- Meditate. 3-30 minutes. Whatever you can get yourself to do. There is amazing scientific evidence on the benefits of doing this. Your brain will be healthier, your emotional state will be more stable. Over time, you will find that you just feel better.
- Write. Spend some time journaling and writing. Every day write something that you can share with others. Thank you notes, a gratitude journal, your life story, a book on your area of interest. Creativity and imagination are far more important than you realize.
- Visualize. This can be done separately, or while writing or exercising. Spend time letting your imagination run wild on how good life could be for you. What changes would you like to see? A new home? A new car? A new job? A new business? Travel? Whatever you would like to see improved in your life, spend some time dreaming about it already being in your life. Many people find that a vision board helps them to do this. You will be surprised how the things you dream about come into your life.
- Physical exercise. Even if it’s just 30 minutes of a brisk walk every day. Do something to get active, preferably out in nature. Walk, swim, bike ride, lift weights, do yoga or tai chi. Whatever it is, the more consistent you are, the healthier you will be. And the healthier you are, the better your immune system. The easier it will be for you to ward off infections and viruses of all kinds. And there is a direct link between exercise and mental health as well. This is the most effective anti-depressant that there is.
These 6 simple things can help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life, no matter what happens in the world at large. Let us all do what we can to lift ourselves and the people around us up. If we all lift where we stand, ultimately, the entire world will be better.
Cleve