2020 has been challenging. As we look to the promise of a new year, it is good to take a step back and take stock of the new normal that has impacted our lives. One of the best ways to start is from within.
When was the last time you had any “ME” time? Having “ME” time is very important for our bodies to recharge and for our minds to reconnect. “ME” time simply means spending time alone doing something that recharges you mentally, physically or emotionally. It has also been shown that spending “ME” time results in better productivity and overall well-being!
Here are 5 simple ways to spend your “ME” time!
Listening to music
Play and sing along to your favourite songs and just allow yourself to immerse in the music. Not only does it feel happy to do so, but research has also shown that listening to music improves your memory and reduces stress and anxiety as well.
Meditation
Take 10 minutes a day to reconnect with your mind, spend time alone with yourself and just focus on being in the present. Meditation is a great way to calm the mind and to reduce negativity in your life. Focus on finding that mindfulness and you will soon embrace the changes in your life.
Pilates
Doing Pilates not only improves your body’s mobility and flexibility, it also helps to manage chronic pain issues and improves the function of the nervous system. When you do Pilates, you learn to engage deep core muscles and that in turn is like a cleansing of your nervous system. Having a healthy nervous system will lead to the release of stress fighting and mood boosting hormones, so you will look and feel good both on the outside and inside!
Reading
Instead of burying yourself in your mobile phone, why not spend some time reading? Do you know reading helps stimulate the mind, improves vocabulary, analytical skills and concentration? Be it a book, magazine or newspaper, pick one up and spend a date with yourself reading!
Cooking
Making something with your own hands can be very satisfying and cooking is exactly that. Food has always been a comfort to many people and also often associated with fond memories. So, spending time cooking by yourself can be therapeutic as you put together different ingredients and transform them into a beautiful and delicious dish that feeds the body and spirit. The best part is that you get to eat what you created! A tasty reward at the end!
With all these, find sometime for yourself today and start taking charge of your happiness, health and body. And remember, when you take care of yourself, you are taking care of the people around you too.
Happy 2021! Be well 🙂
Haley Soh, Instructor
