Discover the benefits of being more intentional with journaling. Learn how you can become a better version of yourself one day at a time with daily reflection.
My word of 2018 is intention.
All my goals for this year are based on doing things mindfully instead of allowing myself to go with the flow.
I have wanted to act more mindfully for some time. The difference now is it has become my main focus.
Whether it’s on a personal or professional level, my purpose is guiding me 100%.
Being more intentional
Months ago, I watched a speaker suggest writing 23 lines before making any important decision.
This approach wasn’t based on scientific study, but it was enough to get me thinking about:
Reasons,
Pros,
Cons,
Methodology, and
Tools.
It proved to be an incredible exercise to become more intentional about all areas of my life, including shopping.
By putting thoughts on paper, we have the chance to reflect before taking mindless action.
I wanted them to be my guidance and personal development tool going forward.
With a mix of self-awareness and relaxing prompts, my goal was to create an informal interview where I could ask myself questions I wouldn’t usually think about.
And so my daily journaling habit took shape.
Most recently, I started to use my 365 Notebook exclusive for Law of Attraction practice which has been a significant mindset changer for me.
You don’t have to share your entries with anyone if you don’t want to, but having an accountability partner helps to stay on track.
And if you want to discover how you can also use journaling to overcome not-so-obvious productivity killers, make sure you join the 52-Week Challenge For A More Productive You.
Get all the support and motivation you need to feel more confident and overcome procrastination to be successful.
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
What kind of journal do you have?
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Have you ever thought about using fitness for stress management? If not, I’m sure you’ll change your mind after this post.
Athletes of all levels can confirm it: fitness for stress management works!
And it has nothing to do with the activity itself or your fitness level. It’s all a matter of getting started and doing it consistently.
Stress and you
We have already discussed how stress impacts your health. It’s such a silent threat that many people only realize how serious it is when they’re going through a burnout.
The problem about stress is that, on paper, it’s impossible to live without it.
It’s the “fight, flight or freeze” state of alertness that keeps us safe, even today.
We may not need to protect our “caves” from giant monsters anymore, but we have to:
avoid diseases
keep our jobs
safeguard our beloved ones
pay all the bills
fit in society (an underrated pressure!)
Besides, our attention is continuously required.
We know multitasking does more damage than good. Yet, it’s a challenge for more most of us to focus on only one thing at a time. And it’s not necessarily because we want to keep on multitasking.
Try telling your boss you can’t get a second assignment or responsibility because you are already working on something?
On a second thought, please don’t!
Time will come when corporations, the media, and society in general, will realize there is another (better) way to get things done. They’ll change the rules of the game based on science.
Until then, however, we have to juggle between peer pressure and sanity. But we can’t ignore that this duality is also a source of stress itself.
While they won’t remove stress from your life, endorphins will help you get rid of the feeling of being overwhelmed all the time.
They work like an oasis in the desert covered with appointments, to-dos, and endless meetings.
Besides, you know you’ll feel better after your training whether it’s running, yoga, or CrossFit because that’s what endorphins do.
Attention shift
While you can still go through your calendar in your head while walking to the car, once you increase your pace to a brisk walk, it’ll not be that easy anymore.
Remember your body wasn’t made for or likes to accumulate activities. Whenever possible, it shifts back to a more focused mode.
It’s true that during a long race, for example, thoughts of making it to the finish take over while the body just moves, almost based on instinct.
But you’ll find a break from all the overwhelming and stressful thoughts for sure if you:
go for a run during lunch break
do some yoga after office hours
take long brisk walks while the kids are at school
Mood
Food is commonly used as a source of comfort. Mainly unhealthy, fatty and sugary snacks are frequent partners in crime of stressed people. But their effect doesn’t last long, and the damage they do to health is not worth the minutes of “pleasure.”
Now tell me, are you sure you don’t have between 30 minutes to one hour 3 or 5 times a week to sneak some physical activity into your life?
Ask yourself:
Aren’t I worth the investment in my well-being?
Takeaway
It’s all in your hands now!
Maybe the time is not right for you at the moment, but don’t neglect your health until it’s too late.
Stress sends us many signs before causing any significant damage.
Unfortunately, we’re so caught up in the daily madness we don’t even notice them.
And if the fact that you can use fitness for stress management is not enough for you, think of other benefits, such as:
Lower your blood pressure
Improve your cholesterol
Reduce blood sugar
Remember it’s your life we’re talking about!
For women, it’s easy to put everyone else first and to forget about themselves. And no, taking the time to do some regular physical activity is NOT egoistic. You deserve to be healthy and live fully just like anybody else.
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
How are you going to start using fitness for stress management today?