Before we dive into this, can you tell me how is it already September?
Isn’t it crazy how fast time is passing by? Are you overwhelmed, or feel like you are spending most of your time doing things for others and doing almost nothing for yourself? I know a lot of people feeling this way, they are not rich of the new currency. Are you one of them? I was talking to a dear friend of mine, and we were dreaming about having more hours in the day so we could do more of what we love. Less work hours, more sleep hours, but then we came up with the conclusion that it doesn’t really matter. If we had 36 hours instead of 24, we’d still do exactly as we do now, and not take enough time to ourselves. Because that’s what we do, we procrastinate, specially when we are the subject.
Have you ever questioned why is that? Some people wake up everyday already tired or irritated, in a hurry, many times to go to a job that doesn’t fulfill them. If all of your time is dedicated to your partner, children, work, friends, family, co-workers, and none to you, you need to think about this. Have you ever noticed that it might be because there is something about you, that you don’t want to deal with? You don’t want to recognize that your fears are taking over your actions, and that you think you are not enough, or that your life is meaningless. That’s a reflection of guilt. These are fabricated stories you keep telling yourself. These are choices you are making unconsciously, and you know that If you use your time to make it about others, then you will succeed by not making it about you.
I’m going to use this time and space, to encourage you to make a full stop and notice what’s happening around you.
It’s time to be about you. And please, love that. Make an effort to make time. How about less time on social media feeding yourself with comparison and enviousness? How about less time watching the news and feeding yourself with all the negativity and misleading information? Instead, feed yourself with nutritious positivity, joy, love and compassion. Taking time is a mindset. If you believe you don’t have time, and you say it out loud, it turns out you will always be in conflict, full of problems to solve, and guess what? Yes, you won’t have time for anything. Spending time with preoccupied thoughts of the past or future pushes you away from mindfulness. Make an effort to bring yourself to the present moment.
Here are 5 quick steps to make better use of your time and appreciate yourself more.
1. Create a positive Mindset
Positive thinking is the cure for everything. Think that negative thoughts can turn into internalized feelings, so how about start your day with positive affirmations, such as “Today will be a great day” or “I am grateful for Today”?
Self affirmations can improve your life in so many ways. Don’t “should” yourself. You did exactly what was meant to be done, and you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Also, take care of your surroundings. Surrounding yourself only with takers can leave you drained, irritated, even depressed. We all experience moments of self-doubt, it’s part of being human. Watch your thoughts so they don’t become habits, do your best to improve the positivity around you and inspire your family, friends and co-workers to do the same.
2. Stay away from gossip
Everyone has a friend or a co-worker that loves gossiping. If you don’t have one, maybe you are the gossiper. Gossiping is a bad habit, do what you can to get rid of it. Hating, ridiculing, holding grudges, only shows you have so much work to do on yourself. It’s unhealthy, and If you are not the one bringing the gossip, remember, the same person who gossips to you, gossips about you. When you feel like saying something, ask yourself these 3 questions: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? If the answer is “no”, then zip it. #LetThatShitGo #BreakTheGossipHabit
3. Use Social Media Wisely
It’s very rare to find someone who is not on social media nowadays, and it’s even more rare to find someone who is not always checking how many likes per photo they got. To focus your energy on how many followers, how many likes or the perfect filter, is the ideal combination for depression. It decreases your productivity and self-esteem. Most of the content you see is not even real, or it could be real, but the person on the other side is also human, and also has imperfections, doubts and fear. It’s hard, I know, but try not to compare yourself to anyone. Also, try going electronic free for a few hours. I understand some people use a lot of social media for work (like me), and If you can’t checkout completely, focus on using it more for positivity and self-development.
4. Create your Zen Zone
Nothing better than bringing yourself to the present moment, followed by a calm and organized environment.
Remember, If it’s cluttered around your house, it’s cluttered inside your mind. Schedule some time to clean and organize your space. Spend some time looking for what calms you down, and that could be music, incense, lavender diffuser, some sage, stepping outside and enjoying nature, could even be just the sound of water playing in the background.
5. Meditate
Let’s start with something simple but very important; be open to it.
Even If you don’t know where to start, or have a hard time meditating, reserve some time to sit still everyday. Try 10 minutes, then 20, and upgrade as you go. As you sit still, pay attention to the emotions that rise up and stay with it. Don’t try to push it away or pretend you are not feeling it, allow yourself to have that feeling. Put your hand on your heart, feel the beat, breathe. If you want to go deep on mediation, you can find many free guided videos on Youtube. The present moment brings transformation from inside out. Take that moment to love yourself and honor the beauty that you are.
I hope this post inspired you! If you enjoyed, please share with your friends and family ♥
xoxo
Aryanne
Wow. Just…wow. I needed this so bad, specially Today. Thank you so much for your beautiful work, Aryanne!
Susan, thank you so very much! It’s my pleasure. I’m really glad it gave you what you needed. xoxo
Hello Ary, I believe the friend you are talking about is me… LOL. Thank you for taking the time to share things that makes us reflect. The internet is so full of negativity that it is amazing when you can find such of inspiring articles like this! 🙂
Banessita! I love you. You and many loved ones were my inspiration to write this, so thank you my friend!!! Love you! xoxo
I feel as if this entire post was written to me. So many aspects of my life are out of balance and this solidified my commitment to take time for me! Thank you for sharing such inspiring wisdom. I look forward to more of your posts.
Thank you so much, John! I’m grateful for your words! And you are the first man to comment on my blog posts, thank you for the masculine energy!! xoxo
Beautiful reminders Aryanne. Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by Tammra! I’m glad you enjoyed it! xoxo
As usual very well written and full of great advices! Thanks my friend for sharing this with the world! 🙏🏼😘
I appreciate your support so much! Thank you for the love always!! xoxo
This is AWESOME!! Love the quick tips and especially the last one, meditate! So important. Another great read!
Right? Life would be so much easier If everyone meditated a little bit every day! Thank you for your support, my friend! xoxo
Belleza, NOT that confirmation is needed, but you are beautiful inside and out!! Your post warmed my heart!
Besos, Momma xoxo
Mi amor! Yayy, thank you for stopping by! I’m so happy you like it! Love you!! Muchos besitos!
This was absolutely wonderful and just what I needed! I love your blog and will definitely be following 🙂
xoxo KMS
http://www.sehnsationalstyle.com
Thank you so much, Kristen! I really appreciate you stopping by and I’m so happy you needed this! xoxo
great tips and enjoying your blog..
I appreciate your support very much! Makes me happy you are enjoying it!! Xoxo
Thank you. I needed that reminder. Great ways to spend my time.
Yes staying away from gossip is so important! Somehow on days where we are filled with judgmentalism and toxic emotions, we burn ourselves out and feel so tired. But when the day is filled with positivity, it feels so good!
Time can be wasted so easily! My biggest time suck is social media, so I have tried to stop getting on Facebook and zoning out.
I always have that optimistic vibe! I’m a fighter and I believe that every second counts.
You are right Social Media is a real time waster, I have to limit my time when posting for work as it is so easy to get distracted. Thanks for the reminder.
I totally agree on all this. I’ve been following these techniques for a couple years now.. It’s totally changed my life.. I’m so much happier!
Love all the positivity in this post! So inspiring to live better each day! Thank you!
Unplugging for a few hours – great advice and something everyone should do. The brain needs time to process life free of constant stimuli. Thank you for this great post!
I try some of these early in the morning before the world starts demanding my time. Love the images!
I am always busy, and time is so important for me, it’s never enough! But I learned to take even if only a little one only for myself, to focus on me and on my needs!
I really try to minimise my use of social media and always keep a positive mindset, not only has it helped but I’m mush more happier.
time management is tricky and despite all the apps out there i think a traditional to do list make me most productive and ensuring that i don’t forget anything!
Omg I hate gossip so much. It is the language of small and idle minds. It can also ruin friendship faster than anything else.
Time has always been money. Some people waste it but it is more valuable than any spendable paper.
I love your point of staying away from gossip. Gossip unknowingly make you feel negative just by participating in it. You make some great points in your post!
beautiful !!!. Thanks for sharing!