Daily stresses take a toll on our self esteem, self-worth and optimism. Re-build your inner purpose with these tips for health and happiness.
By Miranda Murray
Let’s talk about self-worth. Because it seems that the more action items we have in our diary, the less time we have to focus on the health and wellbeing of our soul.
As women, many of us are working long hours, taking care of domestic chores, finding time to connect with friends and still squeeze in a bit of exercise here and there.
An extra dimension to our daily stresses is taking care of children or spending our free time with our partners trying to create a family, both of which take a toll on our self esteem and optimism for life.
“Don’t leave your mental health and hopes and dreams as a last priority. It’s always a good idea to reach out when you start to feel down or are feeling a bit stuck or lost and your health and happiness needs a boost.”
I understand how important it is for women to carve time out of their busy days to honour their inner-purpose.
I firmly believe that we are more than house-cleaners, busy corporate gals or baby-makers. We are each human beings with vibrant goals and the best of intentions, trying to navigate this crazy life.
It is time to acknowledge our self-worth. Here are my top tips for cultivating a healthy soul and a happy life.
1. Take a break from the world
When is the last time you sat down to enjoy your favourite book or magazine?
Reading is one of the best things we can do for our brains, and taking some time off to explore new ideas often leads to new inspiration for life.
Even better, get away for a mini break and change your scenery for a few days. If you need to save time or money, then a ‘staycation’ where you indulge in some old-school relaxation and enjoyment in the comfort of your own home – which is just as good.
The goal is to check out from the bustle of your everyday life and do something that brings you joy [and improves your self-worth].
2. Turn off your phone
Our mobile phones have turned into an alternate universe where it seems like everyone on the Internet has trendy clothes, endless free time and picture-perfect families.
In many ways, advertisers and marketers want us to feel a bit of jealousy so we will buy their anti-ageing creams, fertility boosters or the latest workout gear. Sometimes we need a break from all the targeted advertisements, and over-comparing of others’ cyber lives.
There is no rule that says we must stay connected every waking hour and yet we often fall into this trap.
Feel free to turn off your phone whenever you want. Especially when it feel like your phone is sucking the health and happiness from your soul … and your self-worth is taking a serious beating.
Remember the days when we left home with a plan and just stuck to those plans and if people needed to reach us while we were out they just had to either try again later or leave a message. How blissful was that?!
No over-commitment, digital overwhelm or sense of urgency around our availability.
So, do yourself a favour, pop your phone on Aeroplane Mode and get back some time for yourself.
3. Make a giant green smoothie
Nothing makes us feel better than being full of nutrients. A green smoothie is like health and happiness in a cup.
Because there is much evidence to support that what we eat directly affects how we feel.
Whenever you need a boost to the soul, fill your blender with fruit, leafy greens, and your favourite juice.
Remember, what you put into your body has a huge impact on what you get out of it, so fuel it with kindness and healthy foods and reap the benefits the extra energy will bring.
4. Try a random act of kindness
Write an anonymous compliment to your favourite barista. Bring healthy treats to the reception gals at your yoga studio.
Anything goes, no matter how big or small the gesture. The key here is to do it with no expectations of gratitude in return, no expectations of reciprocal favours and with a ‘just because’ attitude.
It feels great to bring a little unexpected joy into someone else’s life. In turn, your soul and your self-worth will get a boost from being unconditionally kind.
5. Give back
There are endless opportunities [big and small] to give back to your local or global community.
Spend a day picking up trash on your local beach to help promote a clean ocean. Contact your local animal pound to borrow one of the dogs for a long walk.
Volunteering helps us stay centred and reminds us that we are part of something that’s bigger than ourselves.
6. Update your list of life goals
Where do you see yourself in one years’ time? How about 10 years’ time?
A good place to start is by thinking about what it is you will want to brag about at a future dinner party.
What would you like to be remembered for? What is your legacy for this life?
Consider what it is that will make you feel proud.
Dream big, and let your mind run wild – there’s no limit on what you want to achieve. Once you start working on an action plan, you can map out the obstacles and realities and shape it into a more formulated plan.
If none of these ideas have inspired you, it might be time to check in with a life coach. It is so much easier to brainstorm ways to live your fullest life when someone else is listening and working with you to design a plan uniquely just for you.
Don’t leave your mental health and hopes and dreams as a last priority. It’s always a good idea to reach out when you start to feel down or are feeling a bit stuck or lost and your health and happiness needs a boost.
