The Well-Rounded Week:
Do you battle the "Sunday Scaries"? You know...that Sunday night anxiety about the upcoming work week? Well, never fear; Reign of Raven is here! Okay, so you know that I have anxiety about literally everything. What calms my worries more than anything, is taking the time to write out my plans as well as organizing my thoughts in my journal. But in order to avoid multiple meltdowns, I have to be intentional to formulate my week in a way that is well balanced! Here's a few staples to consider adding to your recipe for a well-rounded week:
A MORNING RITUAL: Repetitive actions have proven beneficial to mental and physical health. Start each day by performing meaningful actions that set the tone for your day and put you in your best mindset. For me, this looks like praying > getting ready > tidying my space > coffee > creating my to-do list > and worship music throughout the whole process. For you, it may include journaling, calling your mom or going for a run. Find what works for you; you can stick to it very rigidly or allow yourself to modify with time or based on your moods.
WORKOUTS: Studies have shown that exercise improves mood, reduces anxiety and depression, and boosts self esteem. Just scheduling a few workout sessions per week (along with a balanced diet) can yield significant results that you can see visibly in your body and also feel within your disposition. It's superultramega easy to find workouts for beginners on YouTube or Pinterest. If you have a willing friend, have them join as an accountability partner. You may not always be motivated to workout, but you will literally never regret it once you do.
CHORES: Chile, no one is exempt from cleaning up...unless you have a maid or a really nice mom! You can make yourself a weekly chore chart to indicate one or two task that you want to knock out each day just to keep your home is good shape. For me, a cluttered space translates to a cluttered mind, and I simply cannot function. Taking time each day to tidy is imperative for me.
COOK: Whether you meal prep, or choose to make a big feast on the weekend or opt for a comfort meal on a weeknight; something about actually cooking my food makes me feel so good about myself and what I'm eating.
SPEND TIME OUTDOORS: Go outside! You need the vitamin D! It's also good for creativity and focus. For me, finding time to take a walk outside has become a staple in my routine. I love the quiet time, the sunlight, the fresh air, and the views of the trees and the pond in my neighborhood. It's become sort of a meditative experience for me. It's a time to just let my mind wander, and I just really relish in it.
MEET A FRIEND: We can all get so busy and be caught up in our own heads. It's important to avoid isolation due to stress and burnout. Setting up a date to meet a friend mid-week always feels like medicine to me! It's that impactful! When you think about it, it's therapeutic. A one-on-one date gives you the opportunity to interact with someone on a more intimate level. You can vent and get insight on your situations, but you can also be a listening ear and support someone else which gives you a sense of belonging, connection, and relativity. Of course, hanging out with groups is great fun too!
SET A STANDING APPOINTMENT: Do you have a hobby or group that you participate in every week or so? Sign up for a class! Set a coffee date with friends with a permanent, recurring day and time. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you practice commitment.
These are my components of a successful week for me! Hopefully, it's a starting point for you to find your formula! Also always keep in mind, that none of this has to be set in stone. You should always give yourself grace. If you week doesn't go as planned or you can't complete everything on the to-do list, that doesn't mean you didn't have a successful week. Did you find joy? Did you love others? Were you happy? Were you kind? These are the things that matter. You know in your heart how to measure your own success, and I'm so sure that you're already thriving! Believe that!
Comments