Surviving The Hustle: My Real-Life Routine For A Healthy Mind And Body.

Staying healthy physically and mentally is not a joke nor a child's play, especially in a place like this, Nigeria, where there are the hustle bustle, the hurdles, the chaos and all that can get one lost. Taking care ofoneself is not a luxury, it is a necessity, this, I learned m the hard way. There was a time I thought being busy and doing this and that meant being productive, and that as long as I was getting things done, I was fine, but I was wrong, my soul, body and mind all teamed together to humble me, I get drained emotionally, mentally and physically. So, I had to stop, take a break and figure out how to balance all these for my peace of mind.

First, I wake up with intention. Even if it was just some hours sleep, I make to sure enjoy it and keep away distractions, I wake up, say some prayers of gratitude especially, ever since have been doing that, not complaining about Tue day before and not murmuring about today, but just being grateful for all, things has changed, after that, I get some drinking water, being hydrated shouldn't be underated, I do that every single day too, it tells my body to wake up and that its time to do the usual again, maybe differently though.

And, I don’t rush out of bed. I don't just dive into things, I give it some time, even my phone, it can wait, just some minutes to inhale, to stretch. There are times I just play some music with very soft tunes. It’s just my own way of being kind to myself before I step into whatever the day has in store/has to offer.

Also, about food, dont even smile, there was a time I just eat and grab whatever I see, that's because, I really don't care, I am too busy too. But now, I’m intentional about my meals. Something good, even if its not much, sometimes its just bread and egg, other times its boiled eggs and water, and it do go a long way, sometimes I take fruits too, this are just ways by which I allow my body enjoy and know that I am looking out for it.

Also, going to the gym, well am not cut out for that. Personally, I take walks, walk to the market instead of taking a bike, I stroll around the neighborhood in the evening when the sun’s calm and the airs good, I do some task myself instead of sending a messenger up and down, and sincerely, those walks are therapeutic. It helps clear my mind, my head, it helps observe life, it helps me think, it helps me let go of some things also.

Also, when stress seems to want to show up, I counter it with some things, it might look or sound small, but some small acts of joy and laughter goes a long way in helping me, there are times I just watch skits online, sometimes I call some people I know are very fun to talk or chat with, that itself helps me tell stress that you haven't found an abode, try coming back next time. And I do rest well, I don't compromise on it, not anymore, when it comes, I just sleep, no room for overthinking or anything of sort.

After a very hectic day, and i just need regain my lost energy, I do play some music, put my phone in "do not disturb", I go to shower, there, I may take minutes if not hours, I let the water wash over me, washing even the emotional baggage and all the stress residue, other times, I just wrap myself up and get soaked in a book that would take me far away from reality. I always give myself permission to exist without doing anything, its been my secret for long, I would just be, unbothered and without worrying about who needs what or what needs to be fixed.

Also, I have learned to say no without worrying or feeling guilty, I really don't owe anyone an explanation, protecting my peace isn't selfishness, its my way of surviving. I can't be empty, and if am not okay, everything else about me will suffer, so, I just take some little steps, some simple routines and that is also a way for me to tell me that I matter too.

Sincerely, life will always be busy, and stress will always knock on your door. But staying healthy is about creating some sort of peace, even amidst the chaos. You have to be deliberate about how you treat yourself, you have to know that your well being isn't a second option or a side hustle, it is the first, it is the main thing. In whatever you do or you are doing, make room for yourself, celebrate yourself, eat, rest, walk, laugh, joke, do things and most importantly, be kind to yourself.

All pictures are mine.

Thanks for stopping by.

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