My head has been in the clouds lately. More specifically, I’ve been reflecting a lot on how I spend my time every day, every week.
I’m a creature of habit and love embracing routine because it keeps me productive (read: less lazy), but at some point, I’ve found myself becoming a prisoner of these self-made obligations. By the end of the day, I often feel uninspired and anxious for the weekend when I have more downtime to do I-don’t-know-what.
A few things that have been making me reflect:
- Music
- An article I read recently
The article was about the mental health benefits of practicing self-care every day—and how doing hands-on activities with measurable results has a significant affect on our overall wellbeing. It mentioned a study from New Zealand’s Otago University from 2016. The study of 658 students concluded that “[…] engaging in small creative pursuits on a daily basis produces enthusiasm and feelings of ‘flourishing’—’a mental health term describing happiness and meaning.’ ”
This reminds me of a quote I’ve shared before from Julia Child: “Find something you’re passionate about, and keep tremendously interested in it.” The past week, in particular, I’ve been reminiscing about creative interests I used to have that have faded as I’ve grown as an adult. I’m realizing how lucky I am to have those art- and music-related pastimes and that I need to nurture them. Have you ever wondered why you don’t do something anymore that you used to love? It’s such a weird and sad realization.
Whether you have 15 minutes or several hours of freedom per day, I’m beginning to realize just how important it is to make time for things that make our souls happy. They may not necessarily be “productive,” per say, but they’re just as important.
“Always find time for the things that make you happy to be alive.” It’s a simple concept that’s pretty underrated.
I know for me, personally, this will require me to reprioritize what I do in a day. For example, would you rather catch up on your favorite shows or challenge yourself in a rewarding way (though I’ll admit finishing a TV series can feel pretty fulfilling 😉 ).
My goals?
- Spend more time in nature, whether for getting active or to just reflect
- Play piano more (and maybe pick up my guitar that’s been gathering dust for years)
- Dabble in artsy projects, from doodling to trying new mediums to exploring DIY projects
Gettin’ My Healthy On isn’t just about food or fitness—it’s also about mental health and happiness. I hope this post makes you think about how you spend your time and maybe motivates you to either reignite old passions (like I’ve been trying to do) or simply try to make more time for the activities that inspire you. 🙂
Are there any interests you used to have that have faded over the years?
What are some things you try to squeeze into the day that inspire you?
