In 2021, I quit a job that pays 20 million a year as a corporate lawyer. I was depressed and completely burned out. I had to step back and take care of myself.
Since then, I’ve made a healthy routine a priority.
Created a community of over 300,000 people tick tock, LinkedIn When Instagram People like me who put their happiness before their career. Recently, I asked them: “What is the little non-negotiable habit that has changed your life the most?”
The top four answers were:
1. Say “No”
I always thought being flexible with the flow was an asset. However, constantly saying yes to more work, social activities, and favors can easily turn into sacrificing your own needs and the desires of others.
Since I started saying no, my life has become richer and I have more time to focus on what is important to me.
Start by only taking on additional projects that excite you. Challenge yourself to decline at least one opportunity a week.
2. Practice gratitude
A huge number of responses focused on the positive rather than dwelling on the negative.
I keep a gratitude journal and whenever I feel down, I answer the following prompts:
- Name one thing that went better than expected recently.
- What is one goal I have achieved and how has it changed my life?
- What am I grateful for today?
When I’m done, I feel more grounded, grateful, and focused on what I have rather than what I wanted.
3. Physical exercise
Physical exercise is gentle physical activity that focuses on your inner experiences.
Several respondents said they incorporated yoga into their wellness routine. When you’re feeling stressed, yoga poses can help you relax.
Here are my two go-to poses:
- Cat-cow pose: Start on your hands and knees in Table Pose with your hands under your shoulders and your legs under your hips. Maintain a neutral spine. As you inhale deeply, round your spine and tilt your pelvis into a “cow” position. Then, exhale deeply while arching your spine, tilting your pelvis down like a “cat”.
- Child pose: Kneel and sit on your feet. Lean forward with the sheet at your feet and gently place your forehead on the floor. Place your arms next to your legs, palms up, or extend them beside your head, palms down.
Yoga is just one option. Some say they hike as a way to exercise and connect with nature. Even just taking a short walk outside can make a difference.
4. Break harmful habits
Many people have told me that doing a “phone detox” has improved their mental health. You can set usage time limits.
Others said they cut back on unhealthy substances like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. I’ve been a regular marijuana user for the past 4 years, but I’m most productive and in touch with my emotions when I quit marijuana.
A health care professional can give you the best advice on how to safely reduce substance abuse.But like habit tracking apps ground When stride Helps you stay motivated.
Julian Sarafyan He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and Harvard Law School. He is a lawyer, mental health advocate, and content creator. Julian is an active voice in his mental health community and on his social media including: He has more than 300,000 followers. tick tock When InstagramPlease email him at [email protected]
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