By Jill Roberts / March 15, 2019
It’s easy for me to hide out at home and quote about the virtues and morals I aim to display. But, it’s entirely another challenge to step out into the world and consistently react on those principals. Some days, and with some people, it’s harder than others.
An Average Jill represents the best of who I aim to be; But I don’t always hit the target. Although I’ve eliminated many emotional triggers, I can still lose my shit. It most often occurs when I’ve allowed stress, fear, and worry to seep into my life.
I’ve learned that when I can slow down, and make my mental and physical health a priority, I’m far less likely to respond to a challenging person or circumstance in a way that leaves me feeling “icky.” Moreover, my family, friends, and any others I encounter throughout the day deserve the best version of me.
I’m not promoting these activities as something anyone else should do. I’m simply sharing what activities help nurture the best of me. In fact, the more important message of this article may be the simple reminder that when we take care of ourselves first, we’re better equipped, and in a better state of mind to face the world.
I maintain my physical health. If I’m going to stand brave against whatever life throws at me, it starts with keeping my body in good shape. Over the years, my workout routine has adapted to accommodate circumstance, but I’ve always kept some form of exercise in my schedule.
I’ve grown to become a proponent of getting exercise as a byproduct of doing an activity that I enjoy. Consequently, most of my exercise comes from hiking, but I also take pleasure in laboring outdoors. So, in the warmer weather, maintaining a yard offers a great workout along with the added satisfaction of accomplishment.
I eat consciously, or at least make an attempt to. I became more conscious of my diet a few years back, when a skin condition I inherited, called Rosacea, prompted me to look closer at my diet. Ultimately, I gave up foods that have long ingredient lists or ingredients I can’t pronounce. I keep it simple, because that’s as far as my nutritional understanding goes.
There isn’t a food group that I’ve eliminated, nor am I a fanatic about strictly following any rule. I’ve just become more aware of what’s in the food I’m eating, and where it comes from. Whether it’s related or not, not only did my skin improve, but I notice a difference in my overall energy level during the day, and my ability to stay asleep at night.
I get 8-hours of sleep most nights. I’m a morning person, which means I’m typically up by 5am regardless of what time I go to bed. So, if I’m not asleep by 9pm on most nights, I’m not getting the 8-hours of sleep I need to efficiently function. In the summer I can get away with less sleep, but I make up for it in the winter.
During the cold months, it’s not unusual for me to be in bed by 8pm. If I’m tired, unmotivated, and done with obligations for the day, guess what? I’m going to bed. I see no reason to stay awake for the sake of staying up, when I can enjoy a good night sleep and start my day fresh and rejuvenated.
I fuel my thoughts with words that challenge and inspire me. When I gave up television two years ago, I started listening to audio books and podcasts. I enjoy listening to people tell their stories and share their experiences. My audiobook collection is filled with memoirs and true stories; And the podcasts I select offer conversations and interviews with interesting people from varying walks of life.
My website includes reviews of some of the favorite audio books in my library. My Podcast selection isn’t as vast. Although I’m open to trying new ones, the two I come back to with the most frequency are: Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations, and Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.
I meditate. I’m not a mediation guru by any means. My attempt at meditating involves sitting on the floor of my closet, lights off, eyes closed, in an effort to observe my thoughts. Most days I can handle about 2-minutes before I get restless, and pop up to eagerly tackle the day.
Even so, since I faithfully incorporated the practice into a morning routine over a year ago, it’s made a noticeable difference in my ability to concentrate during the day. I can’t explain how or why it works, I just know that when I miss days, I have less direction and focus throughout the day.
I start my day with a routine. Whether I’m home or away, I like to start my day with a routine that I take care to enjoy and accomplish. It starts with savoring a cup of coffee; enjoying a light breakfast; taking care to make the bed, and get myself dressed; Then I meditate.
It can be as short or as long of a process as time permits, but I don’t allow myself to feel rushed. Otherwise, it sets a tone for feeling rushed all day. It’s the only part of the day that I desire a routine; outside of the morning, I prefer to approach the day as it unfolds.
I take time to be with nature. Nowhere am I more present in the moment, or more at peace than when I’m surrounded by nature’s silent harmony. A solo hike under the forest canopy to a majestic view of a summit lookout provides the best opportunity. It doesn’t matter the season.
It’s why hiking is quite possibly the biggest factor in maintaining my serenity. Everything else on this list becomes second nature when I’ve spent adequate time in nature. Especially when I can absorb the warmth and glow of the sun, or the spell of the moon’s magical iridescence.