Coach Rozy’s Motivational Monday: 7 Ways to Take Care of Yourself – and Live a Positive Life
Coach Rozy’s Motivational Monday:
7 Ways to Take Care of Yourself – and Live a Positive Life
by
Mark “Coach Rozy” Roozen
We all are busy! I don’t know anyone; from my young athletes to the older generation, that doesn’t have a full plate. We seem to push “US” away from the plate. I know I coach and teach it – but have to have the same mind set. I had a good friend the other day just remind me that I have to take some ME TIME – and not get so STUCK IN THE DAILY GRIND! Here’s how to work “me time” into your busy schedule – and this one is just as much for me as it is for you reading it!!
1. Set specific time slots when you don’t work.
Focusing on work is a great excuse for not taking care of yourself. I know I need to slot in MY TIME on my day planner. When my reminder flashes, I drop what I’m doing and time some time to stop work. I slow down the grind – do ME TIME – and what I find is that when I come back I have more focus and energy. These slots vary based on your schedule – for some it might be first thing in the morning, for others after dinner (5 to 8 p.m.). Except for major events I must attend, these slots are sacred times for me. Setting this up has been life-changing.
2. Start your day off with meditation.
I have a habit of being more GO – then Ready-Set-Go! I had a great friend and mentor give me great advice; STOP – BE STILL – LISTEN. Sounds simple, but it was (and still is at times) hard for me to do that. Now I work to start every morning with a short 5–10-minute meditation and mind review. This time helps me visualize the things I’m most grateful for, it helps me focus for the day and allows me to minimize negativity and distractions. I find that early morning meditation increases my self-awareness and helps me put into perspective what really matters. I also tend to be much more positive and energetic.
3. Work out.
I know you knew this was coming – from a performance coach! But what we’re talking about isn’t even training for a hour each day. It’s find the time to do something physical for yourself. Get up in the morning and stretch. Go for a walk at lunch. Take a bootcamp class with Coach Rozy. Do something that will get you moving. If sitting is the new smoking – get your butt up and start going! Enough said – and to take the old Nike phrase – JUST DO IT!!
4. Get enough ZZZs.
I’m terrible at this one – but working to get better! We see all the time how the scientific benefits of sleep are innumerable. More shut eye equates to more happiness, better health and improved decision-making. Not to mention that it detoxes the brain. In order to do your best work, it’s critical to consistently recharge your batteries. If you don’t a device that can monitor your sleep info – look for an app on your phone. I use an app called Sleep Cycle – but there are many out there.
5. Keep a journal.
Life is very busy. My journal is in bullet-form so I can jot down things I did, things I need to do, people I met, how I feel and felt, etc. It’s a great outlet to help me be present, keep on track, go back and look at reminders to change the things I need to change, repeat the things that work and are boosters, it helps me remember the little moments and sort out challenges in both my personal and professional life.
6. Stretch.
I have always been a very active person. I played sports, worked out and tried a number of different activities in my life; scuba diving, sky diving, rock climbing, etc. But in the last few years, the best things I do, and need to take the time to do it on a regular basis is to STRETCH. In the past I would find time to train and do activity – but be to busy to take time to be mobile and flexible. Work to do that now and it’s made all the difference. It’s the easiest way to reset your mind and body in 60 minutes.
7. Make time for rest, recovery and play.
Before becoming a business owner of three different businesses, I would have given an answer with all of the above 6 list items; workout, meditate, stretch, etc. These are all exceptional ways to nurture yourself. With a hectic schedule, the greatest joy I can experience is finding time to rest, recover and play. Working to find time each week to just rest, let my mind and body recover and do something fun; my play time, is like taking that deep refreshing breath of sea air after a hard workout, but better.
