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Direction relies on consistency, that we know. But despite our best efforts, sometimes life just throws a spanner in the works, and, for whatever reason, we find ourselves feeling derailed, distracted, dispirited.
It is at these times that we are at our most vulnerable, most in danger of losing our way.
And it is at these times that we most need a routine to fall back on, a quick reboot that peps us up, reminds us what we are about, and sets us back on our way.
Today I want to share with you the quickfire, 5-step process I personally follow to get myself out of a funk, keep calm, and carry on. It has helped me through some tough times, and I hope it helps you, too!
1. Hot shower
Personally, I’ll always start with a hot shower. Nothing fancy to this step, but the hot water will relax your body and leave you feeling revitalized and refreshed. As an extra bonus, you can have a shave straight afterwards and then splash yourself all over with cold water for the full re-energizing experience.
2. Pushups
Once I’m out of the shower, I’ll usually stick the kettle on and play some upbeat music while I get changed into a fresh set of clothes. Now, the priority is to do a little bit of exercise and get the blood pumping, so I’ll do some sets of pushups and a few stretches to eliminate the last of the body’s tension.
3. Cup of tea
By this time, the kettle should have boiled, and you can make yourself a mug of strong black tea. It may be the English in me coming out, but I always feel better after a cup of tea. Coffee works too, if you prefer that. I’ll then take my tea with me to slowly sip as I complete the rest of my routine.
4. Meditation
I can’t recommend meditation highly enough. By this stage, you’ve calmed and reenergized your body; now you need to do the same to your mind. Just 5 minutes of meditation is a great way to let go of those pent up emotions and bring back calm, clarity, and focus. I use Headspace myself, but InsightTimer is a good free option.
5. Action review
Now that you’ve rebooted yourself physically and mentally, it’s time to remind yourself where you’re going and why you’re doing it. Personally, I have my goals and progress typed out in a physical document, and this is the time when I’ll look back at it and remind myself of where I’m going, who I’m doing it for, and the reasons I have to be grateful in this very moment.
The whole process takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on how leisurely you are about it, and by the end of it you will invariably feel at least a little better. Plus, the value of incorporating the final action review step is that, even if you don’t, you will at least be much more likely to persevere on your path whatever your mood at that particular moment.
You’ll notice that none of the steps in the process are particularly revolutionary, but they do work. Sometimes, all we need to get back on our way is a quick reboot, and that’s what has worked so well for me with this routine.
How about you? Do you have your own reboot routine? Let me know in the comments below!
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