10 Best Practices You Should be Doing Now

BY : Gaby Attong

1. Put away your phone – Lately I have found myself feeling anxious because of my phone. Whether it be the constant emails, whatsapps, the lack of likes on my latest Instagram post or the waiting on someone to answer my message, an anxiety builds up and sits on my chest. In an attempt to release this anxiety I have decided to disconnect whenever this anxiety occurs. I am urging you to do the same whether or not you feel ruled by your phone. Disconnect. Just do it. Put your phone or any device that demands your attention on silent or take it off and put it far from your reach. The email or message or Instagram post can wait- you will realize how much more productive you are when you’re not constantly consumed by your phone. 

2. Talk to people – Often we find ourselves in situations where we are struggling to have a meaningful conversation with someone. It is because of this that we opt to avoid a conversation or deny the possibilities of talking to people. While the “small talk” waters are often unavoidable- there is a way to tread lightly. I recently read a post on ideas.ted.com about turning small talk into smart conversation. The key is asking open-ended questions. In this way you not only get a relevant answer but also a story, which can lead to meaningful discourse. That was just one of the options that were explored in the article. With these suggestions in mind, I urge you next time you find yourself in a sea of people, talk to them. Avoid the small talk and just talk.

3. Listen – In order to have meaningful conversations we must also practice listening. Often times, we don’t really listen and this could turn a conversation into an opinion competition. I believe that many arguments can be avoided by merely listening before we speak. So next time, practice listening carefully before speaking.

4. Go outside – Make time to go outside. Whether it is for exercise or just to sit and enjoy some fresh air, go outside. Being outside is energizing and also allows for us to get in touch with the eco system within which we exist. We forget that we share a planet with so many other organisms. So go outside, share the space and reap the benefits.

5. Make healthier choices – We are bombarded with so many “healthy” options and new health fads that it is hard to keep up and even commit to any of them. I have found that what works for me is making simple, healthy choices. For example getting a side salad instead of fries, water instead of a coke. These simple choices add up and help you live a healthier lifestyle. Make choices that work for you.

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6. Create something – We aren’t all Leonardo Da Vinci or Picasso but that should not stop us from creating something. Creativity manifests itself in many ways and it is important to practice channeling your inner creative. It could be a painting, a meal, a cake, a new lamp, anything once you took the time to create and enjoy doing so as well. This practice usually allows for people to discover hidden talents and gain new hobbies. 

7. Enjoy being alone – The idea of “alone time” comes with the understanding and realization of one’s own thoughts and the importance of being in tune with them. The “being busy” culture disallows for this time but I encourage the practice of being alone. It is only through understanding oneself and being content with one’s own company can you truly enjoy and appreciate being around others.

8. Rest more – This one is self explanatory. Get more sleep. We live in a society that thrives on being “busy” and not having enough time to sleep. Our bodies need it so make the time to get enough hours of sleep. And naps. Naps are necessary. Practice napping.

9. Explore new places and spaces – Travel far and wide and when travelling cannot happen explore places within your country. The idea of the staycation is one that should be practiced. We get very consumed in our everyday lives and forget that there is so much to discover beyond our everyday environment.

10. Be aware and informed and have an opinion – Watch the news, read the news, know the news. It is not enough to be informed but I urge you to have an opinion as well. Feel something about the situations that the world is in. Whether it is good or bad news, have a reaction and an opinion. I am not a fan of airing opinions on social media or even in conversations where I know it could encourage conflict but I have started to practice having a reaction whether it is privately or with the intention of sharing. Next time you read a headline, don’t dismiss it as more “bad news” but instead practice thinking of the situation and developing a constructive opinion around it.