Bonsai Tree
Source: Bonsai Trees | Penelope Peru Photography P3
Nimrah of It’s All Great Until… teaches us how to invest in ourselves
Source: It’s All Great Until…
First of all, thank you bug for letting me write a little something for The Burgundy Zine.
Introduction
I currently write my own blog called “It’s All Great Until….” where I share any stories – both the weird and wonderful – that could possibly occur in your twenties and beyond. I’m also here entertain and possibly help anyone that reads anything I write.
So here goes!
Invest in Yourself
Lily Pad
Source: Lily Pads 02 |Penelope Peru Photography P³
Millennials and young adults often find it hard to balance. Overall, they have higher levels of stress.
We look to other avenues for advice but actually do little or nothing about “self-love”. The inspirational quotes we often double tap or retweet reiterate the same message, “look after yourself.”
Starting work, leaving university, or any new phase of life can often leave us to forget ourselves. I don’t mean a new year, new me kind of thing. I’m speaking of contact changes, challenges, and opportunities that will help you grow and feed off the good energy you give out.
Below are some basic ways to start changing your outlook for the better.
Skills
Education
Encyclopedia Britannica
Source: Knowledge is Power | Penelope Peru Photography P³
Learn something new. Successful people are constantly in this habit because the world is constantly changing. If you’re not learning or improving, you’ll find yourself left behind.
Thanks to the internet, there are so many resources we can access for free: TED Talks, online classes, etc… There are limitless opportunities right outside your door (or on your screen!).
Time Management and Procrastination
-> HAPPY CLOCK GUY (A VERY RARE SIGHT)
Clock Guy: OH SHOOT! IT’S TIME FOR MY LAST CLASS!
Source: My Brain 19 | Penelope Peru Photography P³
Your time is valuable. Yet, it should come as no surprise that many of us waste it.
Prioritize scheduling your time into more productive activities like a new job, hobbies, or anything away from big and small screens.
Creativity
Create Something Tangible
Panel 1
V: I LAY DOWN THE PIANO
Panel 2
V: YOU HANDLE THE PERCUSSION
Panel 3
V: TEAMWORK
Panel 4
A RADIO, OF SORTS
Source: My Brain 19 | Penelope Peru Photography P³
Experiences help you grow. They’re not just for updating your Facebook status to show off by checking into places.
Create something tangible with an activity that physically makes you concentrate; like cooking, photography, or writing. Bit obvious what I went for, right?
Habits
WHY DO WE HUMANS LOVE FILLING OUR LUNGS WITH THINGS THAT AREN’T OXYGEN?
Source: My Brain 21 | Penelope Peru Photography P³
I’m on about little ones that we should probably do more often like floss or drink more water. Not only is it good for your health, but at the very least it improves the way you look (and your breath).
Mild changes can help keep track of your health but encourage slower, bigger, permanent changes.
Mind and Body
Read
Dog Bookends
Source: Dog Bookends | Penelope Peru Photography P3
Read literally anything.
People average about 24 hours a week on a screen, double the average time 10 years ago, with 1 in 5 of us going as high as 40 hours a week, according to Telegraph.
Taking some time away from the blue lights of a screen to focus on reading can help grow your mind but is surely better for your eyesight, as well.
I’ve gone to relatives houses and not seen one book around. It freaks me out!
It shouldn’t matter what you read, just doing a little will improve your focus.
Get Rid of Toxic Friends
Monarch Butterfly
Source: Monarch Butterflies | Penelope Peru Photography P³
I believe you’re a reflection of who you surround yourself with. As much as it hurts to lose a friend, it’s just honest to know you outgrow people and they will outgrow you.
Get rid of the ones you can’t fall back on or the ones who are negative, unmotivated, and aren’t bettering themselves.
Gratitude and Forgiveness
Lily Pad
Source: Lily Pads 02 | Penelope Peru Photography P³
Practicing both gratitude and forgiveness frees up mental energy that can be used elsewhere.
Research published in the Social Psychological and Personality Science found being thankful and forgiving actually reduces aggressive tendencies, promotes quality sleep, supports better relationships, and elevates your mood.
Get Out of Your Headspace
V’s Brain: THOUGHTS
Source: Sketchbook Tour // Oct. – Dec. 2018 | Penelope Peru Photography P³
Picture – you can’t sleep, you’re listing all the things you urgently need to do tomorrow, repeating them over and over again. Wait! Have you forgotten something? What did you have to do first?
Downtime is not for lists. Whatever needs to be done can be listed and done when it needs to be. If it’s written down somewhere, it’s out your mind and nothing is forgotten.
Love that Look
Philipp Plein Model
Source: Models at Philipp Plein | Penelope Peru Photography P³
Basically, don’t look at purchases that make you feel confident and attractive as self-indulgent. I mean within reason; don’t get Botox because of that one sentence (seriously).
Just don’t dismiss anything that makes you feel good.
In Conclusion
Bottom line is, you are accountable for you. Baby steps will help monitor your progress and help look back, reminding yourself of where you were and how far you’re progressing.
If you’re doing any of this, keep going. You’re probably doing great.
Bug’s Two Cents
First of all, thank YOU, Nimrah, for submitting such wonderful, insightful content. Seriously, I’m over the moon!
Secondly, I couldn’t agree more. It’s so easy to put ourselves on the backburner, neglecting our needs in lieu of arbitrary responsibilities – and for what? If you take care of yourself, the rest of your life will fall into place.
Head on over to It’s All Great Until… for more beautiful advice from Nimrah. Be sure to show her a little love on Twitter and Instagram, as well.
Interested in having content featured in an upcoming blog post or issue of The Burgundy Zine? Head on over to the submissions page!
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