“Take one day at a time” – Healthy ‘Mind’ Habits (Part 3)

Take one day at a time

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It’s one of the most common and overused statements – but literally, it has been a lifesaver in every sense of the word.

Before you are tempted to click away, or even patiently intrigued to stay, be aware that this phrase, dare I say ‘concept’, has been overlooked by me, and maybe others, repeatedly. But last year I consciously chose to implement the ‘one day at a time’ mentality in my personal life during work days, and ‘rest days’ and it has done wonders for my general frame of mind.

I used to be that person who overplanned, and ‘over delivered.’ Yes, you read that right, I literally had many ideas flowing through my mind on a consistent basis (which is not necessarily a bad thing.) However, I would place an immense and unnecessary amount of pressure on myself to achieve those goals (both short-term and long) in a small time frame.

“Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for your life to begin and start making the most of the moment you are in.”

― Germany Kent

Most years, I happily assemble a vision board which I can refer to throughout the year – for motivation and direction, it consists of all the things I hope to achieve. But to many of us unaware, it is the everyday occurrences that are most prominent and evident in our lives on a daily basis, whether we like it, or not.

Each day is a new day to conquer. Each moment is a new moment to embrace ☕ – despite how challenging it may be.

– Lookafteru4me

Do I catch myself drifting back into old habits? yes, now and then (just 10 minutes ago, I sensed my mind pondering all the things I desire to do, personal projects and things I hope to achieve. ) But how quickly I’m comprehending that: some hopes and dreams may have to be put on the back bench until an appropriate or convenient time comes, no matter how demanding they may appear right now.

What is the overall message or purpose of this post? (you may ask) -To establish that (taking one day at a time) may be one of the most effective and fundamental coping strategies known to man.

How do I take one day at a time?

#Plan

This may sound contradictory, but planning a few weeks on a calendar has been one of the best things ever. I work in the educational field, so I plan 6-7 weeks at a time because that happens to be how I break up the terms and half terms. When you spread out a calendar, and note key dates, reminders, or proposed dates for certain events and projects – it helps you see things in perspective (literally)

“The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next.”

― Mignon McLaughlin

# Identify your essentials and non-essentials

Feel free to practice writing a list of all the things you did today: A list with colour codes helps you see things in perspective and identify your essentials and non-essentials.

# Set reminders if needs be.

Putting a reminder on your phone or laptop can give you that safety net where preparation or planning is concerned. Not only for major events and tasks but for everyday things, for example, a gentle reminder to prepare dinner, run a bath, or put on the laundry.

# Take time for yourself (mind-care)

‘Mind-care’ or self-care is fundamental to operating at your full capacity. My previous post sheds more light on this.

# Cross out your accomplishments once completed.

It’s easy to forget what has been accomplished once it has been accomplished, (I don’t know why.) Someone may have to remind you that you performed really well at an open mic last month, or you completed a goal-related course a few weeks ago.

I hope you enjoyed this post, feel free to like and follow if you want to hear relatable and transparent blog posts.