As humans we are often so intrigued with everything that’s going on around us that we often neglect what’s going on inside us. Pretty hair styles, Fashion, Parties, Luxury lifestyles etc. We are programmed to believe that driving the best car or owning a big house is what makes us successful. We want, want, want and the more we get the more we want. We are never really satisfied and the desire burns like a flame that just continues to grow. We can never find happiness in possessions, we can never maintain beauty and whatever we buy will never come with us to the grave. We know this yet we still indulge in the material world. Why? What’s the reason? Does is stem from insecurities? Are we being brainwashed by the media? Does the dopamine hit keep us craving more? If so how do we ever really break out of this toxic cycle that’s poisoned our life? The answer well is very simple, it all comes down to discipline.

Discipline starts within. It starts by taking a moment to pause. To reflect. Some do this through prayer, others through meditation, whatever it may be we as humans need to understand that if we don’t pay attention to our foundation and look within ourselves to understand what triggers us, what motivates us and what heals us then nothing on the outside will ever really fulfil us. I mean how will you ever really experience internal growth if you don’t nurture yourself from within? 

You can start with the little things like being kinder to yourself, using positive words instead of constantly doubting or cussing in your mind. If something goes wrong instead of saying “Why is this happening to me?” Ask yourself “What is God trying to teach me?” Making changes in your thought pattern and breaking out of old negative habits can be challenging but if you knew the power of your words you would never say a bad thing to yourself again. Getting into the habit of using kind words not only helps to install a positive mindset but encourages you to naturally become a kinder person to yourself & the people around you creating a more peaceful and pleasant environment. 

Your eyes are the windows to your soul. I know you’ve probably heard this phrase so many times but think about it. Imagine waking up in the morning, jumping out of bed, trying on 5 different outfits then rushing to work, having a busy day only to come back to a messy house/ room. This is definitely going to set you off. Your house should be your safe haven. A place you go to unwind and that all starts by the smallest things like doing your bed in the morning and tidying up as you go. This is where “Time management” comes in. If you don’t prepare your clothes or your meals or whatever it may be for the next day how do you expect your day to flow? Organisation is key. If you can’t discipline yourself to control these little things in your life then how to you expect to control the big things that life throws at you? 

The modern day life is mainly school life, work life, busy roads, rushing, always trying to reach a “deadline” pressure, pressure, pressure. Sometimes we need to just block that all out and breathe. A swim in the ocean, a walk in nature or sunbathing on a rock is the perfect way to unwind mentally and reset. If we don’t recharge our mental batteries we only continue to cause stress and harm to our mental health. Nature can generate many positive emotions such as calmness, joy and can facilitate creativity. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression.

By writing down your day to day experiences it will help you track, identify and recognise your triggers and this will help control them. You are literally transferring your thoughts & feelings onto paper which helps not only express yourself but improve your mood at the same time. Journaling will help create a sense of self-identity and confidence especially when reading back and acknowledging your emotions. 

Now this is the most obvious and the most important. This all comes down to your lifestyle. In order to feel better one must nurture themselves internally. This foundation is based on the four pillars; (1) Nutrition (2) Sleep Hygiene (3) Social support (4) Physical Activity. 

(1) Nutrition: This has nothing to do with counting calories or being in a deficit. This has everything to do with fuelling your body with real food. If you don’t put dirty fuel in your car why would you put processed foods in your body. The worst thing anyone can do is treat their stomach like a waste basket. Not only does this make you feel like shit it shows in your everyday tasks, your body appearance and your skin. The saying “You are what you eat” really is true and these bad habits will have you dragging yourself throughout the day trying to keep up with life. Don’t get me wrong it’s okay to treat yourself and have that piece of chocolate or get that large popcorn when watching a movie but don’t make it part of your routine and day to day life. Give yourself one or two cheat days a week, this not only strengthens your mind and body but helps with strengthening your discipline. Eat whole foods. If you want to eat better, choose foods that are in their natural form and avoid processed foods. “If you can’t read it don’t eat it,” Foods with a lot of preservatives and chemicals often have long lists of ingredients that are hard to pronounce. The majority of your immune system is in your gut so keeping it healthy is of the utmost importance.

(2) Sleep Hygiene: When sleeping make sure you set the atmosphere for a goodnight’s sleep. Ensure your room is quiet, dark and the temperature is comfortable. This is your rest time so ensure it is a Technology Free zone no smart phones, TV’s or computers around. The most important way to ensure sleep hygiene is to stick to a schedule, no more than eight hours of sleep a night and avoid Large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Obtaining healthy sleep is important for both physical and mental health improving productivity and overall quality of life.

(3) Social Support: Just like making specific dietary and lifestyle choices our social circle can influence our day to day behaviours. It is important to choose the people we surround ourselves with carefully as their habits whether be negative or positive will eventually impact our everyday lives. Poor or negative social support often leads to loneliness and depression altering brain function that could lead to Alcohol use, cardiovascular disease, depression & suicide. A good support network of family and friends involve helping, listening, giving advice, providing care and offering assistance in time of need. It is important to participate in the right social groups as factors such as smoking, drinking, exercise, eating habits etc will have an influence on your behaviours and mental health.

(4) Physical Activity: Having a busy stressful lifestyle can often lead to self neglect and demotivation. Exercise may be the last on your “to do” list and therefore rarely ever happens. The truth is exercise is one of the most important and reduces many negative health factors. Exercise lowers your blood pressure, improves your cholesterol, reduces your blood sugar, reduces the risk of heart attack, stoke, diabetes, colon and breast cancers, osteoporosis, depression, obesity and even dementia. We should dedicate at least 30 mins a day to exercise even if it’s just going for a walk or signing yourself up in a sport or dance class. Regular exercise will enhance your well being by releasing feel good endorphins, natural cannabis like brain chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids) and other natural chemicals that will assist in your mood. 

Overall, incorporating all these factors into your day will have a major positive influence on your life. Discipline and consistency is going to be the force that drives you into becoming the best version of yourself not only for you but for the people around you and the energy you attract.