Life...is...HARD and is it just us or is it getting harder ? and we're not even talking about rising cost of living, although that may be making an impact. We're talking about finding purpose and meaning while also supporting ourselves, caring for others and just simply staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and overall crushing it.
We can’t give you your purpose, and we won’t pretend to be finished with the lifelong journey of Buddhist ideals, aka understanding the meaning of life, accepting suffering and ourselves, and being enlightened. However, we’ve rounded up some amazing ways to help make the way a *little* bit softer, more peaceful, clear-skinned, and efficient.
Start disconnected
Make it a habit to not look at your phone once you wake up in the morning, for at least an hour. Instead, try a quick morning meditation to get you focused and ready for the day. Anxiery levels will drop a significant amount when we remember the significance of truly quiet, reflective, in-the-moment time.
Wash your pillowcases
This may be obvious but trust us when we say some of you need a little reminder! Bedding should be washed every 7-10 days, two weeks max. At the very least pillowcases every 3-5 days, no less! Sweat, oil and grime has a way of building up on the areas we smash our faces in for six to nine hours a night.
Make a spending budget
Some of us fear spreadsheets so don't worry! We won't make you get into it. Just have a rough idea of how much you want to save and how much you need to spend, to, you know, SURVIVE. The leftovers are for drinks out and another cute dress.
Get a recipe rotation
Find a favorite big salad or lentil stew and make enough for a few days for dinner or lunches. Alter leftovers slightly each day with new garnishes, a different sauce or dressing, or by adding a fried egg to it, and don’t think about it too much. Incorporate your favorite things without getting sick of it, and eliminate the stress of planning too many meals each week.
Clean a little, everyday
"I'm saving it all for Sunday" but come Sunday, all we want to do is chill. Wipe down the counters and surfaces on Monday. Clean the sink and toilets on Tuesday. Vacuum, sweep, mop on Wednesday. Laundry on Thursday. It won’t take long, and by the weekend, you’ll be free to do whatever you want.
Take daunting tasks a day at a time
Big goals and dreams are so beautiful, but less so when we do anything to actualize them. They can seem daunting, especially if we constantly tell ourselves we need to do it all at once. However, all you need to do is start small. Open your journal and write what it is you want to accomplish. Set a manifestation goal for a few years down the line. Set up a little game plan of small, actionable tasks to get yourself there, and don’t think too far ahead of those tasks. One step, one day at a time is the only way things happen. Don’t overthink it.
Ask for help
This biggest thing we have learnt in life is to just simply ask for help. We know this is a tough one for many, but just ask for help when you truly need it. Don't go through life completely alone. Tough breakup? Call your bestie. Moving? make a wine night of packing with friends. Can't parallel park into a tight spot? ask that friendly neighbour. Build a little community around you, and like we said, don't go through life alone.