Since I moved back home last December 2019, I made sure to go out every morning for either a walk or a few rounds in my bike. Aside from this being my way to get Vitamin D, it gives me a good start to my day.
Lately, I've been making time to visit the nearby market to buy fruits and vegetables for my morning protein smoothie. It's so much better than buying at an airconditioned grocery store where everything is packed in plastic.
I go to the same stall everyday and the ladies already know that I refuse plastic and prefer to put them directly into my bag. It's possible to go plastic-free at the palengke (Filipino word for market) by giving the vendor your bag or doing it yourself.
On some days, I take the dogs out for a walk or a few rounds on my bike.
Our two dogs really enjoy that time outside. In fact, they prefer being out and refuse to go home! My love for animals is eternal and my recent post about them is here.
It's been an exhausting year for most of us. Some of us experienced loss of a loved one, a job, livelihood, and connections with people we love.
I've been stuck in the same place for almost an entire year. I'm in a long-distance relationship with someone based abroad and there's no way for us to be together at this time. We haven't seen each other for a year. The future is uncertain and we don't know what's ahead of us.
Moving has and is saving me from going crazy.
Cal Newport, in his book Digital Minimalism, recommends leaving the smartphone at home and going on 'gratitude walks' where one can 'just enjoy particularly good weather, or take in a neighbourhood you like or try to generate a sense of anticipation for a better season to come.'
Daily movement has become an essential to keep our bodies and minds healthy this year. Finally, we all stayed in one place and this is what happened.
If you plan on doing the same, remember these 3 things:
1. Be kind to yourself. If you feel like staying home and doing something else that you think will help you keep your balance and stay healthy, do that.
2. Make it part of your routine. It's so much easier to stick to a daily activity when we make time for it and we know when to do it.
3. Give yourself enough space to rest and do nothing. Doing nothing doesn't mean being on the phone.
If you have found your daily practice, good on you. It's a wonderful thing to have. Does it give you something to look forward to? It surely does to me.
If you haven't already, I hope you find a daily practice that is supportive and nourishing soon.
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