How Do I Enjoy a Beautiful Day? (part 2)

Last time I discussed this topic, I talked about the importance of trying to appreciate even the small things that make every day that much special. Now, I want to continue this discussion by talking a bit more practically what else we can do to ‘make’ every day enjoyable. In this time and age, stress is an important ‘variable’ affecting our lives every day in different ways. So, since we cannot lead an absolutely, 100% stress-free life, the best thing to do is to try and reduce our stress levels as much as we can.

Let me start by saying that there are two instances where stress has completely opposite effects on us. Short-term, task-focused stress helps ‘drive’ us to accomplish tasks, while on the other hand, prolonged, unmanageable, and uninterrupted stress has a completely negative effect on our mental and physical health. In this instance, instead of tackling the stressful issues one at a time, we tend to think about all of our stress sources at once, trapping ourselves in this cycle of stress-induced anxiety. To avoid all that, we can all start practising some very simple, and yet helpful, exercises.

The first thing to do would be to prioritise! Focus on one thing at a time, following an importance-scaled system that helps you accomplish tasks easier, faster, and with a clear mind. Prioritising can be made easier when some visual ‘aids’ are used; keeping a to-do list close by can be very helpful when trying to do things one by one. An agenda or notebook is also helpful, depending on how much you use one. These are two of the many things we can do to help ourselves prioritise easier; the point is to find and establish a personal system that helps us order tasks and responsibilities.

The second step would be to ‘cut off’ all unnecessary stress sources. For example, if watching the news distresses you and makes you feel worst throughout the day, then try to limit what news you read and be a bit more selective in this area. This next thing might sound a bit extreme, but if there is a person in your life that stresses you immensely, try to limit contact with them. And I have to be careful here as to not be misunderstood; I’m talking about instances where you have tried to handle your time with this person, you try to accomplish a stronger relationship, but no matter your efforts, this person does not seem to change being negative, or mean, or stressful in any other way. In these cases, I’m not saying to cut them off completely, but just limit the time you spend with them. I am all for second chances (and more), but there comes a time where you have to watch out for yourself, and that means reducing personal stress sources, whatever they may be. Doing that is not as selfish as it sounds, it is a healthy way of taking care of yourself.

A third thing to do is to get used to saying ‘No’. Challenging yourself and taking on new responsibilities is very healthy and helpful when it comes to personal growth and development. The thing is that, sometimes, we tend to start taking on new things only because we’re asked to do so and we say ‘yes’, even if we know we don’t really have time for them. The benefit of having challenged yourself in the past and knowing your limits, is that you know how much work you can take on before it starts becoming a burden and something that gives you too much stress and little satisfaction with its completion. Daily we want to be helpful, polite, a liked member of society, included, etc. All these factors ‘encourage’ us to say 'yes' to new workloads and uncountable stressful hours and days along the road. Refusing a new task or responsibility every now and then is a healthy way for you to take care of your mental and physical health in the long run.

We are all aware of the terribly strong effects that stress has on us, and what I have described above, I believe them to be the first three immediate courses of action to reduce unnecessary stress. Days will seem brighter, places more colourful, hours more interesting, time well-spent will seem more enjoyable than we could imagine. We will get used to having a time to work and be stressed, and a separate, well-deserved time to enjoy anything we want. This way, we can have less time to worry and more time to slow down and notice the ‘charm’ of life. This way we can make sure to enjoy a beautiful day ;)

‘Till next time…