Self-Care, Not Self-Harshness: Our Mantra to Joy and Productivity

I normally get overly harsh with myself when I miss any of my important work. This harshness causes me undue frustration, self-hatred, and more often than not, I see my joy and productivity taking a slump.

But when this morning I missed my prayers, I treated myself with kindness, as a caring friend. I countered the rising flood of self-reproach with love, forcing myself to see if there could be any underlying reasons behind this slipup. Guess who the first culprit was?

A late-night writing marathon to hit my 2,000-word target. While I got close, the cost was a sluggish start to my day. Reflecting on this, I realised that missing my prayers isn’t just about physical tiredness — it’s a signal that I need a better balance in my life.

To address this, I’m committing to waking up early and taking proactive steps to reduce unnecessary stress. Stress, especially the avoidable kind, weighs heavily on the mind and body.

Meditation to Clear Stress

Incorporating meditation into my routine could help me keep my thoughts clear and my mind fresh. With a lighter, more focused mindset, I hope to sleep better and wake up ready for the day — no more skipped prayers.

Food, Mind, and Productivity

I’ve often read — and now realised it myself — that what we eat shapes not just our bodies but our thoughts. A nourishing diet fuels clarity of mind, helping us tackle challenges with greater energy and focus. As I embark on this journey, adopting healthier eating habits is non-negotiable. After all, a healthy body and a healthy mind are inseparable allies.

Kicking the Caffeine Habit

Another culprit behind my restless nights? Tea. While it comforts me during long writing sessions, my consumption — sometimes 4 to 7 cups daily — is excessive. The sugar alone is reason enough to cut back, but reducing my caffeine intake will also improve my sleep, boost my energy levels, and even save a little money.

Tea, you’ve been a faithful companion, but it’s time to part ways — at least partially.

Building Momentum with Small Wins

On the bright side, I’ve already incorporated two productive habits into my daily life:

• Speaking for 10-25 minutes daily — an exercise that hones my communication skills.
• Tracking my expenses — using the Spending app to maintain financial discipline.

These small wins encourage me to keep adding value to my days. Writing remains central to my routine, and I pen 1,000 to 2,000 words daily. Reading is another cornerstone of my growth.

The Trap of Waiting for Perfect Conditions

When it comes to meditation, I’ve decided to start right where I am — no need for a secluded spot or perfect silence. Waiting for ideal conditions is a trap; the truth is, we rarely find them. If we keep waiting, vital activities stay on the back burner indefinitely. The best time to act is now.

A Plan for the New Year

With the year coming to a close, I feel an urgency to make meaningful changes before it’s too late.

First and foremost, I’ll give priority to self-care instead of self-harshness. I feel everything good is going to germinate from this approach.

Further, meditation, a nutritious diet, and stress management are non-negotiable goals. They hold the potential to transform not just my mornings but my overall productivity and well-being.

So, here’s my commitment: starting today — no, starting this very moment — I’ll begin making these changes.

So as 2024 is dying in the dark, let it be the year I reclaim my mornings, renew my energy, and create a balance that supports both my body and mind. Because the journey to a better version of ourselves starts not tomorrow, but now.

Does your inner critic treat you harshly, dragging you down to frustration and stagnancy? What steps will you take to build a healthier, more productive life? Let’s make this journey together.