Love Yourself A Little More

Often I have heard people complaining regarding “feeling bored”, “feeling low”, “feeling ignored and unimportant” or may be “feeling secluded”. Not only young adults with different lifestyles, but also the persons with more mature age complain of such mentioned feelings at some point of their lives. Among both men and women the symptoms of “empty nest” is predominantly observed these days (after attaining certain age), leaving them with low mood, emotional swings and irritability, over-contemplation, over-use of social sites, talking way too much, taking things too personally, etc.

Well, here it is to note that the above-mentioned features are not ‘depression’! However, these features, if sort to be pampered can lead to depression and strained inter as well as intra-personal relationships. Some logical thinking is enough to understand that everyone is busy these days, so be it family, friends, or any other close relation, “I am having free time presently” does not mean that others will also have the same during that particular time. We all have our priorities, and there exists a subtle limit in every relation no matter how much close it is to us. Therefore, our craving for constant attention, nagging behavior, chatting or talking aimlessly, continuously sending or posting unnecessary messages actually makes it irritating for the other persons to deal with us. Most importantly, this behavior only make us look selfish and leave us to think about self-importance while disregarding others’ value of time.

The trick is to change our mind-set a little and get back the positive attitude towards life. Yes, the way to do is to love self a little more rather than being a silly egoist who seeks other’s acceptance to feel self important and worthy. It is always better to be a happy person from inside, without waiting for external affiliation! These little changes in understanding will definitely bring positivity in life:

• No, it is not selfish to love yourself a little more; rather it is a self-oriented decision for healthy living.
• Take time out from work and just do anything casual to feel re-energized. It can be anything like- watching a movie, go for a shopping, some refreshing time in a salon, treating self with favorite food item, a quick visit to the place you like, and the list continues….
• Having family and friends time is good, but do not restrict self with inter-personal relations only. Be a little more intra-personal rather. Just learn to do things alone and enjoy them.
• You need to cherish the “Me” time without feeling guilty about it. You definitely need to strike a balance here! When having free time try to make plan with others, but if people are unavailable don’t hold back yourself (or grudge for others), feel happy cause you got an opportunity to date yourself. Alternatively, maybe, at times you simply need to plan it solely yourself, without consulting anyone else. Do not feel guilty on that note, as you need some self-time, and people will respect your personal space (if anyone do not understand, that is not your fault, communicate assertively with confidence regarding the matter).
• Develop hobbies when young, cause this going to help when you are old or when staying alone. Hobbies not only are good leisure time activities but also help in feeling productive. Introspect yourself and indulge in something that suits your personality best like- reading, writing, physical activities (yoga, exercise, dance, swimming, etc.), travelling (even alone), music time, cooking, gardening, photography, painting, and many more.
• Try to maintain parity between work and home life. It helps in feeling self worthy even after retirement. Remember when you are habituated in some household chores, you can always offer a helping hand at home and trust me you will be devoid of the feeling that “I have nothing to do no”!
• Be available “Offline” more than “Online”! That helps you better connect with others.
• Never think that your way is the ultimate way to do a task, or your time is the best. Always keep an open mind toward new things, so that you are approachable by others.
• Do not escape situational concerns in name of “being analytical” rather be more “reality oriented”.
• Be self-accepting and that will pave the way to see self in positive light.

Last but not the least, there is no age limit to start-up fresh, so whether you are young or playing life’s second innings, shun feeling low and lonely and embrace blessed solitude. From now stay positive (at mind), young (at heart) and say cheers to life!