Tag: habits

Finals Season: Time to Hit the Books

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This weeks challenge: Reading.

With final projects and large tests looming around the corner, the constant consumption of knowledge normally results in a Netflix binge at the end of the day. This last week, I had a different approach than my normal routine of video consumption. I have never been a big reader and once I got a phone in high school, reading became a much rarer occurrence. I challenged myself to read non-scholarly material for at least 30 minutes a day and here is what I found.

1. What was the biggest change/effects I noticed?

I was expecting to become a chore. That last thing I want to do after reading material, reading emails, or writing a paper is to relax by ….reading. Amazingly, I found that I was able to relax very quickly because that material I was now consuming was an enjoyable narrative, not a chore that I would have to report on. I felt much more refreshed after I put the book done instead of the normal sluggish feeling I feel when watching a show.

2. What were minor changes/effects that occurred throughout the week?

I started falling asleep way quicker. I think the active use of my brain to read as opposed to the mindless consumption of media tired it out more. When it was time to sleep, shutting off was easy.

3. Was this health habit enjoyable?

My book of choice this week was the classic series of Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. If you haven’t read it, I cannot recommend it higher. Genuinely amazing writing and series defining literature. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable habit.

4. How can this health habit sustainable in the long term?

This is probably the most sustainable habit I have done this whole semester. I personally think that having a good book to read makes this habit the most sustainable. Having a reading list and being open to suggestions makes sure you’ll never run out of material.

I hope to continue this trend because it has been one of the most refreshing to attempt.  There is not much to say about this habit other than peaceful. It was peaceful. Honestly, just try it for yourself because it can totally change your day. Right now, you probably have more time than you normally do, so pick up a book and enjoy  the experience. I don’t have much to say about this habit because it just pleasant. At this time in life, we could all use a refreshing habit because ready or not…

Life Willkomm

Cold Showers Bring May Flowers

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This Spring has been…… less than ideal recently. While all of us are quarantined in our respected places of residence, I decided to make myself more miserable. How does one do that?

They take cold showers.

Yes, this week I tackled the one habit I was dreading on doing the most. The relaxing steam of a warm shower with the soothing water running down your body can be the most pleasant part of a day, but this week it was ripped away from me for the sake of experimentation and here is what I experienced.

1. What was the biggest change/effects I noticed?

I’ve been in cold water before, but this was different. My body was so conditioned to hearing the faucet turn on only to be followed by a nice stream of warm water. When I walked into that cold blast of water, I was more awake than I have ever felt in my life. All week, I never got used to that feeling of instantaneous alertness that came from being immersed in cold water.

2. What were minor changes/effects that occurred throughout the week?

I noticed that I was in a better mood after the shower and I felt a different level of concentration for about an hour after I finished showering.  My showers shortened significantly to the point where I was showering in about 2-3 minute. Each shower became a mission to scrub down as fast as possible.

3. Was this health habit enjoyable?

This habit sucked. I knew it was good for me, but I reallllllly hated it. It was a habit that I enjoyed the benefits of, but there was no joy in the habit itself.

4. How can this health habit sustainable in the long term?

This health habit is sustainable, but you gotta be a little crazy. I think a cold shower once or twice a week is doable, but I think it is all about familiarity. The more you do it, the better it will be. Just like waking up early, it is like ripping off a Band Aid.

I remember when I was in South Africa water was scared due to a drought they were having. I always volunteered to shower last which normally meant I got the cold water. Since I was there for 3 weeks, that meant just about 3 weeks of cold showers so I slightly knew what to expect. I still really hated this, but I’m so glad I did it. The mental clarity after the initial shock of the cold blast was slightly euphoric. That feeling of alertness was only thing that motivated me to keep on taking cold showers. I think I’ll consider taking a cold shower every now and then for that feeling of mental preparedness  because ready or not….

Life Willkomm