“Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit.”
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore knew what he was talking about when he wrote the above line.
In today’s fast-paced life, there are times when one feels so bogged down by daily routine. The repeated, monotonous everyday activities sap up your time and energy, leaving you wrung out and dissatisfied. Only a disciplined life can help you get a grip. The bohemian way may be fun, but it does not lead to success. From time to time, the body and mind need a breather. This helps rejuvenate, recharge and face the daily grind with a smile on your face.
A new year is a time for change. It is also a time for resolutions. Make a decision this year to make an effort to get away from the dreary desert sands of dead habit and forge ahead a new, improved you.
There are one million things to be taken care of, the warps and wefts that go into weaving the intricate fabric of life. However, an occasional break, a change from the rote, comes like a breath of fresh air.
Learn something new
Most of us stop learning new things after a while – usually because we’re too busy. As time goes by, the inclination to learn is lost.
The brain is a hardworking organ. It needs stimulation. Boredom is the result of an underutilised brain. Each time you try something you have never done before, you stimulate your brain. Even a mundane activity like brushing the teeth with the left hand by a right-handed person perks up the grey cells. So, take up a new activity: you could learn a new language or try your hand at a new sport – the sky is the limit.
Girija was bored after her children grew up. She had a lot of time on her hands and she started complaining of various ailments. Then, her daughter introduced her to the internet. She slowly picked it up and has never looked back. It was like finding a new friend. Today, you will find her in front of the computer, communicating with her family around the globe or digging information, varying from heart diseases to a knitting pattern. Try to overcome that initial hesitation in taking up something new and feel the difference.
Exercise
Most of us are simply not tuned towards physical fitness. We really let ourselves go. As a result, we have badly-maintained bodies. There is nothing that rejuvenates a tired mind and body than a wholesome exercise. It is a scientifically proven fact that vigorous exercises release endorphins.
Take a brisk morning walk in the park and feel light as a feather and bubbly as champagne the whole day. A daily exercise schedule such as a morning walk serves two purposes. The pure fresh oxygen will bring a glow to your cheeks and the walk tones up your sagging muscles.
Make regular exercise a habit and you will feel energised and clear-headed the whole day.
Welcome change
It is an adolescent trait to embrace adventures and look forward to new experiences. As we grow older, we start resisting change in life. We must hold on to the youthful and adventurous trait to chase away boredom.
Meeting new people exposes us to new ideas and thoughts. This broadens our perspective, giving it a variety of subjects to explore. It is boring to listen to the same set of people speaking about the same old things.
The eatery you patronise may suit your needs to a tee but it might be a good idea to try a different one next time. The experience may turn out to be awful, or you may have a beautiful gastronomic experience. But you would never know without trying.
Be charitable
The bible says you should give until it hurts. Not all of us can be such paragons of virtue. However, if God has given you more than you need, it would be fitting to share with our less fortunate fellow beings.
The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath:
it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:— Portia in The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare
Giving fills the heart with a satisfaction that one has to experience to understand. The feel-good emotion that arises out of such a gesture fills you with a rejuvenated energy.
There are many institutions that work towards uplifting the downtrodden. Lend them a hand. There are many ways to help them. It could be through cash, time, or services. Make a difference and feel your heart light up.
Turn to yourself
In the final analysis, all of us have to turn to ourselves for amusement. Each person has to find his own source of entertainment. What a refreshing change it will be for your near and dear ones to witness a much refreshed you. Most importantly, it is essential for you. So, take a step in the right direction today, and turn over a new leaf this year!