I don't have all the answers.
I'm extremely blessed to have this platform, so to everybody reading this, I want you to know that you've got to fall in love with the process.
I don't have all the answers—I'm figuring things out as I go, just like anybody else. As anybody who's ever learned anything understands, learning isn't always easy. The path to success is paved with failure. The path to learning is full of messing up. I don't know everything, but there are five steps that have really helped me get through the difficult seasons in life.
My first piece of advice is to move your body. I know this seems simple, but I can't stress the importance of physical activity enough. Movement influences mood, and you owe it to yourself to get over your stress through exercise. Even if you can only commit to half an hour a day, I promise you that physical activity will make your life markedly better.
Number one is about physical release, but my second piece of advice has to do with mental release. One thing I truly believe is that a stagnant mind is a dangerous mind. A creative mind, however, is the enemy of depression. Keeping yourself stimulated through music or literature or any other hobby you might have is critical to your emotional health. We're a uniquely blessed species. It's difficult to even begin to grasp how impressive the fact that you're reading this is. Your mind is a beautiful machine, so treat it right!
Number three is about intimacy. The coronavirus pandemic has made a lot of us feel far away from each other. Now, more than ever, people are experiencing fear and loneliness. The future seems uncertain, and it's hard to fathom how anyone would be better off for all this struggle. I say it's hard, but not impossible. It's okay to be scared—fear is one of the deepest human emotions. But so is intimacy. If you've lost your job to the pandemic or you feel like you've lost your whole life to this disease, it's time to use this opportunity to get closer to your family.
The fourth thing I want you to focus on has to do with honesty and emotion. Every person on this planet needs and deserves emotional release. We all deserve to have someone we can be honest with. A huge part of being human is communication, and setting that stage for healthy and honest words is more important than people understand for emotional health.
Last but not least, number five is about alone time. Whether you're an introvert or an extravert, you deserve time alone. My career is extremely involved with other people, and even though I truly love my job, I also cherish the time I get to spend by myself. Every morning, I wake up early to train by myself. Don't get me wrong—I'm all about sleep, but sleep isn't everything. If you've got to stay up an hour later or wake up a little earlier, do it! Your peace is important, and that peace begins within.
Like I said at the beginning of this post, I don't have the answers. That being said, I'm telling you basic things.
I'm telling you things about yourself that you already know, and I'm not a magician—I'm just human. What are you waiting for? It's time to get focused on every facet of your health.
It all starts with you.
