Since the mental realm is too fuzzy to grasp and emotions have an inertia that needs to take its course to avoid stagnation, the first realm for us to deal with should be the physical, that is, the bodily sensations (from here on, sensations).
Not only can sensations be observed much more precisely than thoughts and emotions, the perception of the body can also be trained through routine, which requires discipline and repetition. It is through training the body that we can have an active influence on both the emotional and the mental realm.
The information that follows is useless for those who are either unable and/or unwilling to work hard and to put in the necessary time and effort to integrate healthy routines into their everyday life. Once routine is settled, working with thoughts and emotions will seem more accessible.
The basics to have a healthy body are not such a mystery, despite the loads of contradictory information spread around. Here are the basics for a healthy body:
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Balanced diet
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Physical activity
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Hygiene (personal and domestical)
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Rest and sleep
And here, the basics for a healthy mind:
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Having a healthy body (reread above)
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Meditation
Probably some of you will find no difficulty in keeping up with these lists, but for those of you on my side of the fence, where addiction lurks, don’t beat yourself up, but also under no circumstances let yourself go. Give small but firm steps through which you can build a solid routine. Do not desperate and begin with what is easier, so that you can get motivation from a win and slowly walk your way up. Some routines will need months, even years and they could seem to crumble when the ground gets shaky, but this is all part of the script. Do not loose your motivation, hold on to your discipline and whenever necessary have also some mercy on yourself.
NOTA MENTAL: be as firm as you are kind to yourself.
