Reclaiming your sanity

My life is as busy as it gets. Away from my household duties, I also do community work that involves hosting seminars, doing ministry work and being a regular guest at local radio stations. I am passionate about serving. Nevertheless, it comes with too much burnout. With all the psychological warfare bombarding us on a daily basis, we need to reclaim our sanity. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help me keep my sanity. I hope you will begin to think of yours and appreciate the magic they do on you. DO SOMETHING FUN AS A FAMILY. My family is my secret weapon. I love knowing that I have a home to go to every day after work. I have realized that you can achieve so much, and that it is even amazing to celebrate with your family. Being outdoors and being active while creating memories is a huge stress release for me. Some of the photos of my family where we’re looking the happiest are when we’re doing activities together. We also like to go on long drives where destination is really a bonus. Too much laughter! CAPTURE A HAPPY MOMENT WITH MY CAMERA Using my phone to capture daily moments that make me smile, and sharing some of them on Facebook and Twitter to make everyone else smile is a recipe for happiness. If you have a smartphone, why not live a little? Take those pictures. One day you will be a memory. My late brother used to complain about my obsession with pictures. Whenever we met, he would know. Our family get-togethers were always incomplete without me taking pictures. And now that he is gone, I have his many pictures on my phones. TAKE TIME FOR MYSELF. The to-do list will never end, ever. I’ve learned to give myself permission to sit and shape my eyebrows, or read a book, or watch a silly African-American movie, or anything that doesn’t involve ‘getting stuff done’ without feeling any guilt about it. I don’t do it as often as I should, but I’m getting better at it. Make sure you take time for yourself, so that your well is full enough to give to others. PRAYER AND WORSHIP Life with God is remarkable. Knowing He is there with me always gives me the peace that surpasses understanding. Talking to Him in prayer gives me confidence to face my days. I worship Him to be intimate with Him. Over the years, I have seen how amazing God is. It is very important to have a personal relationship with Him. REFRAIN FROM EXPECTATIONS We all have to deal with the unpleasant circumstances of life. What we need to do is shift thoughts towards a more positive frame of mind and take control of how we react. When we are dealing with the pressures of life, we don’t need to add ridiculous expectations on ourselves. If there are high expectations, it puts you more at risk for disappointment if you fail to meet them. I believe more in excellence than perfection. Facebook/Instagram: Yvonne Tshepang Mooka Twitter: @yvonnemooka Email: [email protected]