A year of rebirth

For me, 2020 started with a burnout at the age of 18. I was living in the student city of Groningen, the Netherlands juggling between student life, living on my own for the first time and a part-time job I had in a 4-star hotel. Living alone at the age of 18 while discovering the adult world when brought up in a loving family was definitely a challenge. I believe it is one of the most difficult challenges I've had to overcome that year.

Following my burnout, I was on sick leave and decided to stop my degree altogether without being able to say goodbye to my friends, colleagues and my Groninger life. But, it turns out that this burnout was for the better. It managed to get me back to my parents' place in order to start therapy right as the COVID-19 pandemic struck us all. Unlike many of my friends, I got so lucky to be able to fly home to them on time and get the treatments and rest I needed to recover. It was a big surprise in many different aspects.

So today I have been through a few sessions of therapy, have had plenty of time to rest, a lot of support from my loved ones and am back in living by myself as a new satisfied university degree student in Paris. So far, so good but we're only in February 2021.

So I am not going to go through all the typical self-care resolutions but here is what I am working towards this year which has helped heal. I hope it can help whoever may relate to my story.

First, and this one is my toughest one yet, make sleep your PRIORITY in life. I have never felt better than when I get my full 8 hours of sleep and we can all find out how much sleep we need in time. Everyone has their own clockwork.

Second, drink plenty of water. Whether simple and pure, with fruit slices or as tea; water is a must EVERY SINGLE DAY. I am not saying to drink 2l of water, but I myself don't really drink water unless I remind myself to. So just stick to whatever works for you but personally, I have set myself to drink two cups of tea a day. One of green tea or kombucha tea in the morning to get my morning boost and a herbal infusion at night to help me sleep. I also make sure I drink one or two glasses of water for lunch and dinner.

Thirdly, get your daily sweat! I've grown up into sports thanks to my mother and my body naturally craves physical activity on a daily basis. Personally, I have found a physical need to practice yoga which I do at home and have a monthly subscription to (which is far cheaper and practical than a gym membership) I often go for a run or do fitness challenges every once in a while throughout a year reaching new goals and surpassing my limits. Now, if you hate working out or sport in general as well as its costs, the best fitness advice I've ever gotten is to "find your flow". By that I mean, find a sport or move that makes you feel good. For some of us that could be something as simple as walking. For others it may be intense weight lifting or cardio workouts. No one has it right or wrong. You just need to find your move, the one that will make you want to get up in the morning ready to take on the world and leaving you breathless. Or not, but almost!

Fourthly, nurture your mind and soul. Life is full of hidden meanings for you to decipher and there is no better way to do so but when you are alone. At first, I hated living alone, I immediately thought of loneliness and solitude. But then, as the days went by and I had a great social life, coming home on my own became a necessity to recharge and to focus on my studies. I changed my mindset and solitude turned into independence. A label that brings you strength instead of fear. Go within, listen to your body, your intuition; you’ll only come out feeling fulfilled. Journal, you should write gratitude phrases, inspiring quotations, affirmations, goals, ideas and bucket lists. These are all manifestations of your motivation and lifeline guidance to keep inspiring you. You need to envision your future self with written down actions on how to reach that vision. Surround yourself with people and places that are compatible to that vision. Give it time but be persistent.

Finally, now that the health side is covered. Here are things I have done aside health that have helped me and will still apply this year:

- Save money up each month by doing a 'no-spend week' (even grocery shopping, time to learn how to meal prep!) Money

- Read a chapter a day, there is nothing more soothing than to fall asleep reading an inspiring book.

- Call or meet up with your loved ones as often as you need, we are social beings and we need human connection. No virus can ever stop that.

- Make a daily to do list where you have concrete things you need to get done everyday. It will help you stay organised and feel on top of things.

- Listen to different types of music as much as you need. I love music, can't go a day without it. I have a playlist for all different kinds of moods and situations. Learn to play an instrument if you can, not only will it help you in study breaks to relax but it's also always beneficial to know how to play something or sing. It brings so much more livelihood to my life.

- Listen to TED talks, podcasts or watch educational series and documentaries in transit. Life is short and there is so much we need to learn everyday, this is a simple habit that feeds my mind's curiosity and replaces my boredom daily. You should be as selective with what you feed your mind with as what you eat.

Have a daily walk in nature if possible, this is vital. Observe nature, pay attention to how you feel when in nature or with animals. It only brings benefits into anyone's life. Search it up.

Make a weekend day off of work and studying. Learn to disconnect from work, be present. Dedicate that day to doing things you love outside of work and studies.

Volunteer. If you are the kind of person who feels like the world is unfair or want to be part of a good cause, volunteering will only demand some of your time but will add so much meaning to your life. Helping those who are in need while being part of a supporting community is truly heartwarming.

That's all I am going to write. These are my personal self-development or 'resolutions' that I am going to keep applying as they have helped me go through my worst time yet.

All in all, if I could put together in words my most valuable lesson of 2020, these are the ones:

"Your energy is your greatest currency"

Stay strong x