A series of letters about personal care
First and foremost - Mental + Emotional health and fitness
Hi friend,
As promised, I am writing my second newsletter and this one is about personal care.
Personal care is directly proportional to personal growth!
Here is a simple formula -
Personal care = SUM{mental fitness + physical fitness + skincare + haircare + beardcare + intimatecare and even tattoocare}
This will lead to higher energy levels, higher confidence, better communication and interpersonal skills, better emotional strength, better physical strength and endurance, inner peace, happiness, focus, determination, and above all you will start to feel good about yourself and those self-doubt moments will disappear. basically to a better life overall
Personal care - what does it really mean? - in simple terms as I interpret it - is taking care of yourself - not just your appearance - I have come to understand that it starts with caring for your mind, mental fitness - then your body, physical fitness, and then comes skincare, haircare, beard care, intimate care, and oral care.
The ultimate care can only be achieved by forming a routine that turns into a habit over time. Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, and shouldn’t be neglected. Mental fitness means keeping your brain and emotional health in tip-top shape
It’s no surprise that the more you help your body, the more you help your mind. Physical activity increases the flow of oxygen to your brain. It also increases the amount of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals, in your brain. For this reason, it’s not surprising that people who are in good physical shape also tend to enjoy a higher level of mental agility.
Often, people who exercise regularly do it simply because it makes them feel good. Exercise can boost your mood, concentration, and alertness. It can even help give you a positive outlook on life.
I will give you an example of my life to start with - so before even thinking of writing this letter - I practiced it on myself for the past 6 months or more and can definitely vouch for the fact that it is life-changing.
I start my day at 5 am - at least 5-6 days a week, I wake up my mind and body slowly in the first hour of the day with activities that have now become a routine -
Splashing water on my face gives a wake-up signal to the brain and body
Drinking water hydrates the body and strengthens the waking up alarm internally
Slight physical activity like - Brushing teeth, walking, and climbing stairs takes the heart beat up and activates blood flow to the body and the brain and it starts to awaken
When I am in the washroom - I pick up a book for 15 mins instead of a mobile phone - my brain is the sharpest at this point and I don’t want to pollute it with NEWS / social media feed, etc - rather I pick up a book and absorb the learnings first thing in the morning - making use of the empty space in my brain in the morning hour
In the last 6 months, I have read these books
$100 startup
Behavioral investor
Power of self-discipline
Shoe dog about the story of Nike’s founder, his memoir - currently reading this one
Next, I go to meditate and express gratitude for what I have and refresh my goals in my mind
This simply means that I go to a dedicated space I have created where I close my eyes, sit cross-legged with a straight back, take 10-15 deep breaths and focus on it, then I chant OM 7 times - which basically is the most positive vibration you can send out to your brain and body - followed by Gayatri mantra for me, it can be a Gurbani or a verse from the bible or an Aazan for you
The Gayatri mantra was taught to me by my grandmother in my childhood and its become a special part of my life - it relaxes my mind and body and gives it positive energy whenever I chant it. Next, i am chanting the hanuman Chalisa and finally focus on 10-15 deep breaths
Once this exercise is complete - I then express my gratitude to the universe for everything I have - a healthy and fit body - a healthy and fit heart - a healthy and fit mind - a good soul - all the four diamonds you need to be alive and kicking
And then your family - friends and loved ones are healthy - it’s an amazing day already!
Next, I come to my goals - basically use my brain to focus on the future and things that are coming towards me and what I want to do in life in the next 5-10 years - I visualize them, this helps my brain focus on what I need to do on that particular day and move a step closer to the milestones I have set for myself
These basic exercises in the morning help me be on top of my mental fitness game
I have been practicing this for the last 6 months in the first hour when I wake up and it has transformed the way I think - my relationship with family and friends - my work - my fitness and energy and confidence levels
I haven’t become a yogi - but I have become a better person - a more confident person - I control my reactions and ability to respond - I have a more positive outlook towards life - I have positive emotions - and I am developing positive habits and I get amazing sleep
These are the simple steps you can adopt at any time you prefer - mornings are the best though in my experience.
Actions steps -
Form a habit to rise early
Start reading a page every day when you are on the pot instead of scrolling on your social media feed or news
Give time for yourself at the beginning of the day
Stay away from the phone for at least 1-2 hours from the time you wake up
Sit cross-legged with a straight back, Close your eyes for 10 mins and focus on your breath - clear your mind!
Form a routine and make it a habit
Routine is the key! Form a routine that you can stick to - it can be 5 mins - 10 mins - 30 mins whatever that floats your boat - but doing the same thing every day at the same time will help your body and your brain develop those habits and then you will see its results/benefits in the next 30 days - I promise you that!
In my next letter, I will talk about physical fitness and why this is a crucial factor in your personal care journey.
Always remember - Life is more fun when you are on top of your game!!
Love,
Rahul Badesra