Don’t just exist.. LIVE

SHEEZA HABIB, 4F

We are a few days after welcoming 2022, as one of the most challenging years in modern history came to an end. However, a different year does not equate to the end of a pandemic. 2021 has been anything but a year of bliss like 2020. Nearly 5 million people worldwide have already died from COVID-19. Families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. People have been met with an array of personal and professional challenges that have tested them to the core. But grievances aside, come to think of it, 2021, in general, has taught us some pertinent life lessons. The importance of empathy and humanity was lost for quite some time. Thankfully, we regained some sense of purpose this year. COVID-19 enabled us all to come together and show empathy towards one another, something the world took for granted in the past. 2021 has been a roller-coaster ride, to say the least. It was one of the most terrible and difficult times ever for me. I hoped, at least, it could end decently, but yet another storm hit my life in the last part of the year. It’s not true that pain strengthens: it exhausts and consumes the person. Now I’m here for all of you. Let’s live together and not only exist. So, by starting your year with a single intention, you are doing more than just existing. You are being purposeful with your thoughts, feelings, time, energy, and actions. Firstly as humans, we are creatures of habit: we dislike change as it can be uncomfortable & toss us into consciousness. Routines become automatic and our brains can view

altering them as a threat; as a matter of fact, they will try to protect us hence it being difficult to commit to change. But you can overcome these by: ● Making a list of the obstacles that are preventing you from adopting better habits. Rank them in order from the smallest to biggest obstacle and work your way up in managing them. ● Setting small daily goals - do not overwhelm yourself or you will burn out. Break down your goal into smaller ones and then reflect weekly if you’ve been able to attain those goals. For example, you can fill your table planner to be more constant with study ● Learning a new skill instead of being always on social media ● Exercising, eating healthily, reading more ● Stop judging your feelings or struggle; if you are finding it difficult maybe try to show yourself compassion. Change is not easy but it’s your perseverance that counts. There may be some hiccups but that’s completely normal ● Introducing, if you struggle with your sleep, an evening routine at a set time every night to program your brain to get ready for bed. This includes, for example, brushing your teeth at a set time, putting your phone away at a set time, having a specific activity you do before sleep to help you unwind (such as reading or a mindfulness exercise). It won’t be easy at first, especially if you use to struggle with sleep, but every week try to wake up an hour earlier to create a healthier routine. Waking up early has major benefits for your mental health and productivity.

“And then there is the greatest risk of all - the risk of not spending your life doing what you want on the bet that you can buy yourself the freedom later to do it.” written by Randy Komisar. I remember reading a similar quote when I was younger & thinking to myself that I did not want to wait to live my life. I didn’t want to wait until I’d progressed professionally or finished studying to begin indulging in my passions. As cliché as it may sound, don’t wait for tomorrow when you have today to live a life that’s authentic to you, however that may look.