We all know how challenging the year 2020 was. Surviving it is already an achievement itself. And even though we just entered a New Year, we still shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. 

While it’s good to have a #KayaAll mindset because we know we can, it doesn’t mean we should all the time. By taking care of ourselves, we can do more – in a much better way. Besides, we’re still recovering from the year it was. It was just a few weeks ago after all! 

#KayaAll ba talaga?

Last year, a lot of us struggled with career uncertainties, our sense of purpose and accomplishment (or the lack thereof). There was also the anxiety that came from our desire to continue helping out and providing for our families if we were fortunate enough to still be employed. 

We took on all these – and still do today – under the guise of hustling and ambition. “Bata pa kasi tayo. Kaya pa. Kaya all.”

However, if there’s something we’ve now realized, many seemingly simple things are actually challenging to achieve and maintain. 

There are things we took for granted: conversations with friends, the boundaries between work and personal life, our physical health, and even a few minutes of quiet me-time. 

It’s really no wonder that many people turned to yoga and meditation, exercising, plant parenting, and baking as a means of coping in 2020. (READ: Keep calm and cope: How to stay mentally healthy during coronavirus crisis)

It’s not the same for everyone, though. “Di naman kasi talaga easy to make time. Sa dami kong responsibilities ngayon, mas kailangan ko pa mag work, work, work,” some would say.

Yes, quieting our minds is indeed a privilege. But taking care of your well-being doesn’t also mean dropping everything else for “fancy yoga hour.” Time management and doing things in moderation – that’s the name of the game.

So ano nang gagawin ko?

It’s time to acknowledge that you had a hard time – and were able to live through it. We are experiencing a pandemic, and though not all of us are in the same boat, we each have our own storms that we’re still wading through.

If you’re not sure how to go about acknowledging your experiences, you can start by listing down everything you think you’ve done well during the year – from personal project accomplishments to little things, like having a more organized daily schedule. List down all the things that, regardless of circumstances, you know for a fact is a victory. 

Then, list down the things you’ve done for yourself. 

Then, take your time to acknowledge every single thing on that list. 

From here, you can also try out meditation. There are several apps you can download and it’s a great idea to take advantage of free trials. 

Getting “better” at meditation is certainly a process, but it’s a step towards true awareness and self-compassion. 

I’m done; what now?

It’s time for the hardest part: live better. This 2021, observe the balance (or maybe lack thereof) among your priorities. Do you save some for yourself, or do you give away everything? Have you ever looked after your physical and mental needs in the past year?

If your answer is no to these questions, it’s time to actively take care of your mental and physical health.

Take time off. Look for YouTube exercises for your stiff shoulders. Buy yourself a good chair. Eat the right food. Be mindful of the nutrition you need. 

Think of how your mom or tita would say, “Wag ‘yung kaka-asikaso mo sa iba, ‘di ka na kumakain sa oras.” And, if you do eat 3 meals a day, also review if you’re giving yourself the right amount of nutrition.

Remember how when you were younger, you drank milk in the morning and evening? Why not insert this routine back into your life? But this time, go for the milk that meets your needs as an adult like the new and improved BEAR BRAND® ADULT PLUS.

Now every glass of BEAR BRAND® ADULT PLUS has 100% B and C vitamins, and more iron and zinc. All of these nutrients help give the immunity and strength that your body needs. So whatever challenges you encounter, kayang-kaya to face it!

This 2021, don’t forget to make your health a priority. Continue the good health habits you started in 2020 and start new ones – like drinking milk again – to help your mind and body become even stronger.  

So, whenever you say #KayaAll, remember, your rest, nutrition, and overall wellness, should also be part of the things na kayang-kaya. – Rappler.com