Maybe it’s the crisp spring air we’re experiencing here in NYC, but lately, I’ve found myself with a bit more pep in my step than usual. I attribute this newfound sense of optimism to a few positive habits I’ve been prioritizing lately. They include getting high-quality sleep (thank you, magnesium), eating well a balanced diet with a focus on blood sugar balance, and incorporating a sense of imagination into my everyday life.
Let me elaborate on that last point with an example. The other day, I woke up early and I could hear the birds chirping outside. Despite it being barely past 6am, I threw on a light jacket and got outside. My plan was to circle the block but once I saw how gorgeous the morning light was, I decided to keep going. I typically listen to podcasts while walking, but this time, I decided to just appreciate the ambient soundtrack of the city awakening. (Though let’s be real, it was also a safety concern because the streets were quiet and I needed to be cognizant of my surroundings. The harsh reality of being a woman.)
As I absorbed the sights and sounds around me, I suddenly had a sense that I was exploring a city unknown. Walking down Canal St. at 6:30am is very different than how it feels at 3pm. Mostly, it’s quiet. I decided to play a game with myself. I started to pretend that I was in my 20s again and that I was staying at a hotel in NY and my flight back home to a smaller town was just in a few hours. If I knew I was hopping on a plane to head elsewhere that day, to another place I called home, how would I look at the city? What would I notice and what would I appreciate?
Maybe you’re reading this and think I’m silly or crazy or cheesy. That’s ok! But I have to just tell you, allowing my brain to veer off from the usual inner chatter I have felt so refreshing. And fun! Instead of thinking of my to-do lists or worrying about things I can’t control, I just loosened the grip a little and allowed my imagination to wander, unfettered and free.
So here’s my tip for you: Indulge your imagination. Daydream! Be unreal and impractical and allow yourself to explore realms beyond the boundaries of reality.
I don’t have any data to back this up at the moment, but I am fairly certain that there are positive connections between imagination, creativity, optimism and how it nurtures our well-being. Try it out and see how you feel.
Top photo: possibly my first “selfie” taken in my 20s on my first trip to Europe. Pretty sure I’m standing in a Barcelona hostel here, circa 2006. Everything felt new and adventurous.
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