There are days when you just don’t have the energy to do things like even take a shower or reply to messages from friends. Every step may feel heavier and heavier as you travel down to an unknown destination.
Without you realizing it, a “bad day” can quickly turn into a “bad year”. Remember that when you feel this way, you’re not alone and a little bit of advice could do wonders for you. For such days read ‘No more Zero Days’ by Reddit user rayan01.
What is a Zero Day?
According to Ryan, “it’s the days when you don’t do a single thing towards your dreams or towards what you want for your life.” Zero Days does not, however, only pertain to failing to act on bigger projects, such as your career, but also on the little things in life, such as self-care, eating healthy, being happy, or maintaining friendships.
It occurs when you are unable to perform what you should be doing, like daily tasks or chores. As a result, he also proposed 4 rules to follow. It is a perfect guide that will help you on some of your most difficult days.
4 Rules To Improve Life
Rule 1: No more zero-days.
The concept of No More Zero Days means to never have zero days. It is introduced to state that little progress over no progress at all. You may not be able to take a giant leap toward your goal today but taking small steps matters. It not only feels amazing, but it also helps you not to slip back into dark thoughts.
Rule 2: Be grateful to the 3 You’s – the past you, the present you, and the future you.
On the days you feel frustrated take a moment to acknowledge all three versions of yourself and the positive things you’ve done.
Thank your younger self for enduring pain and suffering in the past. Encourage the present version of yourself to be hopeful for all the things you’re going to do in the future.
Read Why You Feel Like You’re Not Doing Enough: 8 Reasons
Rule 3: Forgive yourself
“Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know before you learned it.”― Maya Angelou
It’s time for you to forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made in the past. The things you have done in the past cannot be undone or unsaid. Focus on your emotions and think of it as a learning experience and not something you have to punish yourself for.
Rule 4: Exercise and read as many books as you can
According to research, when dealing with depression, exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that improve your mood and trigger feelings of positivity. Exercise gives you energy but it can be so difficult to get started when you lack the energy in the first place.
So start slow, set simple goals, and take one step at a time. You can start with evening or morning walks. Do a push-up. Visit the gym if possible. It’s just not to “get healthy” but the point is to do one thing today that moves you and makes you feel alive.
Another way is to stimulate your brain by reading books. Not only does it help you to learn different aspects about yourself and life, in general, but it can even improve your memory and strengthen concentration which allows your mind to process the events happening in your life.
Read 8 Steps To Improving Your Self-Esteem
“The truth is, what you do matters. What you do today matters. What you do every day matters.” – Jeff Olson
Some More Ways To Improve Life
1. Learn a new skill.
When you learn something, it literally reactivates your brain. And even if there is no way to know everything, it’s definitely a good thing to try and learn something new each day. If you’re struggling with how to discover new skills every day, the internet can help you in many ways, from suggesting you the best books to finding a course.
Practice every day, you never know the different ways on how it might help. It’s also essential to think outside the box as you are never the same after learning a new skill, it always changes you.
Read 15 New Skills To Learn For Rapid Self-Improvement
2. Create something of your own.
Part of your unhappiness today stems from your tendency to consume rather than create. You blindly consume because it feels good, and it’s simple as you don’t have to exert any effort. It makes no demands from you (except for your time and money).
But, what happens when you forget to make things on your own? The act of creating is something that feeds your soul. Consumption, on the other hand, is meaningless.
When your anxiety starts to build, try to channel your thoughts into a piece of writing or painting, whatever it is that you want to create. If you produce something of your own, trust me, it will feel so much better than having zero days.
3. Make a new connection.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, you may feel disconnected and the need to disconnect from others. Socializing may seem like a challenging and difficult chore. But building healthy and gratifying relationships with others, on the other hand, is a very simple way to get through zero days.
Take time to open up and have important conversations about how you feel. Make sure they speak about themselves too. And most importantly learn from them, and work towards being better than yesterday and today.
Read 5 Ways Self Improvement Can Change Your Life
Final Thoughts
Always remember that you don’t need to mix up your days of rest and relaxation with non-zero days. Sometimes you deserve to have a break from everything that is happening in your life. It includes taking tiny steps to transform your life in ways that make you feel happier and more fulfilled.
It is not necessary to be productive all of the time, because too much of anything is not a good thing. The key to success and happiness does not imply that you have to overwork. Make sure to take care of yourself in the process!
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