“Meow…Meooowwwwww!” “Leocat, what do you need?” I proceeded to investigate to figure out what my cat needed. I checked his water, food bowl, and litterbox. Lo and behold, he had plenty of water, but there were a few hairs that got in it. I know Leocat doesn’t like dirty water, unlike my dog Coco who never cares. When Leocat needs something, he makes his voice heard. He doesn’t stay quiet. He’s in tune with what he needs to be at 100% and does what he can to get there.
I’ve had to channel my inner Leocat several times over the past few months. Ever since moving back to the United States after living abroad for nearly 1.5 years, I’ve been real busy in different ways. I’ve been traveling between Houston and New Jersey, traveling for friends’ life events, and managing my workload on top of it all. There have been a few times among it all when I’ve felt a bit off. I didn’t have a lot of energy and wasn’t feeling like I was at my best. I didn’t know why until I took the time to reflect on my current state. I compared my current state with my state when I am at 100% to get closer to where I want to be.
Reflecting on My Current State
Have you ever experienced a sense of being off? That feeling that something just isn’t right, even if you can’t quite put your finger on what it is? It’s a common experience that most people have had at some point in their lives. That’s how I was feeling! I felt off, but I didn’t know why. I wasn’t as in touch with myself as Leocat is. I just knew I didn’t feel good.
For me, feeling off meant I was feeling more tired than usual, was a little more irritable, and generally felt out of it. Most of the time, I was too busy to delve deeper into why I was feeling off. Instead, I just kept on moving without taking the time to dive into the root of my current state.
Are You Feeling Off?
In general, the feeling of being off can manifest in different ways for different people. Some people may feel physically unwell, experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach discomfort. Others may feel emotionally drained, anxious, or irritable. Some may experience a sense of disconnection or detachment from their surroundings, while others may feel overwhelmed or stuck.
Reflecting On How to be at 100%
Leocat’s life is always about being at 100% To be fair, he has a lot less to worry about then a normal person does. But it should still be something we strive for on a regular basis. When I’m feeling off, I’ve learned to look at a few different areas of my life:
- Proper Nutrition: Fueling your body with the right nutrients is essential for optimal health and performance. This means eating a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity is not only important for maintaining a healthy weight, but it also helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
- Adequate Rest: Getting enough sleep is critical for optimal health and performance. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Additionally, taking regular breaks throughout the day and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Positive Mindset: Cultivating a positive mindset can have a powerful impact on your health and well-being. This means focusing on your strengths, practicing gratitude, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. It’s also important to manage negative thoughts and emotions through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness meditation.
- Social Support: Having strong social connections can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This means nurturing close relationships with family, friends, and colleagues and seeking support when needed. Joining clubs or groups with shared interests can also be a great way to build new social connections.
Assessing My Well-Being
Two weeks ago, I took the time to determine what I needed to do to be at 100%. I Realized that I was doing really well with having a positive mindset and strong social support. I had been checking in with friends and family, while also enjoying activities that helped promote a positive mindset within me.
Unfortunately, I was doing really well in these two areas at the expense of other areas. There was a lot of room for growth with rest, exercise, and nutrition. I was being so productive, but it was almost excessively productive. I was going to bed too late or was unable to sleep through the night. I couldn’t sleep through the night because I hadn’t consistently exercised in the past few weeks. The other domino that fell due to a lack of exercise was an inconsistent diet. I wasn’t being as careful as I needed to be about what I ate throughout the day.
Striving to be at 100%
Achieving a state of 100% well-being requires a holistic approach. It’s not just about focusing on one aspect of your life, but rather striving for balance and consistency across multiple areas. We can all learn a thing or two from Leocat’s approach to life, as he always strives to be at his best.
If you’re feeling off, take the time to assess your current state and identify areas where you can improve. Creating a success map, just like we talked about earlier, can be a helpful tool to guide you towards your goals. Remember, progress takes time, and setbacks will happen. But with consistent effort and a willingness to adapt, you can achieve your goals and be at your best.
So take a cue from Leocat and prioritize your well-being today. Incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine, surround yourself with positive influences, and don’t be afraid to seek support when you need it. With a little bit of effort and determination, you can achieve 100% and live your best life.
Time to Commit
- What areas of your life could benefit from improvement to achieve optimal well-being?
- How can you incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine to strive towards 100%?
