Your mood is the most crucial aspect of your life, and it plays a significant role in your profession. While your mood might not directly impact your ability to perform routine tasks, it certainly affects your productivity. If we want to be more poetic, we could say that it is the most important link to creativity and true change in your work.
Your productivity and creativity will double when you’re at your peak in terms of enthusiasm, calmness, focus, and peace of mind. Conversely, these levels will drop when something disturbs your mood. Routine factors that disturb everyone’s peace of mind are present, such as dealing with paperwork in government offices. However, what’s more important and has a long-term impact are personal and psychological factors, which vary from person to person. For me, meetings, getting stuck in a monotonous daily routine, or feeling obligated to do something are significant factors that disturb my mood.
Regardless of the reasons or situations that force you to endure them, whether by choice or not, certain activities or practices can help protect your mood and maintain it. At a certain point, balancing and restoring your mood becomes a necessity rather than something extra for entertainment. Here are five things I often try to apply, and I find them relatively helpful:
Sit Alone
For me, this is the most important and effective point. Sitting alone without any real work commitments can be highly beneficial. Set aside a day each week to go out alone. Choose a place you love, whether it’s a small café, a quiet beach, or a busy street, and sit there, letting your mind wander. Don’t talk to anyone, and if necessary, turn off your phone. Visit the same place repeatedly until you get bored, and then change your location every once in a while. It may feel strange at first, especially if it’s new to you, but you’ll get used to it later.
Don’t Sit Alone
This doesn’t mean becoming reclusive or withdrawn. Find a friend, partner, or family member you can talk to about what’s on your mind. Someone who is patient and genuinely cares about you so you can speak freely and comfortably. Choose a quiet and pleasant place to talk without interruptions or other activities. Make it a recurring habit to relieve stress and life’s daily complications.
Reduce Your Commitments
Don’t commit to anything unless it’s absolutely necessary. If I asked you which is better, the sea or a wall? What would you choose? The sea, because it’s larger, wider, and more beautiful, right? In our case, the wall is better because whatever you throw at it will bounce back. Get used to saying “no” without complications. Don’t bind yourself to any time, day, or thing unless it’s by your own will.
Less is More
Try to be simple if you can. Use one computer, one phone, and focus on one task or project. Walk if you can, sit in a modest café, eat less, and focus in one direction. Practice simplicity to be happier and more at peace. If I wanted to summarize this idea more wisely, I would quote Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud: “The little that you love brings you more happiness than the plenty that you don’t love.”
Do What You Don’t Normally Do
Walk alone, change your workspace, and read a book. Don’t just read about your field and profession or what you enjoy. Ignore chaotic people, think without interruption, and let your thoughts flow. Talk to yourself about any topic. Learn something new whenever you can. Shop for simple things for yourself and those you love. Imagine something unreal before you sleep. Choose a movie or show and watch it. Regularly turn off your phone and computer, talk to your family, and listen to them. Cook and try new things. Don’t consider the above advice as just another boring lecture.
In Conclusion
Stay simple without restrictions or obligations, and stay a young, independent person. Don’t let your thoughts or feelings grow old, no matter how your life changes. Don’t leave that café where you once sat with a friend, planning a project or discussing a topic you now find trivial. Don’t abandon your ideas, ambitions, and what you love for any reason. Keep the door to experiments and freedom open.