By: McKena Pennington
My everyday non negotiables are sunlight, steps, and stillness. As someone who
loves to prioritize my physical and mental health, these three things are on my
everyday to-do list. The power of Vitamin D, an increased heart rate, and true time to
yourself, especially in your early twenties, is a game changer. These three simple
things have been the remedy to my overwhelmed mind that keeps me focused on the
Sunlight
There is nothing worse than spending an entire morning under artificial lights,
only to realize it’s 3 PM and you haven’t stepped outside once. I used to do this all the
time—wake up, scroll my phone, get ready under my dim bedroom lights, and wonderwhy I felt so sluggish all day. Then I discovered the power of morning sunlight, and let
me tell you, it changed everything.
Now, the first thing I do when I wake up is step outside, even if it’s just for a few
minutes. I bring my coffee with me, breathe in the fresh air, and let the sun hit my
skin. It instantly wakes me up in a way no iced coffee ever could. I swear, my mood is
so much better when I get my daily dose of sunshine—it’s like nature’s version of a
happiness boost. It’s wild how something so simple can make such a big difference.
Even on days when it’s freezing, I’ll bundle up for a quick walk because I need
that light. It’s one of those little rituals that makes me feel like I have my life
together—even when I absolutely do not. Sunlight is my secret weapon, and honestly?
It should be yours too.
Steps
The power of movement is absurd. The amount of times I have been
overwhelmed with school work, personal issues, or even finding a post grad job is
insane. Yet, in these moments I find myself putting everything aside, forcing myself to
change into a cute workout set, and getting myself to the gym. Even if it's a simple 45
minute workout, my mood, my focus, and my perspective on things I was just worried
about have shifted into a more positive outlook.
While physical movement in a pilates class, yoga, or weight training is great for
mental health, the importance it has on one's physical health, especially a womens is
necessary to know. Flexibility, getting your heart rate up weekly, and exerting your
muscles for a period of time is necessary for staying healthy throughout your lifetime.
Going to the gym or signing up for a class can be intimidating or even seem like
a hassle on your busy days, but it will transform your life. Movement for me is a big
part of my day, something I know is a true remedy. Our bodies were made to move,
and that movement has the power to shift your mind from negative spaces, increase
creativity, and help you focus on the present.
Stillness
As I have entered my twenties, giving myself alone time to decompress after a
long day is necessary, especially when it comes to recharging my social battery. I used to be the kind of person who needed to constantly be doing something. The idea of
sitting in silence, alone with my thoughts? Absolutely terrifying. My brain was always
on, constantly buzzing with to-do lists, overthinking, and having random thoughts that
didn’t even make sense.
But let’s be clear—alone time doesn’t mean lying in bed, doom-scrolling for
hours. That’s not truly being alone. If anything, it’s the opposite. You’re caught up in
kind of "rest" isn’t restful at all.
Stillness is being fully present with yourself in a quiet space. You take time to
color, journal, or simply sit, visual, and mediate. This does not have to be a long period
of time, but simply giving your mind the chance to breathe without having your
thoughts racing will give you the space to have a productive rest of your day - or even
a good night's sleep.
Because sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is nothing at all.
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