2. How to manage your mental health & physical health 101: Find Support Places

Are you heading in a direction that doesn’t feel right to you?

How to start Transforming Your Life: A Mind-Body-Spirit Turnaround

Stage 2

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading."

                                                          — Lao Tzu

I have to start from stage one about every six months because I do travel contracts all over the U.S. Every time I move I have to start over. You can’t set up your lifestyle all at once in a place you know nothing about. I like to set up my lifestyle in stages because I have to research the best fit facilities in each area I move to, while I’m also working! That makes it slower. Our management study group in the Soul School Fellowship teaches these concepts and many more from professional organizers and financiers. This is how I start….

The second step after establishing your basic needs is to establish your social circle. These are the locations where you will invest your free time and the individuals you will socialize with outside of work and home. It is important that they are a good match. These places consist of shopping, eating, working out, social events, and a spiritual group.

1. Determine the grocery stores you wish to visit. Explore all of them and then identify the ones that suit you best considering their location, products, as well as the staff and service.

   
   

2. Explore various restaurants to determine your preferences. Check their menus, locations, parking availability, operating hours, and reviews online. Visit the selected restaurants to assess the management, service quality, and overall atmosphere. Consider if it's a place where you would enjoy spending time and getting to know the staff. Choose 3-4 of your favorites to frequent regularly. You will meet people who frequent there regularly as well. You will build friendships with people who appreciate similar values.

   
   

3. Explore different fitness centers to find a suitable place for your daily exercise routine. While outdoor workouts are enjoyable, having a consistent indoor workout regimen is essential. I personally engage in a set workout routine every morning at 5 a.m., comprising 20 minutes of cardio on a machine, 10 minutes of weight lifting, and 30 minutes of yoga. These activities form the core of my daily exercise, while additional outdoor exercises like golf, tennis, or swimming can be incorporated as well, depending on factors like weather and location. Prioritize finding a location where you can carry out your essential daily exercises, even if it means investing in a more expensive option. Remember, this is for the sake of your health. You willl meet people that also value health.

   
   

4. I enjoy joining a social club as it simplifies socializing by organizing events for its members. Although there is a membership fee, the benefits make it worthwhile. Being part of such a club provides a sense of instant community, which is crucial when relocating to a new area alone. These clubs can vary from country clubs, yacht clubs, and garden clubs to philanthropic groups. Furthermore, sports facilities such as tennis clubs, golf clubs, and hockey centers, as well as craft clubs like woodworking, ceramics, and chess clubs, are excellent options. Choose one or two clubs that interest you and enroll. Personally, I prefer country clubs due to their comprehensive amenities like pools, gyms, restaurants, golf, tennis, and organized events.

Despite the perception that country clubs are costly and snobbish, they can actually be quite welcoming. By opting for a social membership that excludes golf, country clubs become more affordable. This type of membership often includes access to a gym and a restaurant, eliminating the need for a separate workout membership. Having an on-site restaurant not only provides convenience but also fosters connections with staff and other members, creating a sense of security and community. It is advisable to explore all clubs before making a decision.

5. Finally, put effort into forming an in-person spiritual community, such as a nearby church, synagogue, mosque, meditation group, prayer group, or any other option you prefer. Ensure it is easily accessible for you to attend in person, as building relationships there is crucial for your mental well-being.

To start this research and exploration journey, you should plan for about a month. It's advisable to kick off now without feeling demotivated. Keep searching until you discover the ideal match that brings you a sense of comfort and connection with the locations, fellow participants, and staff. Please, visit us at Firm Water Road.