Do you know how to Seize your Day?

“Monday, I was hit by a nagging brain fog. Nothing seemed clear. The day was spent with a sense of aimlessness. Headaches and listlessness persisted….nothing could bring me joy. Tired, I waited for the day to end.”

                                                                                                Anand, 35 years old

Days like this make one feel distant and lost. For everyone, life is not easy, and there are bound to be stresses and anxieties. Relationships, studies, and jobs pose challenges. There are everyday stress, acute stress, and chronic stress. Psychological science alarms that the accumulation of stress can lead to days like the above. If untreated, this can result in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or substance use disorder.  

“Seizing your day” is a meaningful behavioral health practice focused on making the most of the present moment instead of letting time slip away or overthinking the future. It is the English version of the Latin phrase carpe diem, which comes from ancient Rome and urges people to live fully in the "now." 

How to “Seize your day”? 

Here are a few Science-backed strategies known to help one center oneself- clear-minded and non-reactive:

1.    Have a Purpose: a small goal every day and celebrate its accomplishment. e.g.- swim for 500 meters, read one chapter of a book.

2.    Find Fun: laughter and good humor enhance happiness. e.g.- dance for 30 mins, watch an episode of a fun series.

3.    Be Grateful: strengthen neural pathways of contentment and happiness. e.g., take a moment and acknowledge one thing every day.

4.    Help others: kindness triggers positive hormones and happiness. e.g.- volunteer your time to a cause this week, offer word of appreciation.

5.    Awe in nature: people feel wonder in the broader perspective of nature. Suggestion- watch the sunset for this week, look at a flower for 5 sec.