Rational Insanity
By Bryan Mari Argos

Living the good life

What is the secret to being able to emerge out of a busy week unscathed and stress-free?

Many people think that focus is a key element in living the good life, but I think plain focus is too broad. For us to make the best out of every week, we should have a nice harmonious balance between internal and external focus. While at work, focus on things that would affect the quality of the work we do and when we are out of work, focus on the things we do specifically for ourselves. A healthy balance between these two is the secret to a wonderful week.

Here are ten activities I like doing every week to reinforce my internal focus. These things are my favorite past times and are, I believe, the activities that help me through a tough week, or even during rough times. I hope you would consider some of these activities.

1. I make it a point to cook myself at least one meal every week. Cooking is very therapeutic. Even the simplest of recipes can make us feel very confident of ourselves. It is a very reassuring feeling to be able to cook ourselves something that we like and love eating.

2. I pick out a nice book, lie down, and read myself to sleep after a tiring day. I don't force myself to finish the book before sleeping though. I just read the book like it was a lullaby lulling me to sleep. Reading a nice, comforting book just before sleeping relaxes the mind and fills sleep with really pleasurable thoughts.

3. Have a bite of chocolate every now and then. Chocolate has chemical components that stimulate the reward centers in the brain. It helps the secretion of serotonin which is the “feel good” substance in our brains.

4. Plant some flowers or herbs in a small pot, then take care of it every day of the week. If you plant flowers, when they finally bloom, you will be treated to a very satisfying reward. If you plant herbs, on the other hand, you will find an irreplaceable sense of accomplishment when you are finally able to snip off some of your leaves for use in infusions, food, or massage oils.

5. Pamper yourself at the end of the week. Get some wonderful shower gels, after bath moisturizing lotions and, and luxury soaps. Step into the tub or the shower and clean yourself with a soft exfoliating sponge under warm, running water.

6. Work up a sweat at least once a week. Getting all that water out by jogging or cycling or just plain walking once every week can get rid of that uncomfortable bloated feeling we get when we are really tired and beat. Aerobic exercise is also very good for the heart.

7. Indulge in all the things you love doing at least once a week. Go out, watch a movie, have a fine meal at some good restaurant, buy a bottle of some good wine and have a party with yourself. Do not spoil your indulgence by doing it with someone else. Indulge alone; you deserve a break, not only from the week's stress, but also from thinking about other people aside from yourself.

8. Wake up really early in the morning, then make yourself some breakfast. Eat your breakfast in bed listening to some perky music. Use disposables for your breakfast, that way, you can just toss everything in the trash can when you're done.

9. Shop with yourself. Go to the mall once in a while with nothing in your mind, then pick out the first thing that catches your attention that you would like to buy for yourself. Do not hold back with the price consideration, just get out there, and get yourself something; finally,

10. Have a masseur call on you then get a massage in the comfort of your room. This way, the concern of waking up in a spa after your massage is not a consideration, so, you can easily drool off into la-la land to cap off your weekly date with yourself!

Try these things and you'll end up becoming a better you. You'll definitely be more spritely and cheerful when another grueling week begins.

Good luck!

Be rational; be insane…every once in a while! Hello to my dearest readers, to Hellpen, Anne, Mary Dale, Chan,Michelle, Zarthus, Jonald, Mr. Bobot, Vic, Vincent, and Rex, Alex, Arvin, Corz, Jim, Kiara, Malikh, Audrae, Franz, Hendrick, Janice, Jay, Jim, Jonathan, Mark, Marz, Mel, Pres, Nhonoy, Niel, Piper, Rheavil, Joey, Alma, Rodolfo, Ecker, Ryan, Roni, Ian, Narle, Sunny and to Anuj of CMC, I love you all! Byers! Salamat gid sa mga walang-hintong text and reactions nyo! Catch Rational Insanity in TNT's online edition, check us out at www.thenewstoday.info, text me at (0920)9254269, or email me at prague@eudoramail.com . Byers! Mmmmmmmwah!