Habit 7 Sharpen the Saw It’s Me Time Sharpen the saw? Sometimes we are too busy to take time to do the things we need to do to keep fresh. We need to regularly renew and strengthen 4 key areas – – – – The Body The Brain The Heart The Soul Balance all 4 areas If your tires are out of balance, all 4 will not wear evenly – – It’s hard to be friendly (heart) when you’re exhausted (body) When you are motivated and in tune with yourself (soul) , it’s easier to focus on your studies (mind) and to be more friendly (heart) The Physical Dimension Exercise, eat healthy, sleep well and relax – – – – – Eat healthy food Relax in the tub Bike Lift weights Get enough sleep -take walks -stretch out -do aerobics -practice yoga -play sports You are what you eat Eat in moderation Don’t travel between rabbit food and junk food all the time Drink water Food affects mood, so eat with care Use it or lose it Choose an activity that you enjoy doing and don’t dread Try to get 30 minutes of exercise 3x/week Good way to relieve stress and clear your mind It’s all about how you feel and not how you look in the mirror or the weight on the scale Don’t get too obsessed with your appearance There are many successful people who do not have perfect bodies It is more important to feel good physically If you struggle with an eating disorder, don’t feel alone “You have to change your perception. It’s not about weight, it’s caring for yourself daily” Caring for your brain Sharpen your mind Getting a good education may be the most important thing you can do Develop brain power through schooling, extracurricular activities, hobbies, jobs, and other mind enlarging activities Sharpen your mind Read a newspaper everyday Travel Plant a garden Visit a library Write a story Solve puzzles Play an instrument debate Caring for your Heart Put regular deposits into your personal and relationship bank accounts RelationshipsJust laugh- sometimes life just stinks and there’s not much you can do about it, so laugh Laughter Loosens up the mental gears and helps us think more creatively Helps us cope with the difficulties in life Reduces stress levels Relaxes us by lowering HR and BP Releases endorphins the brain’s natural pain killers Caring for your Soul Finding what deeply inspires you, finding your inner self where your deepest convictions and values are How to feed your soul – – – – Meditating Serving others’ Praying Listening to music A preteen’s best friend You can pour your heart out in your journal and it will sit there and listen. It won’t talk back A good way to clear your head- become more self-aware. You can read past entries to keep from making the same mistakes and to see how you have matured Make time to renew You are already doing many things to renew All of it won’t just happen though, you have to be proactive