Life's Meaning: Am I Living Or Merely Existing?

Life is a multifaceted concept that encompasses more than just existence. It involves how individuals define their existence and the meaning they attribute to it. The interpretation of life varies among people, with some experiencing a life of comfort while others endure numerous challenges. Life is often described as a precious gift, full of ups and downs, joys, and sorrows. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and overcoming obstacles. The ultimate purpose of life is to live meaningfully, connecting with our deeper selves and finding purpose and value in our existence.

Morning routines

A good morning routine can set the tone for the whole day, improving productivity, energy, motivation and mental clarity. Here are some ideas for creating a morning routine that works for you.

Prepare the Night Before

Planning the night before can help to reduce decision-making in the morning, giving you more time and energy for productivity. Lay out your clothes, prepare your breakfast, and create a checklist or to-do list.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for a productive morning routine. Aim for a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and try to get at least seven hours of sleep.

Avoid Screen Time

Try to avoid checking your phone or other electronic devices first thing in the morning. This can be a huge time-waster and can disrupt your morning routine.

Drink Water

Drinking a glass of water in the morning can help to jumpstart your metabolism and flush out any toxins that may have built up overnight. It also helps to hydrate your body and improve cognitive functioning.

Eat Breakfast

Whether you choose to eat breakfast or not is a personal preference. If you do eat breakfast, aim for a nutritious meal that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fruits or vegetables.

Exercise

Starting your day with some physical activity can help to boost your energy levels and improve your overall health. Even a brisk walk or a quick stretch can be beneficial.

Set Your Priorities

Make a list of your tasks and rank them in order of importance. Focus on your most critical tasks first to improve your productivity and ensure you are directing your energy towards what matters most.

Complete Difficult Work First

Doing your most challenging task first thing in the morning can help to boost your productivity and prevent procrastination.

Indulge in a Creative Pursuit

Creative pursuits are linked to decreases in symptoms of depression and can promote divergent thinking and emotional regulation. Take some time in the morning to engage in a creative activity, such as writing, drawing, or playing an instrument.

Make Time for a Hobby

Engaging in activities you enjoy can help to manage stress and improve mental health. Whether it's cooking, yoga, or reading, make sure to carve out time in your morning routine for activities that bring you joy.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a morning routine. It takes time and dedication to build new habits, so be patient and forgiving with yourself during the process.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all morning routine. Experiment with different rituals and find what works best for you.

Bedtime routines

A good bedtime routine can help you get a full night's rest and improve your overall health. Here are some tips to help you create a bedtime routine:

Decide on a bedtime

Choose a bedtime and a wake-up time that suits your schedule and stick to them every day, even on weekends. This will help train your brain to naturally feel tired at bedtime. You can set an alarm to remind yourself to start your bedtime routine.

Put away electronics

The blue light emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime, suppressing melatonin production and keeping you awake. Put away all electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime and avoid using them in the evening if possible.

Have a light snack or herbal tea

Heavy meals and alcoholic beverages before bed can lead to indigestion and disrupt your sleep. Instead, opt for a light snack like fruit or yogurt, or a non-caffeinated herbal tea with chamomile or lavender to calm your mind and induce sleep.

Stretch, breathe, and relax

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help release physical and mental tension. Meditation can also improve your sleep quality by teaching you to accept your thoughts and manage your emotions.

Write down a to-do list or journal

Jotting down a to-do list for the next day can help clear your mind and reduce stress. Alternatively, journaling can be a restorative way to sort out your thoughts and feelings before bed.

Prepare your bedroom

Transform your bedroom into a sleep oasis by making it as cool, dark, quiet, and clutter-free as possible. Set the thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, dim the lights, and use earplugs or white noise if necessary to block out any noise.

Additional tips:

• Take a warm bath an hour or two before bedtime to relax and trigger a sleepy reaction in your body.
• Listen to calming music to improve your mood and help you feel emotionally at peace.
• Avoid caffeine after lunch, as it can disrupt your rest even if consumed hours before bedtime.
• Engage in light or moderate-intensity exercise in the evening, but avoid vigorous workouts too close to bedtime as they can raise your body temperature and heart rate, making it harder to fall asleep.

Relaxation techniques

AmLife is the largest Electric Potential Therapy Devices company in Southeast Asia, offering various products and technologies to improve sleep quality and immunity. Here are some relaxation techniques that you can incorporate into your morning routine to start your day with a sense of calm and reduce stress:

Get Enough Sleep

Find a sleep and wake-up time that works for you and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep if possible. This will ensure you have enough energy and feel energized for the day ahead.

Stay off Your Phone

Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, try to stay off it for at least an hour. Constant notifications and the pressure of feeling like you've missed out or have a lot to do can induce stress and anxiety. Focus on yourself and your morning routine instead.

Drink Water

After a long night of sleep, our bodies tend to be dehydrated. Drinking a glass or two of water first thing in the morning helps keep our digestion and metabolism running smoothly. You can also try adding apple cider vinegar or lemon to your water.

Practice Breath Focus

This technique involves taking long, slow, deep breaths to gently disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensations. It is a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and bring your mind's attention to the present moment.

Body Scan Meditation

This technique combines breath focus with progressive muscle relaxation. After a few minutes of deep breathing, focus on different parts of your body and mentally release any physical tension. This can help boost your awareness of the mind-body connection.

Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong

These ancient arts combine rhythmic breathing with a series of postures or flowing movements. They offer a mental focus that can help distract you from racing thoughts and also improve your flexibility and balance.

Remember, you don't have to do all of these techniques every morning. Sample a few and see which ones work best for you. Even a few minutes of practice can make a difference in reducing stress and improving your overall well-being.

Daily goals

Setting daily goals is an important part of being human. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose, and gets us interested and engaged, all of which are good for our overall happiness.

• Decide: Think of something you want to do or work towards. It doesn't matter what, as long as it's something you want to do – ideally, something you're interested in or feel excited by. It should be something you want to do for its own sake, not for someone or something else.
• Write it down: Writing down our goals increases our chances of sticking with them. Write down how you will know you have reached your goals and when you'd like to achieve them by.
• Tell someone: Telling someone about our goals increases the likelihood that we will stick to them.
• Break your goal down: Think about the smaller goals that are steps on the way to achieving your bigger aim. Write down your smaller goals and try to set some dates to achieve them by.
• Plan your first step: Think about the first step on the way to achieving your goal. Even if you don't know where to start, your first step could be to research 'how to...' on the internet, or think of people you could ask, or get a book on the subject from the library.
• Keep going: Working towards our goals can sometimes be difficult and frustrating, so we need to persevere. If a step isn't working, think of something else you could try that still moves you forward.
• Celebrate: When you reach your goal, take time to enjoy it and thank those who helped you.
• Health goals: Running a marathon, climbing a mountain, practising yoga, losing weight, getting enough sleep, etc.
• Career goals: Starting your own business, getting a promotion, etc.
• Educational goals: Graduating from college, getting an advanced degree, learning a new skill, etc.
• Financial goals: Doubling your income, investing in the stock market, paying off student loans, etc.
• Milestones: Finding a lifelong partner, buying a new car, building your dream home, etc.
• Adventurous goals: Seeing the Northern Lights, skydiving, travelling to a new country, etc.

Favourite memories

AmLife: My Favourite Memories

As someone who has always struggled with sleep, my favourite memories involving AmLife are those that involve waking up feeling refreshed and recharged, ready for the day. I remember the first time I tried the Platinum Sleep Tech Blanket—I woke up feeling like a brand-new person, and I knew this product would change my life for the better.

Another favourite memory of mine is when I first heard about AmLife's Electric Potential Therapy (EPT). I was initially sceptical, but after hearing about their 21 years of experience and their listing in the Malaysia Book of Records as the country's largest and oldest Electric Potential Therapy Company, I was intrigued. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. The results spoke for themselves, and I've been a loyal customer ever since.

I also fondly recall the time I attended one of AmLife's public awareness events, "World Sleep Day". It was incredible to see so many people passionate about improving their sleep and overall wellness. The event was eye-opening, and I left feeling more educated about the importance of sleep and the latest advancements in sleep technology.

Lastly, I will always cherish the memories of sharing AmLife with my friends and family. Seeing their lives improve and hearing their positive experiences with AmLife's products brings me so much joy. It's wonderful to know that I'm not alone in my sleep struggles and that we can support each other in our journey towards better rest.

AmLife has truly changed my life, and these memories will always remind me of the impact they've had on my wellness and overall quality of life.

Frequently asked questions