In our busy world of coming and going, we can often lose sight of what is most important – our health and wellness. Today’s society is so focused on how much you can achieve in the shortest amount of time. While surfing Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter it is not uncommon to come across advertisements about how to achieve more, do more, and acquire more. We live in a world of consumerism and people who promise to sell remedies that will help you do more and become rich quicker than ever before. While setting goals for achievement is important, you must make time for your physical and mental wellness.
Making time in your life for what makes you happy is just as important as being successful in your career. Life is short, and burning the candle at both ends, so to speak, is an easy way to achieve burnout. Burnout can lead to complacency and other health issues related to stress. So, when you find yourself busy, working during your time off, and wondering when you will get the next chance to catch your breath take a few of the below strategies to help you regain control of your life to slow down and recollect what is most important – your wellness.
- Routine – Set a routine. I have a morning and evening routine, which includes getting up at 6 am to greet the day and a lights out by 9:30 pm policy. When you set a morning routine, try to avoid the usual rushing around, forgetting to eat, and running out the door to work plan. Try to get up every 30 minutes earlier and incorporate small things in your new routine like yoga, meditation, relaxing while drinking your coffee, or creating a simple to-do list. Start small and then incorporate more items into your routine, as an alternative you can also keep your new habits in the morning small. It could be as simple as sitting still and listening to silence to wake up or listening to a short meditation that lasts four minutes.
The important thing is that you pick an activity and stick to it and if you try it and it does not work for you then try something else. When starting a new morning routine, you do not have to start the gate by getting up at 5 am if you are used to getting up at 7 am. Start small and gradually increase the time that you get up. This way it will be much easier on your body and you will have an easier time adjusting to your new routine.
- Look at your schedule – When looking at your schedule think to yourself, what am I doing that I do not enjoy or that do not serve a purpose anymore. Whatever you find does not serve a purpose anymore or that you do not enjoy, scale back on these commitments and exit by giving proper notice. Now, these items could be things that free up time for you to do something else that you enjoy, or they could be for something that allows you to practice more mindfulness. The point of changing up your schedule could be to free up time to relax or to take part in an activity that has meaning.
Regarding mindfulness, it can be practicing gratitude, meditation, exercise, or doing other activities that have meaning. Whichever activity you choose ensure that it feeds your soul, relaxes you, and renews your sense of purpose.
- Technology – One of the biggest sources of stress these days, is the fact that we are connected 24/7. Finding time to shut off your phone even for 30 minutes a day is important. Some people go to the extent that they will take the weekend and shut off their phone for the weekend to recharge their batteries. While this will work for some people, others might not be able to do this due to the need of being accessible regarding family obligations or other things. If you cannot shut down your phone, consider putting the smartwatch away after 7 pm and setting your phone to automatically go into do not disturb mode from 7 pm to 8 am. That way you will not be getting an endless string of pings on your phone when it is time to wind down for the day. If you have people that you need to be in touch with regardless of the time of day, add them to your favorites list, so that if they do call during your do not disturb times, you will still receive the call, and try not making these contacts from your workplace!
- Focusing and being present – Being present is important it can help improve concentration and improve your overall well-being. If you find it hard to be present, start small and focus on the little things. For example, if you are cutting an apple and find your mind worrying or wondering about something that is happening two weeks from now, refocus and say to yourself, “I am cutting this apple right now, and I will focus on these thoughts when the time is right”.
The same goes for when you are communicating with people. Focus on what they are saying, engage in the conversation, and listen to what they are saying. By engaging in the conversation with the other person and showing that you are listening, your mind will begin to be present and not focus on wandering off in the other direction and thinking about things other than to topic at hand. This task will be challenging at first, but with the time you will get more focused and will lead to more engaged relationships.
- Take appreciation in the small things – When we take appreciation in the small things in life like playing a game with your children or walking in nature, we allow our brains to slow down. Focusing on the small things that you enjoy in life allows you to refocus and meditate on life’s simple pleasures. When doing this ensure that you are fully present and think to yourself that you are happy that you have a warm home to live in while doing general chores. These simple things in life are what make up a large portion of our time and appreciating the small things will add more joy to your life.
Bliss + You 