In this great big thriving world we live in, it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, the constant stimulation; so many places to be and things to do all at once, that sometimes it is easier to ignore everything and simply decide to not do anything at all. This can result in some bad habits. These ‘habits’ can either be a) going to too many things, filling your schedule so full that you simply can’t enjoy anything you are doing (cue the holiday season) or b) you will become a hermit from staying in and ignoring the outside world and if your behavior goes unchecked you will, before too long, start wearing your “house sweats” out in public (cue post holiday crash).
However, I feel like, as with everything, balance can be found. This time of year makes it extremely difficult, but the end certainly justifies the means. Here are some tips I am currently giving myself a survival guide if you will… we can be open and honest here… I am the worst at most of these things, but I feel points can be awarded for the effort.
- Prioritize. Figure out what is a ‘need’ in your schedule; personally, socially, and professionally.
- Set Boundaries. People will squeeze every last drop of energy, time, and resources out of you; make sure to save some time for yourself.
- Learn to say no (I am so bad at this one). You can’t be everything to everyone all of the time… you will die. Save yourself from frustration and headaches won’t you?
- Take deep breaths. Breathing releases tension, fills your system with oxygen, and promotes wellness (sounds weird but it works)
- Realize there is only so much time in a day. You accomplished what you could today, remember that. Give yourself a little credit, until we figure out how to slow time down, do what you can and try to accept that it is enough.
- Be present. Yes, there are a million things you could be doing, a million places you could be (I get it, you are popular!) but the fact is, we are finite beings,. Be where you are and you will get far more out of the experience than if you are distracted by all of the other things you could be doing.
The other morning I made time to meet with a friend for coffee. We sat and talked for just over an hour, though it may not have been as long as we would have liked, we left feeling refreshed, ready to face all of the things clamoring for our attention. The truth is, there is nothing quite like a good conversation with a good person to satisfy your soul; it is apple pie à la mode, perfect and sweet.
Time is of the essence, so I will stop distracting you. The season will pass before you know it, wouldn’t you rather remember the things you did with fondness, instead of thinking back and only remembering how “busy” you were? Go, be productive, be present, take another sip of coco and be aware of all the good around you.
xx
