Are you too busy? Being too busy is unhealthy and counterproductive. You may be focusing your time and efforts on things that don’t matter, and craving more time for you.
So what are some ways to have more time for YOU? How can we be less busy? It seems easy enough to make more time for ourselves, but why does it prove to be a challenge for most?
Making more time for yourself takes serious practice and discipline, but it is possible to have more time for you. Here are some ways to have more time:
5 Ways to Have More Time for YOU!
1. Set aside downtime
When we take the time to stop and be still, that’s when our brains can open up to new ideas and creativity. We all need that free time to recharge, have some downtime and do something completely for fun.
The great artists, philosophers and inventors created their works in a time of leisure… in the company of good food and even better wine.
The downside of being too busy is stress, lack of sleep, an inability to focus, and in worse cases, burning yourself out and ultimately, getting sick. Make time to nurture your physical, emotional and mental health – nurture is my word for 2016.
2. Keep one calendar or list
You have your meal plan, work plan, to-do list, grocery list, calendar, kids’ schedule… AGH! Too many lists and notes to keep track of. While your scheduling may be helping you to stay organized, it might also be causing you more stress.
3. Learn to Say No
Why did you have to volunteer for the school council when you know you don’t have time? Or take on another task at work? Agree to the fundraising committee on your son’s hockey team?
While you may have good intentions and want to help out and do it all, you can’t manage to do it all well. It’s simply not possible to spread yourself so thin and do an excellent job at everything.
Minimize your stress by reducing the number of extra tasks. Learn to say NO.
4. Dump the FOMO
Yes it’d be nice to attend that event, but it’s time to kick the crap out of the MOFO FOMO! The cause? EGO. Ego is a huge factor. I was invited to this VIP event – stroke the go – so I need to make an appearance, right? I was invited so I need to be there. No you don’t. While it’s flattering to be asked, you can’t justify the time away from your family and other important obligations just to appease your ego!
Fear of missing out is such a dangerous thing – again it’s part ego, part social media to blame. Turn off all social media during the event so you don’t have to see how much “fun” you’re missing… if you consider a bunch of small talk with acquaintances, discussing the weather and Facebook algorithms enticing.
The less on your plate, the better. I’ve spread myself too thin – and spending too much time in hockey rinks for my kids – so my free time is even more limited now, which means I choose carefully.
5. Take time off
Taking a vacation or a day off isn’t being lazy or neglecting your responsibilities – it’s a necessity for your health and well-being. The most successful people in the world take time off to refocus and re-energize.
You also need to take time off of social media. Turning off social media and being content in your present time and space is an acquired skill, and one we all need to learn. Social media can be a huge time-waster and distracts from real productivity.
“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” ~ Roald Dahl