
Some of the frustration and stress of doing too much stems from the reality that much of what we do is for others, often with little regard for ourselves or our health, both physical and mental. One way to combat this is to schedule yourself in first. Make time each day for YOU, 30 minutes or even a whole hour out of 24!
For many, this is a challenge and flies in the face of the principle of selflessness and giving to others. But- when all of your energy has been depleted, there is less to give to anyone and it is difficult to give your best. You are just as important as all those you assist. Make sure you give back to yourself as well.
If it’s 30 minutes of walking each morning before work or at lunch time, schedule it in. If it’s an hour to read a magazine or garden, schedule it in. Perhaps you want to begin to chip away at a large project a little at a time. Maybe a cup of tea and a nap is what you dream about.
Schedules are tools that blatantly tell you how much you are doing. Extreme stress is often related to the over flowing, unrealistic schedule- or it is reflective of too little planning. The calendar and the checklist are but two of many tools that help us in streamlining all the things we do. Find the tools that work for you.
Get good at saying NO to events and commitments that would infringe on your personal time and peace of mind.
You’re worth it. Treat yourself well.
What would you do with an extra hour each day? An extra hour each week?