Life is more than how productive we are or how many things we can check off our to do list. True rest is difficult if we believe that everything has to be earned. We need to nurture our relationships with our loved ones, friends, and especially ourselves. Spending time in these areas is essential, but may get placed on the backburner because we are so busy.
Don’t Rush
Taking the time to walk from one destination, without rushing, doesn’t take that much extra time. You will notice the people and your surroundings if you don’t rush. It’s the difference between walking on a vacation versus riding in a bus or car, you just see and notice more. You are also stressing your body needlessly.
Reasonable Expectations
Choose your top priorities and let the rest go. I have to remember when I start running out of space in my planner, I can always add to the next day. It’s a habit that I still need to break. I think I can add more item, but it always stresses me out, and usually it’s not urgent. As an example, I really don’t need to do research on a skincare product that I read about in a magazine when I own several already. I can do that another time.
Phone Boundaries
You’ve heard this before, but it bears repeating. Turn off your phones so you’re not connected 24 hours a day. Try not to rely on your phone for everything. Buy an alarm clock so you don’t need to sleep with it besides you. You can’t fully relax if you’re constantly on social media and waiting for your next notification. Never before in our history have we been so connected and yet very disconnected from our bodies and minds in many ways. We expect instant results, but our bodies live in cycles and rhythms, which need to be honored. There is ancient wisdom in healing practices that requires us to be alone with our own thoughts.
Starting with small investments in time for what’s important to you, instead of thinking you’re not doing enough. It’s really not about taking extra time, but thinking intentionally about how you want to live your life to make you happy. Making wise choices that feel right for you, and not anyone else, will build the muscle of discernment. You can choose what you bring in your life and the energy you carry with you.
