We’re finally inching out of the era where being “busy” is looked at as being a desirable trait. Many of us have bragged about how busy we’ve been. Confession – I’m lousy with busy. I’m busy with busy. I look forward to busy and I think about how I will be busy while I’m busy.
It’s not healthy, I know. Busy has become a security blanket. It keeps me from having to deal with life, because “I’m busy.” I didn’t notice how someone has hurt or mistreated me, because I was “too busy.”
The reality is that busy is often a choice. It’s a sort of clutter that occupies your time, instead of your space. So, how can you declutter your time? Some things I find effective are:
Calendar Mandatory Self Care – Self care is not a luxury. It is a necessary function to keep us happy and healthy; no different than exercise or a proper diet. Schedule you time. That doesn’t mean pencil in some time to work on that project. It means penciling in some time to forget what a project is. It means escape. It means recharge. Decide when you will be practicing self care and say no to any temptation to work or tend to anything that takes away from your peace.
Set Boundaries in Personal and Professional Spaces – We often tend to think that setting boundaries with people would drive them away, so we don’t. Not setting them always leads to us being hurt, in some way. We do this in our personal lives as well as our professional lives. It is ok to say no to friends, family, coworkers, and employers, alike, when it comes to our health. Being honest with people about your needs from the beginning and as they arise saves us from some unnecessary frustration and sometimes can save relationships, altogether. Say no when you mean no. It’ll pay off in both the long and short run.
Say No! – Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you ought to do it. Your body, mind, and spirit knows when you’ve had enough and it’s time to recharge and it will let you know in many ways. Listen to yourself when it’s time to take a rest. A new project might seem exciting, but is this the time for it? That person may need help, but do you truly have it to give? You should always be your number one priority and that begins with your self care. Don’t be afraid to say no as often and for as long as you see fit.
The Freaks Come Out at Night, You Should be Resting – Everyone deserves to let loose and have a little fun. We’ve earned it! Is it always fun, though? Does going out seem more like a chore than a reward, sometimes? If you are pushing yourself to go out, your taking away from your self care. And for what? The same people and the same party that will be there when you’ve had enough rest? You know you’d rather stay home and catch up on Stranger Things or finish that book you’ve been reading or do nothing….or sleep! Sleep is awesome and certainly does not get the credit it deserves. It’s not only enjoyable, it’s a necessary function to our health and wellbeing. Decline that offer to wear next to nothing in 20 degree weather to pay next to a phone bill for two drinks. There’s always a next weekend for you to get back on the scene.
Say No to You, Too – Discipline is as much an art as it is a skill. It’s not enough to be disciplined for the sake of saying that you can. Healthy boundaries on activities keeps our internal and external selves ticking. It’s important to set limits with yourself as much as it is to do so with others. Say no to overindulging in junk food, no technology in the bedroom, prepare food at home at least 60% of the time, and keep to a solid schedule [that includes a healthy self care regiment] to maintain consistency and good quality of life.
These are just a few things that we do to keep us squared away. The most important thing is to declutter your time and space to maintain self care. We know it’s not always easy to do these things. Life does happen. When it does, we will be here for you! Contact us when you need a break from those household chores so that you can look out for your star player 🙂