How to Relax in a Busy World
Recently, I’ve been seeing a theme on social media saying it’s ok NOT to be busy. This resonated with me because much of the practices I’ve developed in my home and also in your homes is how to be organized so you AREN’T too busy and can have peace, quality time and feel happiness when you walk in your door. Here are 4 things I do to keep from being “too busy.”
1. Be still
If you are overwhelmed, stressed and unhappy, yet you keep saying yes to everything, then you will continue being overwhelmed, stressed and unhappy. Make yourself a priority and remove the trivial things filling up your calendar. These may be fun things that we like to do, such as football games, social events or parties, but if you are empty and exhausted, these things might not fill you up and could further deplete your energy. Schedule some time to just be still.
2. Use a family calendar
Make thoughtful scheduling choices. True, we cannot get out of many of our work activities or home chores. But, if we see them on a calendar, we can spread them out accordingly. If I know I’m going to have a busy week ahead, I will spend Sundays doing a little more than the usual weekly reset. Such as, I know I won’t have time for my usual weeknight laundry(or it will be an added stressor) so I take care of it ahead of time or I’ll make sure to leave time the following weekend to handle it. Also, seeing things on our calendar might relieve some stress. You may realize that you are not as busy as it seems.
3. Minimize time wasters
Looking for your purse, wallet and keys is wasted time. Make them a home and use it. Staring at your closet in the morning looking for something to wear is wasted time. Get your clothes out the night before. Social media is a great way to disconnect but how much time is wasted? Set a timer so you don’t get lost in Facebook land too long. Don’t waste time on people, things events that don’t deserve them. Be picky about where you spend your precious time.
4. Get organized
Having a home for everything doesn’t mean your home won’t be messy, but it makes picking up and finding things go much faster (See wasting time!). Science has proven that clutter causes stress and anxiety (mayooshin.com). Less clutter and more organization might not take your stress away but having a relaxing home to come home to could certainly help you find some happiness in your day.
Being still, using a family calendar, minimizing time wasters and getting organized are only small steps to eliminating the “too busy” feeling that you may have. The choice is yours.
If you need some ideas or help with eliminating some of your stress, let’s set up a consultation! Give us a call.