Are you someone who prides themselves on being busy? Do you find yourself constantly moving from task to task and never taking a break?
Being constantly busy is a badge of honour many people wear in today’s society but what does it really mean?
For me, this was something I prided myself in? I worked ridiculously long hours and didn’t take proper breaks and found myself in an increasing cycle of ‘busy’. It didn’t matter whether this was in my home life or with work, I was busy from the time I got up, to the time I went to bed. I discovered that ‘busy’ doesn’t equal ‘productive’ or ‘effective’ in most cases. It also wasn’t good for my health and wellbeing.
In its worst-case scenario being busy can lead to overwhelm, stress and even burnout and that’s just not good for anyone. So it’s time to STOP! Here are three things you can do to break the cycle:
1. Get Moving
It may sound simple but get moving, stretch, go for a walk – anything to break the pattern of being busy. My personal favourite is to take my dog out for a walk – Mack loves it and I get to spend time with him.
Moving is especially important if you’re sitting for hours on end looking at a screen or doing something equally as sedentary.
2. Take Time Out
Take at least one day off a week from your daily routine. If you can’t do a full day, what time can you find for yourself?
Use the time available to do whatever it is that recharges you whether it is having a family day out, relaxing on the sofa and reading a good book, or getting out into nature.
I like to spend time tending to my allotment where I get out into the fresh air and feel totally at peace, but I also get some exercise from all the digging.
Allowing yourself this downtime will help you return to your daily routine feeling refreshed and in turn, this will enable you to be effective and creative.
3. Plan an Adventure
Whether it’s a full-blown holiday, a long weekend or a week off and staying at home and going out for mini-adventures. Get planning and decide where you want to go and what you want to do. If you’re staying at home, be creative as you could do anything from exploring the local area, having picnics or trying out a new hobby. If you have the luxury of going away, research where you want to visit and what you can do there to make it amazing.
Having something to look forward to will energise you and time away from your life and work is a great way to learn that the world doesn’t stop just because you weren’t there. If anything does go a little ‘wonky’ in your absence, you will have a good idea of what needs fixing before your next break.
What are you going to do, to stop the busy cycle in your life?
If you feel stuck in the busy cycle, contact us to find out how we can help you.
