Millennials are busier than ever.
If you’re like me, you are always on the go. Life seems like a non-stop roller coaster. It feels like you’re constantly pushing through every day with the hope that next day will be easier. Only to find out the next day is equally as busy as the last one.
Parenting, trying to do well in school, having a social life, going to the gym, trying to eat healthy, while trying to figure out my future and trying to make sure I get a good amount of sleep is overwhelming.
Every day, I am working towards a better life and I have become accustomed to having a busy life. However, it is a lot of work and sometimes I find myself completely overwhelmed and unsure how to handle everything. And I know people say to take time for yourself… But that can be hard when it feels like there is barely enough time to breathe.
We sometimes minimize our need for “me” time by thinking there’s so much left to do. We believe we are wasting time and we won’t accomplish anything if we are not working and putting our energy into something. And to some extent it’s true – relentlessly pushing yourself may bring success. However, going for long periods without time for yourself may cost you in the end. If you neglect yourself, you can become ill, then you will be forced to put everything on hold and this will set yourself back even further.
We need to remember how important our mental state is. We need to remember that even though we may have a lot on our plate that needs to get done, if we become mentally drained and exhausted, our work isn’t going to be our best work.
If you run yourself into the ground you’re not going to efficient. And you won’t be able to be fully engaged in your activities anyway. Your health is vital and you need to take time to recharge your batteries. Take your life back and schedule free time for yourself instead. By free time, I mean doing stuff that’s not work.
There are some simple ways to make time from your busy schedule to take care of your own wellbeing.
Set up an evening with yourself. Save certain weeknights just for you. Use this time to sit on the porch, read a book, watch your favorite shows, take a long walk, watch the sunset or engage in a hobby.
Set up a monthly treat. It could be massage, go see a movie, go to your favorite restaurant or whatever treat you’re always thinking about doing but rarely get to do.
Set up lunch alone. Try sneaking away for lunch alone on a park bench or even in your car.
Take a solo car ride. Taking drives alone and listening to your favorite jams is therapeutic and relaxing.
Buy tickets to your favorite events. Buy tickets for sports, plays, concerts, or any other event you would enjoy.
Get a baby sitter. Plan to have a babysitter that you trust watch your children once a month or once a week so that you can get some time for yourself.
Schedule a night out. Plan a night out with your friends to go dancing, go to a comedy club and just to a bar and have a few drinks.
Take time to work on your passions. Do some of your projects that you have put on the back burner.
I know that it isn’t simple trying to schedule some time for yourself, but you must give yourself permission to take at least a half hour per day, just for yourself. Whatever you have to do, make it happen every day.
Taking time off your busy schedule for yourself is important for your physical, mental and emotional health.
You are more than just a busy person. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Taking time off may seem like we are just wasting time but trust me, the work will get done. If you don’t value yourself, you can’t be effective in managing everything you have to do. Start by being good to yourself, take some time off and give yourself what you need.
Life is busy, but life is also short.
Don’t neglect the person that matters the most, yourself.
Featured image via Bruce Mars on Unsplash
