How many times have you felt so overwhelmed and have a to do list that seems to never end? You feel stressed because there is so much to do that you end up feeling like a dog chasing its tail and achieving nothing! I am guilty of this and it has taken some serious tough love on myself to make changes and realise that life is not meant to be busy, busy, busy. It is time to take back your life and here're some tips that have helped me when I've been overwhelmed and stressed.
WELLBEING
Everybody has time to look after themselves. Just think about the times you have flown and the flight attendant always instructs you to put your mask on before helping others. Why? Because if you can't breathe you won't be in a position to help others. The same goes with your everyday life. If you are like me, and want to live life to the fullest and experience everything you can, whilst on Planet Earth then you must be healthy. In saying that, I have Crohn's disease, so I'm at a disadvantage but I have only once let it stop me in my tracks when I was unwell in 2019, resulting in major surgery. That was totally out of my control and it was a miserable time. Each day, I would tell myself this is only temporary and now I look back and appreciate how far I have come since then.
I have found the following has helped me with my wellbeing:
Five minute meditations - whenever I need. Let's face it 5 minutes is not a lot of time and you can certainly stop and take 5 minutes to calm your mind.
Listen to inspiring and educational podcasts whilst driving. You will be surprised how much you absorb doing this.
Buy yourself an essential oil infuser and create beautiful aromas whilst you are working. My favourite is Frankincense I find it inspiring.
Sit in the sun for 5 minutes (you can do your meditation) everyone needs Vitamin D.
Take a walk in nature or the botanical gardens.
Grow a small herb garden.
Learn to say no and do not give in to what other people expect of you.
Be mindful. For instance, when you are walking the dog, be in the present moment. Observe the beautiful trees and gardens and be grateful that you have a dog, you can walk, you can see, and all of the other wonderful things you have in that exact moment in time.
Write a daily gratitude list, or send someone a beautiful card, telling them how much you appreciate them.
Get fit.
Set yourself mico goals you will eventually get to where you want to be to make it to the big goals.
PRIORITIES
Number one rule is set boundaries and learn to say no! Being a 'people-pleaser' is not going to get you far so stop it. It is not selfish to want to look after yourself and enjoy your life. As I mentioned before, if you are not well or happy you will not be in a position to be of service to others?
Start asking yourself 'is it a priority?' and, if it is not, do not stress about it.
SMILE AND LAUGH
A friend of mine once told me that when she wakes up in the morning she is mindful to have a smile on her face and smile at the ceiling! That actually works. It also works to smile and laugh when you are in a downer. Smiling is contagious and it makes you look younger! As I am typing this post, sitting outside in the countryside, listening to the birds and frogs, I have a great big grin on my face! Why? Because I appreciate how beautiful the world is and how lucky I am.
Write down 5 new habits that you are going to start to take time make yourself a priority?
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