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Last Updated on June 8, 2021
There’s no doubt that life can be busy. While this can be a good thing, it can also be detrimental to your overall well-being if that busyness takes over. If you’ve been in this situation before, you know how overwhelming it can be.
While not all stress and must-do items can be avoided, there are ways to ensure your time is protected and that you get the downtime you need to be at your best. Here are five ways to decompress when your routine starts taking its toll.
1. Get Away From It All
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just press pause on whatever you’ve got going on and fast forward to something more relaxing? The good news is you certainly can, and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
Whether you decide to book a last-minute cruise to Puerto Rico with your best friend, a rustic camping trip with your family or even a no-frills staycation, you’re guaranteed a stretch of rest and relaxation that you won’t find in your daily grind.
2. Just Say No
How good are you at declining invitations, favors or other things you’d generally rather not do? The unfortunate truth is that saying no is difficult for many, but it’s also not surprising because it can be a difficult thing to do.
However, not being able to say no can be harmful to both your mental and physical health. Making this a priority is important. Remember that becoming more comfortable with doing so may take some time, so be patient with yourself and stay consistent.
3. Simplify Your Schedule
When you look at your calendar, do you instantly feel a sense of dread or anxiety due to the lack of blank space? Are you constantly juggling pick-ups, drop-offs and appointments along with everything else? If this sounds familiar, now’s a good time to make some changes that will ideally not only free up some time but make you feel more at peace with your schedule as well.
Overscheduling doesn’t just happen to adults. Kids are even more susceptible to the negative impact of busyness and not enough free time. Check in with your child to see if they’re feeling content with whatever activities they’re participating in. You might be surprised to hear that more free time at home to relax or pursue other interests might be their preference.
4. Embrace the Beauty of Being Bored
When was the last time you could honestly say you had nothing to do? Maybe it was a time when there was nothing on your calendar, no invitations or last-minute errands or appointments to keep and you didn’t have a clue what to do with your time. Maybe you were even feeling bored.
Even though being bored has a notorious reputation, it really shouldn’t. Sure, it can be annoying, especially if you’re stuck somewhere such as a mechanic’s shop or standing in line at the DMV. But what about those times you’re bored at home? Don’t miss those opportunities to turn that boredom into something great. Dive into a good book. Whip up something tasty to eat. Get outside and weed your garden that so desperately needs some love. Call a friend. Head out for a long walk.
The possibilities are truly endless, so don’t let a moment of boredom go to waste.
5. Take Care of Yourself
How do you feel when you’re overstressed, overworked or overbooked? Chances are you don’t feel your best. Maybe you don’t eat as well as you should, or maybe you’re not drinking nearly enough water or getting the quality rest your body needs.
Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step in feeling better. What’s so good about this is that even small steps at first have the power to add up to something big, so don’t underestimate the power of incorporating 15 to 20 minutes of movement into your day, swapping out your take-out lunch for a homemade salad or using a vacation day to do nothing at all.
Decompressing when life becomes too much isn’t just important to do, it’s also essential for living a healthy lifestyle. It’s up to you to make these changes, whether it’s a vacation away from it all, being more protective of your time or prioritizing self-care.
Making this promise to yourself today will make all the difference tomorrow.
