“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.” – Lao Tzu
It’s amazing how often we feel pressed for time. I know I have and still do when I’m not paying attention or being intentional.
You’ve probably felt this way yourself. I’m guessing these words have crossed your mind or come out of your mouth at one point or another. They’ve certainly come out of mine.
It’s okay not to have enough time for everything. Not everything needs to be done.
The fact that we all have a finite amount of time to work with (24 hours a day, to be exact) requires us to make some choices in regard to how our time is being spent.
Quite frankly, we just can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything!
However, when we start running out of time for important things, we have a problem. That’s our shoutout call to pay closer attention. What do we prioritize?
For most of us, when we find ourselves living in what feels like a perpetual “time crunch,” the first things to go are usually the restorative and creative activities that bring us joy, clarity, and peace.
You know, the things we do in an effort to “slow down” and reconnect with ourselves.
I’m talking about activities like journaling, afternoon walks, painting, meditation, exercise, and baking…you can fill in the blanks.
Why are we so quick to leave these activities behind?
They don’t feel “essential,”…at least not in the sense that attending client meetings, balancing your budget, or preparing dinner for your kids is “essential.”
“Almost everything will work if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
– Anne Lamott
I argue in support of Anne Lamott’s quote. Unplugging – in whatever way works best for you, is absolutely essential for your overall health and well-being.
Sure, you might not have a manager asking about your restoring and renewal progress. But don’t doubt they are a critical part of a healthy and well-balanced life.
In my blog post, Top 3 Reasons Why You Need To Slow Down, I unpack this reality in more detail…I highly recommend checking it out.
Alright, let’s get practical. HOW do we go about finding time in our already busy schedules for “slow down” activities like the ones mentioned above? Here are a few tips:
- Prioritize Your Commitments
Evaluate your current list of commitments and ask yourself: Are these activities truly essential? Are they life-giving? Enjoyable? Productive? Do they take me where I want to go?
You can create time for the things that matter most. Start with the “BIG ROCKS,” and then you can fill in around those IF you choose.
Here’s the truth: some of your “to-do’s” might need to go. This exercise can bring you clarity regarding which commitments are worth hanging onto and which can (and should) be let go.
- Plan Your Day
This might sound obvious, but most of us don’t actually plan our days ahead of time. Sure, you might know the major events on the calendar (work meetings, doctor’s appointments, school pickup, etc.), but have you taken time to state (think goal) what you want out of your day? Is it more than a completed checklist?
Try breaking down your day into 30 or 60-minute chunks. What will you do with your time that can advance your results? What can wait? When you think through your entire day, you’ll likely find that you have more time available than you realized. Tip: Set aside 10-15 minutes each evening to plan for tomorrow.
- Eliminate “Time-Wasting” Activities
There are pockets of your day that are flat-out wasted. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true. This is the time when you get involved in activities that are neither productive nor restorative. I like to think of these as “time-wasters.”For many of us, our “time-wasting activities” involve a screen of some kind. Think about it! How often do you find yourself scrolling through social media, Googling random questions, or watching YouTube videos that barely interest you?
That happened to me just this morning. I was checking a reference in an email, and 15 minutes later, I realized I had slid into another project and thought process. What the heck?
Tip: If screen time is an issue for you, consider downloading an app that limits mindless scrolling. Check out one of these: Freedom app, FocusMe, Cold Turkey, or Mindful Browsing.
Are you ready to re-prioritize focused rest, renewal, and well-being?
Start today! There’s no time like the present. I’d like to invite you to set aside this week as a time for “slowing down” and getting back to the basics.
What is one activity on your schedule tomorrow you can replace with a restful and restorative action?
If you’re interested in a community of like-minded leaders and creatives to join you in the journey towards more intentionally working on focused rest and moving through challenges with grace and confidence, click HERE to join the SandBoxx!
Let’s rest together!
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
