With our world
being so busy, fast-paced, and overwhelming at times, it’s easy to get swept up
in the grip of an unending ‘to-do’ list. There seems to be no time to slow down
and do things that make you feel alive and happy. This is no way to spend this
one precious, wild, spectacular life you have!
Here are my Top
Five Tips on how to create more enjoyment in your life and spend less time on the hamster wheel:
Accept
that you can’t do IT ALL
You are a mere human
with only so much time, energy, and resources. You can choose to spend these
things in a flustered, frantic state, or you can take your
time to calmly accomplish only what you're able with a clear, steady mind and
breath. According to Julie Morgenstern, a productivity expert and bestselling author, “It has been scientifically demonstrated that the brain cannot
effectively or efficiently switch between tasks. It takes
four times longer to recognize new things so you’re not saving time;
multitasking actually costs time [and you often make more mistakes].” Sometimes,
all you need, is a BREAK! Just like ‘Savasana”, you need rest just as much a effort.
Take time to be in
nature
Making the conscious decision to re-connect with the natural rhythms of
the planet and your body automatically gives a sense of peace and joy.
Take a hike in the hills, play with your dog, or walk barefoot on the grass.
Taking time to reconnect externally, makes a huge difference internally. When
we feel connected, we feel safe and calm which brings us pleasure mentally
and physiologically.
Get some
Zzzzzzzzzzz’s
Something that feels like it should be so simple and automatic can many
times elude us, especially during times of high stress. Most adults need
between 7-9 hours per night, and if you don’t regularly get that, your body is
under unnecessary stress. When you get a solid night’s rest, you’re more able
to face and deal with daily pressures allowing you to fully enjoy the more pleasant parts
of your day. Start by setting up a simple routine at least an hour before you
want to be sleeping. Keep to the schedule so your brain and body
clock can reset. Read a book, rub lavender lotion on your hands, drink camomile
tea – anything that relaxes you and tells the brain that it’s time for lights
out. This will positively affect that following day, your relationships, and
your overall level of life enjoyment.
Let
go of comparing yourself to others.
This is a BIG
ONE. Comparison is the absolute thief of joy! If you allow your mind to
negatively compare yourself to others, you will always feel like you’re lacking.
Whether its’ your flabby arms or the boss’ new Mercedes, when we look at others
and judge from a place of resentment or jealously, we only hurt ourselves. We
also don’t get any closer to reaching that particular ideal. Instead, when you
start to compare or feel envy, use those emotions as a trigger to ask
yourself, “what exactly is it about this
person or thing that I really want?” If it’s a worthy cause, then ask yourself how you can move toward obtaining it. Use the object of comparison as an
inspiration to move toward your own personal goals. It’s never actually about
the other person, it’s always something within us that wants to shift!
Practice gratitude.
Some are lucky enough to have more material
wealth than others which allows a particular kind of life. Accepting with
gratitude what you have been given will allow you to flourish and be the best
version of yourself. When we practice being grateful for not just little
things, but more significant things, such as clean water, a warm home, an abundance
of food supply, our thinking begins to shift into a place of realizing that we
already have everything we need to be happy.
xox Megan
