“Exhaustion is not a status symbol.”
This recent Washington Post headline caught my eye…probably because I, like so many of us, sometimes measure my worth by how “busy” I am.
When did being in constant motion become our default? It’s not even about stress anymore; it’s like we’re avoiding life or something.
What if we took just a few minutes to actually experience life instead of distracting ourselves with to-do lists and electronic task masters? I don’t know about you, but “crazy busy” can become an energy-sucking habit fast if I’m not careful.
If you ever find yourself in an endless go-go-go loop of “what’s next?,” read on for four steps to “getting slow.”
- Give yourself permission. Or, if it makes you feel better, consider this post me giving you permission to SLOW DOWN! 🙂
- Develop an “I need a break alarm.” What happens in your body when you feel stressed out or overwhelmed? What physical symptoms do you notice? They’re different for everyone – headaches, feeling spacey, losing focus several times in an hour. Tuning into them is a good way to “self correct” when you get sucked into the “I’m soooooo busy!” vortex. Stand up. Take a walk. Get some fresh air. Have a glass of water.
- Create – and honor – boundaries. Get clear about your limits around work, social engagements, and family responsibilities. You’re just one person – it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. In fact, I want you to actively practice saying no this week. Because I know you…you try to take care of everyone else first, right? (Just admit it.)
- Make slow a habit. Pick one or two “get slow” habits to cultivate during the holiday rush. Some ideas:
- Each time you estimate how long it will take you to do something or go somewhere, add a third.
- Make Saturdays “Screen Free Saturdays.” No TV. No computer. No smartphone. (It’s just one day!)
- Light a candle while you’re cooking dinner.
- Instead of feeling rushed and pressured to get to the yoga studio, do a class in your living room with YogaGlo. (It’s my new yoga addiction.)
- Take a random turn down a street you’ve never explored.
What habits will you use to help you take it down a notch this holiday season? Tell me in the comments.
P.S. For those in the U.S., have a very Happy (and slow!) Thanksgiving!
P.P.S. ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT in my One-On-One Health Coaching program this year! If you’d like my support to reach your health goals, now’s the time – my rates increase on January 1. Schedule a consultation with me TODAY – by phone, Skype, or in-person in Seattle – and find out what it’s like to have me as your biggest cheerleader. 🙂 (No pom-poms. I promise.)
xoxo,
