Embedded Files
Sometimes, in our busy lives, it can be very challenging to "make time" for yourself, and we almost have to try to actively schedule "down-time" for relaxing. Time is finite, so while we may struggle to "make time," I find that it's often easier for us to simply "re-purpose time."
Spend Time Creating Value
Spend Time Creating Value
You have a limited amount of energy to allocate to how you spend the limited amount of time you have on any given day. The trick is to choose to re-purpose some tasks in your life to get them to re-energize you.
Considering a more mindful approach to how you spend your time and the why behind the how is critical in re-purposing your life to create energy instead of consuming all your energy. You can't make time, but you can make sure you enjoy what time you do have and create value in how you're choosing to spend that time.
There are many areas in my life that I have re-purposed for relaxation. These are all things I already did on a regular basis, but I just chose to continue doing them more mindfully going forward, with the express goal of re-purposing these tasks as a "break" in my busy schedule. Taking these breaks has allowed to me be happier, less stressed, and more productive when I'm actively working, because I have more energy to put into my work and less stress to "weigh me down" while I work. Re-purposing can serve as a great time-management and stress-management tool!
Walk the Dog
Walk the Dog
This little puppy's name is Lilly. In addition to being adorable, she's also a great companion to help me relax. I used to take her on walks twice a day, while multi-tasking on my phone (answering emails, taking calls, texting, etc.).
One day, I took her on a 15-minute walk and didn't use my phone at all. I was fully present in that moment with her. I noticed how carefree she is and how she literally took the time to stop and smell the roses. Now, whenever I walk my dog, I completely "unplug" and leave all of life's distractions and hundreds of notifications fighting for my attention behind.
Multi-tasking in general takes up a lot of our mental energy, whether we realize it or not, and it can be extremely taxing on us. Most dogs live extremely happy lives and have a very "one-track mind" when it comes to things. Living in the present is very powerful.
Re-purposing walking my dog by taking this 15-minute break from the chaos of my day to just spend time with myself and my own thoughts is invaluable.
TV + Cuddle/Nap
TV + Cuddle/Nap
I never used to take a nap. Who has the time to take a midday nap with all our busy schedules? However, looking at my little puppy, Lilly, who spends more than half her day napping, I began to reconsider the value of a good nap.
Cuddling helps reduce stress and produces "happy" hormones. If you've ever had a puppy, you know that they live for a good cuddle session. They enjoy the warmth of another body and feel safe and comforted by that warm, loving embrace. Initially, I would just cuddle with her while watching Netflix. After she kept falling asleep on my chest so many times, it became harder to move or multi-task on my phone.
Eventually, I ended up falling asleep while cuddling, and when I woke up after a quick 30-minute nap, I felt like a new man.
Re-purposing watching TV or working on my laptop as an opportunity for "cuddle time" helps me de-stress throughout my busy day. If it happens to turn into a power nap, that's even better! Just remember to set an alarm!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse