How many times a day do you say ‘I haven’t got time’ or ‘I’m too busy’ I know I used to ALL the time. The truth is, you can find the time, if you really commit to it.
When you’re stressed, finding a regular time in the week to do a calming activity can really help. Finding just 60 minutes a week to yourself may be all you need to keep your stress to a manageable level. So where do I find this magical hour?? I hear you cry!
Here are some suggestions, look at the ones that fit your situation best, as you are more likely to stick to those ones. (I.e. if you have young children, 'getting up an hour earlier' when you are already rudely awoken at the crack of dawn, probably isn’t going to be the one for you!)
Get up an hour earlier than you need to
In this time you could try:
· Going for an early morning walk to take in the day, really pay attention to the detail as you walk. Just by moving around you will be getting your body geared up for the day ahead.
· How about reading a book, perhaps a self-help book, or one of those positive affirmation things, if that floats your boat. If you are like me, it would be a good fiction book with interesting characters that you can really get lost in.
· You could try Yoga at home, which can help to improve the condition of your joints, balance and coordination or maybe meditating which focuses on your breathing to enhance lung capacity and improve circulation.
· Or maybe you could just use that time to get ready leisurely and calmly instead of hopping around the bedroom, trying to get your socks on while brushing your teeth!
Get Prepared
My lunch breaks used to be a hurried dash to the supermarket for a second-rate sandwich because I just wasn’t prepared enough. Then I had to shove it down my neck before rushing back to the office – hardly sounds like I was having a ‘break’ does it? If this sounds like you, try taking the time in the evening to make your sandwich to take with you the next day. Or better still, make an extra portion of your evening meal (we call it tea round our way) to heat up at work. You might as well, you’re cooking anyway! Not only will you find you have extra time for yourself on your lunch break, you’ll also be the envy of your work mates for 1) being super prepared and 2) not having a tired looking offering from the shops.
Do a class
Find something that interests you, perhaps there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn? What about playing the guitar, learning a language or being able to knit. Whatever your passion is, find it and give an hour of your week to it. It’s amazing how good you will feel when you realise you enjoy something. When you can find enjoyment in your day, you will find your stress levels will begin to come down, you may even find yourself looking forward to it, now wouldn’t that be something?
Have a treatment
I’m a great advocate of Reflexology as it reduces stress by generating deep tranquil relaxation that helps the body balance and heal itself. This is my preferred method, what about you? Do you like the thought of being able to lie down and let someone else take the reins? Perhaps you like to have your nails sparkling or you like that bouncy ‘just left the salon’ hair feeling. Whatever it is that brings you joy, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, surely its worth finding 60 minutes in your week to do it?
I hope you have been inspired to find time for yourself in the coming week. However, if you do keep making excuses to find the time for yourself, next month I’ll be telling you about the effects of stress on your body, which may just give you the motivation!
See you next time
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