We live our normal lives following a regular routine, and doing the many tasks we need to accomplish each day – often having an overflow to the next and at times feeling “that we never get on top of things”. If we continue to work at a fast pace without breaking the intensity with regular holidays, we can frequently become burnt out without even realising that we are. We get stuck in the ‘busy trap”
We know the importance of having time away from our regular routine and when we organise our life so we get those breaks interesting things can happen.
Looking from a distance
Sometimes when we step outside our world, we can look at it more objectively and see how changes could be made that would improve our quality of life – our wellness. Who hasn’t gone home with a list of ways of living a more relaxed lifestyle and wishing to continue the refreshed feeling that we get when we get a true break?
Uncovering other things that matter
One very valuable side effect of a good holiday is that we can often have experiences that remind us of what we may miss out on in every day life. Whether it is discovering a new hobby, revisiting an old one, spending time in different environments, experiencing new cultures, or that wonderful warm feeling when we reconnect with family who love us because of who we were and where we came from rather than who we are now in our present lives!
So what can we do with this knowledge, this sometimes temporary awareness? Once again, ask ourselves some important questions.
How to avoid stepping right back to the busy trap
- Re-evaluate – ask yourself hat you really want and what is important to you?
- Are you living your life’s plan or someone elses?
- Where do you spend your time? (Record a week’s worth of activities to find out)
- Of all the things you do what gives you the highest return – personally or professionally?
- Are you using your strengths?
- Is anything missing?
- Who do you spend time with?
- What makes your heart sing?
- What are you afraid of?
- Do you like who you are now, how people see you?
- Finally,
- What changes do you need to make?
All good intentions can fall by the wayside unless we change the way we operate.. Old habits are hard to break and life isn’t suddenly going to become simpler by dreaming. Very often we need an overhaul on our “operating system” to clear our mind and be able to focus on the things that matter that we have identified. Personal organisation is both a skill and an art but an essential way of living if we want to get the most out of our days.
DON’T WAIT FOR AN ANNUAL VACATION – KEEP REVIEWING AND IMPROVING!
