You might be wondering why I’m suggesting that you put yourself in a corner as punishment, but that’s not the kind of time out I want you to take. In a world where everyone expects fast technology, quicker results, and instant gratification, each one of us feels the pressure to juggle a million things and still look like we exist in a perpetual state of Zen. Now, I know what you’re thinking: I am a superhero and there’s nothing I can’t do, right?
Sure, we’ve all had those few moments of perfection where everything we did worked out exactly as planned, but I think we all can agree that this often is more fiction than reality. Most people struggle with the demands on our time and our minds, and we regularly find ourselves feeling worn out, stressed out, and burnt out. Even with the best time management and support, sometimes our days are just overwhelming. By the time we are ready to crash at the end of the day, we’re lucky if our minds aren’t flooded with thoughts of what didn’t get done, what still needs doing, and what the likelihood is that we’ll actually get to sleep on time.
So what can we do about all of this stress?
Take a time out – time out of your day to do some self-care! Yes, I know that your schedule may not even give you a minute to take a breath, but think of the time you waste stressing and worrying over what needs to be done when you’re tired and irritated. Those few minutes you set aside for yourself may be what allow you to toe the line between breaking through walls and breaking down mentally. Just take a measly 15-20 minutes to enjoy the nice weather, have a snack or a cup of coffee or tea, meditate, or watching a few funny or cute Youtube videos. These activities may not seem like a lot, but they allow your mind to collect itself and rejuvenate for the next task at hand.
At least once a week, treat yourself to an evening where everything you do is meant to be fun and relaxing. Call your friends and make dinner plans, watch a movie or catch up on your favorite television show, or spend time with your family playing games. If you’re more the solitary type, schedule a spa treatment or start a good book you’ve been meaning to read. If you enjoy the outdoors, find your local park and go for a walk or jog. You can even just catch up on some much needed sleep!
One last thing
Give yourself a day off at least once a month. My colleagues and I, being the funny psychiatrists that we are, refer to these as “mental health days.” Pick a day once a month where you cater to yourself the way that you care for others. If you can, don’t check social media, answer non-urgent phone calls, or make a schedule. Do whatever brings you peace and helps you to relax (just don’t break any laws!), and don’t watch the time so much. The most important thing you should remember? Don’t feel guilty about doing this! You give 150% every other day to others – do the same for yourself!
SOURCE: Dr. Noreen | The Tox Doc
