Stop Saying "I Don't Have Time" & Start Saying "This is Important"

We all have only 24 hours a day and definitely "don't have time" for everything. It is sometimes necessary to say NO to things so that we can make time for other things in life. But what's more crucial is what you are choosing to prioritize with your "This is important" and what you are choosing to ignore with “I don't have time."?

If you have been saying "I don't have time" for self-care or well-being activities, then it's time to start saying "This is important" instead.?

Confucius said - A healthy man wants a thousand things, a sick man only wants one.

Our health is the foundation of everything. If that goes, everything will collapse with it. So, while work, social demands and family obligations are all important, always keep your health and well-being one step above them.

Let's explore how you can do that.?

Rethink your 'I have to's'

Many assume that they have to do certain things even when they are actually avoidable or not essential. This can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in mental and physical health.?For example, you might feel like you have to work late every day to prove your dedication and to get ahead in your career. In reality, there is a good chance that working late can be perceived as your inability to finish the tasks on time. ?On the other hand, having a good work-life balance could be perceived as a respectable trait.??

Set Boundaries

Once you have understood that you don't have to do a lot of things, setting boundaries becomes easier. Start saying no to activities or commitments that drain you and yes to those that help you maintain your health and balance in your lives.

Boundaries don't have to be a strict 'no' either. For example, you don't have to say no to parties. Instead, you can go by 9 pm, have a drink or two if you want to and make sure to leave by 10.30 pm so you can get enough sleep for the next day's work.

Make Well-Being Fun

One of the reasons you might be putting off your self-care activities could be because you don’t look forward to it. Take going to the gym for fitness, for example. If it's not something you enjoy, you are going to keep finding excuses like "I don't have time" to not do it.

So, the solution here is to make the self-care activity as fun for you as possible. You may choose dance fitness over the gym or listening to soothing music without distraction over meditation. Remember, there is no one right way of doing self-care. Find activities that you will look forward to so that prioritising them becomes easier.?

These three things in the DIY Wellness Space will help you shift your mindset from "I don't have time" to "This is important" for self-care. And you will be grateful for it!

1. Mindful Morning Routine: The start of the day can set the tone for it. So, why not create a calming or energising 15-minute routine to set a positive tone, that you will look forward to doing??
2. Daily Nature Break: Spend at least 15 minutes outside, enjoying the benefits of fresh air and sunlight. Dawn and twilight are the best times for this.
3. Digital Detox Hour: Dedicate one hour each day to disconnect from screens and doing activities that help you relax, such as reading, drawing, or listening to music.

It is said that being a night owl is a risk factor for poor health and those night owls are more prone to conditions such as diabetes, depression, and heart attacks.

But is this the whole truth?

Do listen to the podcast to know why are some morning people and others.