Tips to Calm the Busy Life

"Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life" Dolly Parton

I don't know about you but I feel like this year is just flying by! It's been a whirlwind for me and in more words from Dolly Parton, 'I don't know whether to scratch my watch or wind my butt!' (-Steel Magnolias)

Don't get me wrong, it's been a great start to the new year for me and my family. However, I find myself having to slow things down and remember to breathe. I'm sure many of you might be feeling the same and could use some support and reminders around creating calmness and balance.

It's so important to pay attention when things get hectic and make the time to nurture our mind and body. As we already know, stress is a silent killer and we must find ways to cultivate the peace and balance we need to sustain a healthy lifestyle and build stronger relationships (especially with one self)

Here are some tips that you might want to reflect on and implement if you haven't already. Perhaps you need to reflect on these tips again and see where any adjustments are needed to create more ease and balance in your current schedule.

• Prioritize and Delegate - Be clear and precise on what your goals are. Sometimes we're so focused on the end result that we don't pay much attention to how it will impact work, family, and other important values. Take your time and think things through and don't hesitate to delegate any tasks to your team, family and/or partner. Delegating is super important because we all know it takes a village!
• Create "Me Time" - Taking time for yourself is crucial when life gets a bit hectic. Yes, I know, it might seem like there's no time for it BUT there is always time for you. You just have to make it! Letting go of the thoughts that there is no time for self care is a must. Let go of the guilt that keeps you stressed as well. You are no good to anyone, or anything, unless your mind and body are in balance.
• Optimize Time Management - Break down your goals and create small, doable tasks on a daily basis. It's too easy to overwhelm yourself with everything that needs to be done, and the next thing you know you're stressed and burnt out. Stay present in each task and remember to take breaks! Sitting at your computer for hours (which is easily done) creates tension and stress. Set that alarm every 20-30 minutes to get up and take a walk or do some stretches (there are wonderful applications and programs that are at your fingertips to help you with these reminders) Refresh your mind consistently and you'll prove to be more productive and your wellness less compromised
• Regular Reflection - Make it a point to go back on your goals, tasks and strategies every week or on a monthly basis. Reflect on the things that worked well for you and the things that didn't. Adjust your timeline if necessary and/or delegate differently. Self reflection is also important, how are you feeling? Do you need more breaks? What needs to change in order to create balance? You may want to consider getting a journal to track everything in front of you. I absolutely LOVE my planners for this reason, I can keep all my goals, tasks, thoughts, ideas, etc... in one place and keep myself accountable.

I hope these tips are helpful and have sparked some motivation for you moving forward. Just remember that everything doesn't have to be done immediately. Make time to create the smaller steps, delegate where necessary, take time out for YOU and reflection. The most important thing to remember is to BREATHE!

Letting go of stress is hard, I know. If you can remember at least one of these tips, I know that you can start to cultivate the balance you need and deserve. Start out slow and be intentional with your plan, and reach out to those you trust to help guide and support you.

March is around the corner (can you believe it?!) So let's kick out the rest of this year with less stress, more accomplishments and a lot more joy!

Feel free to comment below or send me a message, I'm always happy to connect

Angelic x