Share This Article
It seems that whenever we chat with friends, the first thing we talk about is how busy life is. “It becomes the reason why we don’t catch up with friends and family, reschedule appointments and stop looking after ourselves. It often feels as though life doesn’t seem to slow down, and that the option of saying no is no longer an option,” comments Matthew Dees, senior brand manager for Jacobs coffee.
According to research by Bellezza, Paharia and Keinan, the message we often receive is that busyness equates to worthiness and that being idle means that we are not living up to our potential. However, the truth is, being too busy and not taking time out for ourselves leads to burn out and an unhealthy mental state. What many don’t realise is that busy doesn’t always mean productive. Working smart not hard is an important lesson to be learnt by everyone and helps to create a balanced life.
By putting practices into place that ensure we get the most out of our days, without compromising on our commitments, we can find more joy in what we do and not feel the need to overdo it:
- Taking regular breaks gives you a fresh perspective on what you are working on. Suddenly a task that didn’t seem doable an hour ago, is not impossible. A break may seem like the last thing you want to take, but it is the best thing for you. Enjoy a cup of coffee and breathe. “Jacobs 3in1 was created with the busy person in mind. Each sachet contains the loved and trusted Jacobs coffee, creamer and sugar, so all you have to do is pour the water. No fuss, no wasted time, and a good cup of coffee every time,” explains Dees.
- Organise your time so that it works with your life. Finding ways to enjoy your day without feeling rushed and stressed is important. If the time it takes to do a task can be cut down without minimising the quality, then do it.
- Make sure you have a dedicated workplace to finish your tasks, especially if you work from home. This space needs to house everything work related, so that the rest of your house is “work-free”; a place where you can relax.
- Analysing your priorities makes sure that you are getting the important things done on time and efficiently. Prioritise your time wisely and do what needs to be done first. This will eliminate time wastage, and still give you a sense of worth.
- Set boundaries so that you can take time to recharge. Being able to say no when you need to lets you take control of your life. Use your vacation leave to rest and not to catch up on work. This is your time to switch off and recharge.
- Take a break from screens and technology as this can disturb your sleep. Lack of sleep can make you irritable and less focused, adding to your stress and anxiety.
Being able to make the most out of your time, by giving your tasks the attention they deserve as well as giving yourself the care you need should be the priority.