Are you guilty of being too busy?
Trying to squeeze too many activities into too few hours can leave you overwhelmed. For some, keeping busy may make them feel important and successful; for others, it may be necessary due to financial and family pressures outstripping their resources.
Either way, there’s an epidemic of excessive busyness among modern adults that leaves us feeling rushed, discontent, and short on time.
Here are nine habits to help break you out of this busy-ness cycle so that you can be more effective and productive.
Turn off your phone.
Being connected all day long obviously plays a big role in feeling overwhelmed. Switch off your devices at least two hours before you go to bed. Try spending a day away from social media.
Live mindfully.
Engage fully with whatever you’re doing. Focus on one task at a time. You’ll reduce stress and enhance the quality of your work.
Choose your priorities.
Think about your purpose and devote your time to the activities that matter to you. Using your time wisely makes your life more meaningful.
Establish routines.
Do you spend as much time coordinating your work as actually performing it? A systematic approach turns frequent chores into automatic habits. Do your grocery shopping on Tuesdays and Fridays. Check your email and return phone calls before lunch and dinner.
Collaborate with others.
We can accomplish more as a team. Focus on your strengths and try to outsource or eliminate the remaining tasks.
Sleep more.
Resist the temptation to sacrifice sleep in order to get more done. Adequate rest makes you more effective. If you’re having trouble keeping your eyes open, go to bed an hour earlier than usual.
Edit less.
Let go of the past. Proof an email once and send it. If your kids eat and wear clean clothes to school each day, you may not need to analyze your housekeeping any further.
Count up your free time.
Discovering more free time is like finding money in the pocket of a jacket that’s been hanging in your closet for months. Count the hours you have outside of work, commuting, and sleeping. Decide how to use them before external demands swallow them up.
Stand still.
Action bias is an innate force that makes us want to do something even if it’s counterproductive. Give yourself permission to stop and ponder your options.
If you’re feeling swamped, it’s time to create more balance in your life. Along with challenges and adventure, make room for mundane tasks and quiet reflection. You’ll soon find that less activity can be more fulfilling.
9 Ways to Break the Busyness Cycle:
Tell me below: Which of these strategies are you going to try to breakout of the “busy-ness” cycle?
Track this new habit:
Check off this habit in your Healthy Habits Tracker (download yours for free here).
