I can’t tell you how important it is to make time for the things you love and bring you joy. I set aside time to read, cook and exercise regularly because I have seen and felt what it’s like whenever I don’t. If I spend too much time solely focused on ‘getting stuff done’ I deflate. More so as an introvert, it’s important for me to have this dedicated time to recharge and pursue activities that I love doing.
Step back, think, or make a list of your daily priorities. Are you fitting all of the things that make you happy into your days? If not, what can you eliminate?
Our lives are full of drab duties and to-dos, but it’s all about that buzz word: balance. We’re so caught up in work, relationships, and technology that we neglect the activities we enjoy. It’s important to strike a balance between work and those comforts unique to us that make us feel rested.
It’s not so much about having time but it’s making time. Set your priorities straight.
How many times have you wanted to do something, be it finally open that book you bought two years ago, or attend that Zumba class at your local gym? However, the same old ‘you don’t have the time’ barrier blocks your way. There is always time. Even if it’s only fifteen minutes, it’s possible to carve out time to enjoys those little moments of merriment in your life.
It all comes down to making the best use of your time and procrastinating less. Easier said than done, I know. We’ve all been there. Try to plan ahead and break the habit of leaving things until the last minute.
Don’t simply hope you’ll find a spare moment, plan it.
Turn these activities into habits by making adjustments in your week to allow it to happen.
Maybe, instead of scrolling through Instagram for the fourth time that day you could finally finish that Stephen King book. You could go to bed earlier so in the morning you can be active for even just 20-30 minutes. Instead of remaining desk-bound, aimlessly scrolling through Twitter gossip, go for a walk, listen to a podcast.
Whatever it is that brings you joy, turning it into a habit will give it more permanence in your schedule. Incorporating these things into your routine will boost your productivity and you’ll avoid the otherwise inevitable burn-out.
Why not try multi-tasking?
Can you “double up” on some things? Can you read on your way to work or listen to the news on your way to the gym? When you’re watching TV, you could meal prep and cook up some healthy meals for the week ahead.
Whatever it is you truly value, prioritise the time to make it happen. Taking time out for yourself isn’t selfish. Work and studying aren’t going anywhere. When I make time for the things I love I alleviate stress. Even the smallest effort can make a world of difference.
What are your favourites ways to relax and unwind?
Thanks for reading,
Evie
♥
Such valid reminder, thank you. Made me realise I really need prioritise my needs just my own peaceful state of mind
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I LOVE this post. It’s only recently that I’ve started NOT giving myself a hard time for not constantly being productive. I’ve taken time to read more and to actually go to the gym without making tonnes of excuses and I’ve been so much happier for it!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
One of the things I double up on is using the Canva app to make graphics for my blog while I’m out walking 🙂
That’s such a good idea! Multi-tasking is always the best way to go.
Such a fab post! I’m trying really hard to balance my time better. Instead of scrolling through Instagram, I’m now reading more and its made me feel much better!
Lucy | http://www.foreverseptember.co.uk
Great post! It’s really made me think about how I spend my time, I feel like in either working or blogging which I do love but it is always nice to try to stick to other hobbies. I’m definitely going to try to manage my time better and leave time for just me x
I’m exactly the same! Lately I’ve dedicated more time away from the screen and it’s felt incredible, thanks for reading! x
Such a positive post! Now I will definitely be using this list as a reminder to make time for myself and what I love! Thank you
That’s great to hear! Thank you!
I love this post so much, it is so important to give yourself some time and do what makes you happy. I’m the worst at finding balance in my life if I’m honest!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Ah so am I. I’m trying to spend more time away from the screen though which has helped a lot in terms of dedicating more time to other hobbies! x
BEAUTIFUL point Evie! Yesterday, I turned off the internet and pulled out a book I purchased two years ago and it was so refreshing to take some time to read. Lately, I’ve been doing so much for others I barely make time for myself, which leaves me feeling worn out. Like you suggested, I’m going to make a list of priorities and squeeze some happy time in for me too❤️
Natonya | https://justnatonya.wordpress.com
That’s amazing to hear! I hope you manage to dedicate more time to yourself, me-time is so important! Thanks for reading x
It sure is! Since you’re post, I managed to invest in some expensive skincare which makes me feel extra special for spending a little something extra on myself???
Yess I’m a big believer of making time for your priorities instead of hoping for the perfect time to pop up! A few months ago I read about an interesting exercise to align your true priorities and your time priorities. The idea is to make a 5-item list of your true priorities, and a 5-item list of your time priorities (what you actually spend most of your time on). If the two lists are misaligned, I think it’s a great wake-up call. There’s no way to dispute it; it’s right there on the lists! Then, you start making changes to get your time priorities closer to your true priorities 🙂 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Oh that sounds like such a useful exercise, I’ll need to give it a go! While I feel like I do spend my time productively, whether or not I’m spending it on my priorities is a different matter. Haha hopefully I’ll find a perfect balance one day!
Yes to the multitasking! I’ve overlap my evening meals and podcasts and it’s made my meals soo much fun (good food + good chat)
I love doing that! I always listen to podcasts while cooking, two of my favourite things combined!
I am currently learning how to balance my time better with studying and making time for myself to do things I enjoy like seeing friends, writing or reading blog posts! Great post Evie!
Rachael x http://www.geminiexplicit.com
That’s so great to hear, it’s so important to carve out time for the things you love! Thanks for reading x
Hello,
This is a timely article for me. For the last 8 years, I have worked in technology & I have a well-rounded and in-depth skill set. Recently I left that industry and moved into the editing. About four months into that, however, I ended up in a situation where I am creating websites for a group that is involved in marketing for indie authors which is my target market for editing.
I am working on four websites in fact and they fall within the scope of what you talked about in your experience above. I have always been the type of person you described, and could not be any other way, I would get too bored with life. I could not imagine being the type of person that became content in mediocrity.
Thanks