Life is busy. And for a lot of people, they're busier now then they were before Coronovirus hit. The kids are home, and there's no where to go, people are working from home and trying to keep the house in order and cooking dinner every night. It can be exhausting.
Even so, there are some things we should make time for in our life even when we feel like there is no time.
It may take some strategic schedule adjustments, but these items are too important not to do. Whether it takes 5 minutes or an entire day to complete the items on the list, I have no doubt you will feel better for doing them.
Call a Friend or Loved One
Spending a few minutes on the phone with someone you love is never a waste of time. Share a good laugh, update one another on what's been going on, share your plans, lift them up, let them know you care, tell them you love them. Sometimes all a person needs is to know someone cares. And if you don't feel you have a few minutes to call, send a text just to say, "Hi, I'm thinking of you and hope you're doing well."
Start a 30 Minute Workout Program
I'm not a doctor (I recommend talking to your doctor before starting any workout program) but everything I've read about health recommends daily exercise. I can attest from my own experience that doing some form of exercise at least 30 minutes a day has had numerous benefits. I am more alert, I have more energy, I think clearer, my weight doesn't fluctuate, I don't want to eat as much...
Not sure what to do? Walk. If walking isn't possible due to time, location, or health, try stationary biking or swimming or yoga. These are all low impact exercises that have wonderful benefits.
Complete Small Items on Your To-Do List
This is important. All those little to-do items add up to stress. They're become one more thing you have to do in your already jam packed life - and when you can't get to them they stay in the back of your mind, popping up every now and again reminding you they're still there.
If time is an issue, pick items on your list that would take 5-10 minutes to complete. Some of my 5-10 minute tasks have included cleaning out my medicine cabinet, cleaning out a junk drawer, writing out a birthday card, putting earrings that have accumulated in a dish back in the jewelry box. At the end of the day I feel like I have accomplished so much.
I recommend setting a timer and making it a challenge. It may turn out to be more fun than you think.
Now, there are a lot of items on to-do lists that take more than 5 minutes. Again, set aside a specific time, set a timer and complete the project. Even if you can only do it once a week.
This week I will be reading all the magazines I've purchased and not read and have now piled up. Then I will recycle or donate them.
Schedule all Doctor Appointments for the Year
A friend of mine does this. She even makes it so all appointments are within a two month period. Then the rest of the year she doesn't have to worry about scheduling her appointments - and she has 10 months without doctor visits.
Be sure to check with your insurance to see if they have a wellness benefit for physicals and mammograms. Some insurance companies will send you anywhere from $50 - $75 a year for preventative doctor visits.
Schedule Time for You
You are important. Yes, I said it. YOU are important. You need time for you. That looks different for many people. For some it may be lunch with a girlfriend and a pedicure. For others it could be time alone on the beach or at a park. Regardless of what rejuvenates you, make sure you make time for you - every week!
It really is true, if we don't take care of ourselves (mentally, physically, spiritually) we won't be able to fully take care of others.
Even if you can't do all of the items on this week's Weekly 5, start with the easiest one for you. In time, add some of the others. You'll be glad you did.
Take care,
Rebecca~
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