Does it sometimes seem like the world is spinning so fast that it’s tilting off its axis? Are you breathless with the pace of change? Does last month’s holidays already feel like a century ago?
I’ve got your back.
Hear me out. I’ve been thinking about time lately.
Specifically, how I have an antagonistic relationship with time. There never seems to be enough of it. I put pressure on myself to do more and in doing so, I’m in a rush a lot of the time.
I often feel like I’m at either end of two polar opposites; going 500 km/hour or at a dead stop on the couch, binge-watching Netflix.
I’d like to move more into the middle of that continuum.
I’ve decided I’d like a more easygoing relationship with time. To have less pressure, less rush, and more space.
In my quest for rest, I’ve done some research and come up with these five tips.
- Mindset
- After inhaling Carol Dweck’s Mindset book, I’m paying careful attention to my mindset and how I’m framing time and rest. I’m working towards having more of an abundance mindset for example.
- And speaking of mindset, I’m framing it as an adventure, even a spiritual adventure if you will. What can I explore? What will I learn? And how cool is that!?
- Think about your own mindset when it comes to your rest and relationship with time.
- Inventory A – Basic Needs
- Sometimes you gotta start at the very beginning. Like examining how you’re meeting your basic needs when it comes to managing your time and rest.
- I know I can be guilty of being so absorbed in my work that when I finally stand up to take a break my legs are stiff and my bladder is so full my eyeballs are floating.
- If you find yourself wanting to renegotiate your relationship with time, take an inventory of your basic needs.
- Are you getting enough sleep?
- Are you taking enough breaks throughout the day?
- If your neck, shoulders etc. feel sore or stiff, do you notice?
- Are you stretching?
- Are you going to the bathroom when you need to (ridiculous I know, but when you’re very absorbed by your work, well the great white porcelain queen can be kept waiting).
- Are you eating when you’re hungry?
- Inventory B – Time Data
- How are you spending your time? No seriously, do you know where your time goes?
- Several years ago I started tracking my (work) time data using Toggl. It was a game changer. It gave me an incredibly insightful look into how I spent my time.
- More recently I’ve been experimenting with Rize, which tracks your time using AI. So far I’m enjoying it, especially as it encourages me to take breaks.
- Inventory C – Rest Data
- I was curious to learn there are different kinds of rest.
- Look at the different types of rest and fill in the worksheet to see where you’re shining and where you might need some more rest.
- Once you collect the time and rest data you can make more informed decisions about how you’re spending your time (plus you’ll feel like a boss!). Which brings me to my last point.
- Learning
- Speaking of informed decisions, use the time and rest data for learning.
- What are you happy about?
- What’s the data telling you that makes you high five yourself?
- And what do you need to change?
For example, for myself, my learning has led me to focus more on art, adventure, celebrating, exercise, gratitude and meditation.
Bring on your learning. Bring on your rejuvenation. We’ll all be better for it.
Now go on and learn, laugh, and lead
Learn
- Check out the Toggl and/or Rize tools.
- Fill in the rest worksheet and discover your rest strengths and gaps
Laugh
- Be your own hero and herd yourself into rest and a healthy relationship with time so you’re not counting sheep at night.
Lead
- Share this post and these resources with a friend or colleague and support each other in your quest for rest.
P.S.
- Awareness of your perspective on rest and time is one thing. Curious to know more about your overall worldview and perspective? Check out my Life Lense® online assessment.
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