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“Why is it that between 25 and 50 percent of people report feeling overwhelmed or burned out at work?
It’s not just the number of hours we’re working, but also the fact that we spend too many continuous hours juggling too many things at the same time.
What we’ve lost, above all, are stopping points, finish lines and boundaries. Technology has blurred them beyond recognition. Wherever we go, our work follows us, on our digital devices, ever insistent and intrusive. It’s like an itch we can’t resist scratching, even though scratching invariably makes it worse.” Tony Schwartz, CEO of The Energy Project and the author of Be Excellent at Anything.
We have control over this!! It feels like we don’t as we unconsciously go about our business, but when you really stop and think about it –we do! It used to be that we had built in stopping points, finish lines and boundaries. Now it is up to us. First we must realize that multitasking is bad for our brains (if you don’t take care of it–it will not take care of you!), second we must know that our inner reserves do not replenish themselves, and third we are not effective when we scatter and split our attention. So, what do we do? Perhaps beginning with some questions can help define where each of us can make changes to preserve our energy, health and sanity!
An honest appraisal of time management can be useful. The average person wastes upwards of two hours a day. Where can you reclaim time to devote to replenishing your energy reserves through exercise, deep relaxation/meditation? Meditation is particularly helpful as it serves multiple purposes: (1)decreases effects of stress on health, (2) begins to train the brain to be better able to focus and concentrate, (3) builds the ability to remain in the present moment which contributes to efficiency,and enjoyment and satisfaction in life.
Where could you draw limits with people or activities to free up time for yourself?
How could you streamline your day and give yourself breaks to regroup and replenish your energy?
Bringing a mindful presence to each activity that you do can begin the ball rolling to get some of the positive effects already mentioned, but it also helps to create motivation and momentum for the other suggestions to reclaim your life!
One of the things that I try to remember when things are moving too fast is that I do not want to get to the end of my life feeling like I missed it! When we let things get out of control, are overwhelmed and stressed, we are not present to people or our experience….and are left with a sense of dissatisfaction and loss of fulfillment–like we were not even there!
What are some other ways that you could bring a more sane and healthful approach to your day? Feel free to share in the comment box as sharing ideas and thoughts is helpful to us all!
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