These days, we’re all about “how to be more efficient at XYZ”. Practically every podcast, blog article or recommended book seems to revolve around life hacks and “living an optimised life” - from nutrition to fitness to mindfulness techniques. If we’re not pushing ourselves to keep achieving the next level up, then we’re made to feel like we’re not living a fulfilled life, or we’re not being “our best selves”.

In my wellness coaching practice, I often see many Type-A high achievers who start to disengage from various activities as it starts to feel like “one more thing on the ever-growing to-do list”. This results in the opposite effect where feelings of not being “good enough” creep in when they’re unable to keep up with All. The. Things. they set out to achieve.

We have forgotten how to get bored or do something for the sheer joy of doing it in exchange for packing our days with things that can develop or enhance ourselves.

3 ways to reduce or prevent stress instantly

1. Disengaged Time vs. Engaged Time

We’re so busy filling all our time these days being fully engaged. We listen to productivity podcasts on our commute to work. We listen to audio books while we’re training at the gym. We pack our waking hours with INFORMATION, it’s no wonder we’re feeling overloaded.

It’s just as important to give ourselves disengaged time.

No screen time. No external stimulus. No books. Just you and your thoughts. Perhaps a journal or a little music to set the mood. But the whole point is to give your mind and brain a rest from the constant bombardment of information.

Perhaps even allow yourself to get bored. (Shock! Horror!)

Especially if we’re in the creative industries… allowing ourselves more time in those in-between/ transitionary moments of life can allow your brain the space to wander. Like in these moments:

Between waking up and starting your day fully.
Between leaving the house and getting to work.
Between leaving work and arriving back home.
Between arriving back home and the next thing you do at home.
In the shower/ bath.

Perhaps the next time you’re in these transitionary moments, become really intentional about giving your mental space a break: no phone scrolling, no reading, no podcasts. And allow yourself to open up to wherever your mind takes you.

2. Be Intentional About Rest

Being busy has become a badge of honour. Think about the last time someone asked you “how’ve you been?” The defacto answer has become some variation of “OMG. I’ve been so busy”. Even research backs up the thinking that “devoting more time to work, and less time to leisure, may be viewed as having more status.”

It’s ironic that we have to actively plan time to rest these days… and in fact, most of us don’t even actively plan time to rest. If it’s not in your schedule, it won’t happen.

Some ideas:

Block time in your calendar for 1-hour (or at least half-hour) for lunch. So no one else can schedule that time.
Block time in your calendar for 15-minute breaks throughout your day so you can walk outside, get fresh air and take a quick break. See it as your version of the “non-smoker’s smoke break” (without smoking, of course!)
If you’re having a busy day and highly stressed, give yourself a 10-minute timeout - book a meeting room for yourself, lay down and put on some relaxing music on the headphones as you close your eyes. Your version of the power nap, to reset your mental and emotional energy.
Spend Time in Nature/ Outdoors. Nature and fresh air have a way of rebalancing and grounding us. So even if you don’t have a park near where you live/ work, take a walk around the block even if it’s just for 5 minutes.

3. Do Something for the Joy of Doing It

What did you use to do that gave you joy? Think back to when you were in school… was it drawing, dancing, playing the tuba…? What if you went back to it again just to see if you would enjoy the experience all over again?

Maybe it turns into a hobby, maybe it doesn’t. But remember: You don’t have to monetise your hobby. You don’t have to have a bigger purpose to every single thing you choose to spend your time on. You can simply do something for the joy of it.

Knitting can simply be your form of engaged, focussed time - you don’t have to create an Etsy shop for it.
Dancing can simply be for the sheer joy of moving your body - burn some calories while you’re having fun.
That fly-fishing trip can simply be for the sheer joy of fly-fishing and connecting with your buddies - you don’t have to start an Instagram account to be the next fly-fishing influencer.

You get the idea… Whatever you’re spending time on - as long as you’re able to make it a focussed, engaged experience, just for the experience itself - without expectation of what it may turn into down the road (coz it may not turn into anything other than something you enjoy doing)... will be something that helps you bring some joy back to your life again.

So - which of these will you be implementing to help you destress today? And remember to put it in your calendar so you make it happen!

Need More Help?

If you’ve been struggling with “I HAVE NO TIME TO STAY HEALTHY!” and looking for some guidance on how to create your own personal rituals around the right nutrition and fitness activities that work for you through your crazy, busy life - maybe I can help.

Get organised, create and stick to your personal routines, so you can go onto do the things that matter in your life while looking and feeling amazing! (yes, it’s possible!)

Read some of the results I’ve helped people achieve, then book a free 30-minute call with me and let’s chat if any of my coaching programs might help you.