I was going to name this post-work hard play harder, but I don’t think I’m at the level to say that. First I gotta learn how to even play (and by that I mean I gotta learn how to chill).
Why do I gotta learn how to chill? Because I’m sort of addicted to being busy. Yup, addicted. That’s right. Not just into being busy, but I actually can’t sit still for a moment... and I don’t think this is about ADHD...
I can get myself to sit and study and focus for hours... I’m actually really good at that. But what I can’t do is just sit and not do anything at all.
Even during school- I’m always multitasking whether it be working on an assignment while listening to a lecture or writing portions of blog posts while studying. Even during ten-minute class breaks, I right away look at all the things I need to get done and start working on one of them. Or I look at my phone- though even then I’ll be reading an article, catching up on emails, or looking up some sort of information.
While I did write a blog post about why it is good to be busy (Why You Should Want to be Busy and Stay Busy), I have to share the other perspective too because I think I’ve come to learn that balance is key here (I mean it sounds obvious, but for a while, I’ve been in the "always be busy and productive mindset"). I just want to do and accomplish... but sometimes I don’t realize I’m not even doing much at all. A lot of times I’m just planning to do stuff- making lists about what I am going to do... I know, it’s weird.
Thursday night I was trying to plan out my weekend and thought I would print out some notes for an upcoming exam to go over on Saturday (if you read my previous blog post then you know that I normally don’t do any work on Saturday). I stopped that thought and reconsidered- I have been working nonstop all week! Now, I am going to completely 100% relax. I am going to relax so much, that I will forget that I have an upcoming exam. And that’s not taking it too far because I know that I should give 100% to relaxation, just as I give 100% to my work. If I give my all when it comes to working, then why not provide myself the opportunity to give my all to relaxation.
Some people may falsely believe that always being productive will help in the long run. I used to think that... until I started focusing more on healthy living. One of my new goals is getting to a point where I look and feel my best- I want this to be a lifestyle (healthy eating, consistent exercise, and focusing on my wellbeing in a wholesome matter). Social media has helped a lot because it has allowed me to follow fitness gurus and other individuals who are focused on healthy lifestyles. I learned that a lot of what makes up well-being and health has to do with taking the time to do enjoyable and relaxing things. I always knew this is important, but did not realize just how important it is.
Some people may falsely believe that always being productive will help in the long run. I used to think that... until I started focusing more on healthy living. One of my new goals is getting to a point where I look and feel my best- I want this to be a lifestyle (healthy eating, consistent exercise, and focusing on my wellbeing in a wholesome matter). Social media has helped a lot because it has allowed me to follow fitness gurus and other individuals who are focused on healthy lifestyles. I learned that a lot of what makes up well-being and health has to do with taking the time to do enjoyable and relaxing things. I always knew this is important, but did not realize just how important it is.
This means getting a massage, going to the sauna, sitting in a jacuzzi, making time to play your favorite sport, get a facial even. I don’t think of these activities as just something nice to do, but rather as something that is vital to my wellbeing. Going all out to completely relax and enjoy yourself should be a priority, just as everything else is a priority.
Life is all about balance, so make sure you create balance in the most important aspects of your life. Take that 1 hour out of your day (that's less than 1% of your day!!) to do something relaxing and stress-free!