But not too many people
talk about resting, relaxing or taking downtime. We also neglect
to reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones to get the rest and
rejuvenation needed to work from a centered place and truly excel
at what we do. The Real Simple poll also revealed that
of women surveyed who said that they were happy, 65 percent set
aside “me” time, while it was only 39 percent for less
happy women.
Take the example of Sanjay and Sonal, a married
couple with two young children. They are both successful professionals
who have very demanding jobs. When they go on vacation, their Blackberries
or cell phones are always with them so they can check in with their
coworkers and clients to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Sanjay checks his e-mail as he brushes his teeth in the mornings,
and Sonal checks her e-mail while getting dinner ready. Even when
they are on the beach with children in tow, one or both take quick
peeks at their e-mail or call the office to check in. As a result,
“vacation” leaves Sanjay and Sonal still tired and stressed
out.
So how can we stop doing and “just be”—especially
on vacation?
Set aside time each day to “just
be.” Until it becomes a natural habit, schedule in
the time to “be”. Take at least 30 minutes a day to
spend time by yourself or with a loved one without “doing”
anything. This means no answering e-mails, watching television, cooking,
listening to music or any other distractions. Let your mind wander.
Eventually your mind will quiet down and be more receptive to creative
ideas, brainstorms or just plain fun. Also, you will have a stronger
connection with your loved ones by just hanging out with them instead
of doing something.
Stop multitasking. While on vacation
do one thing at a time and stay focused on the present. Don’t
read the paper, watch television and make coffee all at the same
time. When you stop splitting your time and energy doing multiple
things at once, your mind has the freedom to slow down and really
enjoy whatever you are doing at that moment. Concentrate on doing
a single task and enjoy the simple pleasures of life such as making
coffee.
Do activities that you find fun.
If you love to snorkel, read, sail or play tennis, take the time
to do those activities. When you are engaged in something 100 percent,
your mind doesn’t have the time to wander and think about
events from the past or worry about work to do in the future. Engage
in the things you love to do and you will be living in the present.
Then your mind can focus and concentrate on enjoying what is right
there in front of you.
Get moving. Take a walk by the
beach, bike instead of driving everywhere or swim in the pool or
ocean. When you engage in physical activity, your endorphins kick
in and produce a sense of well-being. When you are happier, it is
easier to connect with what is important, take the time to relax
and be with yourself and your loved ones.
If you must, set aside one time per day
to check your Blackberry or cell phone. To timebox the
amount of time you spend “doing” things related to work
or business, pick one time per day (e.g. first thing in the morning,
at lunch time or before you go to bed) to check e-mail, return phone
calls and check in. Limit the amount of time that you do this to
no more than half an hour a day in order to maximize your time just
“being.”
Being is a state of mind that can increase the
likelihood of happiness, relaxation and joy in your life. Taking
time out to reconnect with your self and with loved ones can bring
immense pleasure and contentment. You may even find yourself being
more efficient upon your return to daily life. I challenge you to
take the chance to make time for yourself and simplify life. Just
Be It.
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