The Disease of Being Busy

These days, being busy is glorified and praised. In our society, being busy means that we are hustlers and hard-workers. But all this busy-ness is taking a toll on our health and well-being.

The other day I stumbled across a great article called “The Disease of Being Busy” [http://www.onbeing.org/blog/the-disease-of-being-busy/7023] that illustrates how our society has been so caught up in being busy that we are less healthy than ever before.

Not only does having a healthy balance between work, family and down-time make us happier, it will also make us healthier! Here are a few tips that I hope will help you to slow down and stay in balance.

1. ENJOY YOUR FOOD. Eating is so much more than just sustenance. Take the time to prepare your food with love and love what you eat. Slowing down and properly enjoying your meal seems like such a luxury to some people these days but why? Why are we rushing through the act of eating when it is a time that we are nourishing our body and connecting with our family? Research shows that people who slow down and enjoy their food actually eat less because they feel more satisfied. So stop rushing and try to make every meal mindful.
2. SLEEP, REJUVENATE, REPEAT. We know that sleep is sooooo important, but is anybody making it a point to get better quality sleeps? With our devices, Netflix, work and kids, we are getting less sleep than ever. Aim for 7-9 hours and make it a routine. Rejuvenate by engaging in nourishing activities that make you feel good. YES, you are allowed to make time for spending time with friends, getting outside or reading a good book. So SLEEP WELL at night, REJUVENATE during the day, and REPEAT for decades!
3. MOVE AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN. Find an exercise that you love and do it every day! Moving our bodies adds to our vitality, keeps us young at heart, keeps stress at bay and helps our minds stay sharp and clear. Movement changes the way we perceive things and makes us happier and more confident. So be sure to MOVE YOUR BODY frequently during the day.
4. BUILD A COMMUNITY. Surround yourself with loving relationships. Reach out to your community and keep good company. They say that you are like those you hold closest.

These are all simple things to do, yet most of us are so busy rushing around that we forget to do them! So take a step back and slow things down. Remember, you need to take care of yourself first, so that you will be ready, willing and able to take care of others.

xoxo

Rebecca