Our life has become more demanding. You split yourself between work, house and family. In coaching we learn that it is very important to keep yourself in balance so that you can enjoy life. But how can we achieve this?
*Exercise
Strange as it may seem to you, one of the basic principles of changing the mood and regaining power is exercise. Have a ten-minute walk or hit the gym some times a week; just make a start. Through exercise our brain receives more oxygen and therefore our whole body functions better. Moreover, you get in touch with your body and if the exercise takes place in a natural environment, it is even better. Include exercising 3 times a week in your schedule and you’ll see a great change in your mood.
*Spend time with the people that make you feel good
It is very important to stay close to the people we love and we feel good with.
Dedicate 5 minutes of your time and write down the names of your friends, relatives or the people of your professional environment with who you have a good time and you would like to see. It could be some people you admire. Yes, I know that sometimes our life routine prevents us from spending time with them and that everyone is busy. But there is nothing to prevent you from picking up the phone and inviting your loved ones at your place 2 or 3 weeks from now or from arranging to meet outside.
My best friends and I have created a group of people we consider interesting and every month we have a different activity. What would you say if you made a similar group with your friends or colleagues?
*Focus on one activity
No matter how trendy it is considered to reply to your emails, talk on the phone and make a motion with your eyes to your boss all at the same time, our brain is not programmed to function that way. It is for sure that eventually you will make a mistake. You are not goddess Kali nor ingenious Odysseus. Your brain at that very moment overloads and if you gain some seconds during that time, you will waste them in your attempt to relax.
Invest a specific amount of time in every activity. Do not pick up the phone while you are writing an important report. Do not answer your email at the same time you are talking on the phone. Focus on one activity and you will see the difference. “In the past, I used to do 5 things simultaneously. Today that I focus on one thing at a time I am more efficient, I feel like I am living every moment with less anxiety” Maria, with whom we are working together towards that aim, told me last week. See what Bergman says in Harvard Business Review.
Remember that in order to change a habit and make it part of your routine, it is important to follow it consistently for as long as 20 days. What do you say? Is it worth it for a better life?
Be Unique!
Jill Douka
Jill Douka supports people to take action, feel secure and get the greatest value from their future. She is a coach, workshop leader and author, lives in Athens, Greece, next to the sea, working with clients from 3 continents. She is the founder of http://www.uniquenessdevelopmentgroup.com