My busy and overwhelmed friends, this is for you.
It’s a busy time of year for many of us. I’ve had several clients show up to coaching sessions in recent weeks with an air of busyness and intensity about them.
I had even fallen into the busyness trap myself recently. I had overcommitted, and to deliver on everything, I was working early mornings, and some evenings, and weekends. I was skipping/delaying meals and/or rushing them. There was minimal sleep and exercise, and I certainly had no time for my 3 favourite self-care strategies: meditation, massage, and music.
I ended up feeling like I was in survival mode, like the proverbial hamster on a wheel.
Thankfully, I had a moment of insight where I realised my schedule was gruelling and completely unsustainable, and recognised I had the capacity to make some changes.
I remembered my bigger picture, for myself, and everyone in my life: We are here to thrive, not just to survive!
When we become manic human doings, we can forget the joy of being human, including the importance of taking care of ourselves properly. Of course, we are far more than hamsters on wheels and cogs in wheels. We are not just human resources! We are precious, resourceful human beings, intrinsically valuable even before we start producing.
When we come at our tasks with awareness of our intrinsic value and a sense of self-worth, we can enjoy them more. The quality of our lives and our work can improve. You may need to have a few conversations, starting with yourself. You may need to set some boundaries, but as the ad says, 'You're worth it.'
To help you remember the next time you catch yourself flat out like a lizard drinking (as we say here in Australia), and perhaps feeling overstretched and overwhelmed, this quote may help you:
“I am NOT a hamster” 🙂
I’m happy to report today, I’m officially off the hamster wheel and back on track. I have all the usual suspects back in place regarding taking good care of myself, and while I am still busy and productive, I’m able to enjoy it more and work at a pace that is more sustainable.
I have a few short questions that help me get off the hamster wheel and cope better with busy and intense periods. Perhaps they will help you too:
▪ What are my priorities?
▪ What can be deleted?
▪ What can be delegated?
▪ What can be delayed?
▪ What can I do to take better care of myself right now?
▪ When is my next holiday/break?
So if you find yourself feeling anxious, and recognise you might need to pause so you can catch your breath, start by taking a deep breath (or a few deep breaths), and remember, YOU are NOT a hamster! 😊
