‘Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans’ ~John Lennon

Can I ask you a question?

When someone asks you how are you, do you tend to answer:

a) ‘Good thanks, life is pretty great!’ or

b) ‘I’ve been really busy lately.’

I’m wagering that if you are like most women I know, ‘b’ is your default answer.

So why has busy become the default badge of choice for the modern mum to wear at all times?

Is it because we are supposed to have a successful and meaningful career, run a well organised household, spend quality time with our kids, catch up with our friends, exercise regularly, visit our extended family, and maybe indulge in a little sexy time with our husbands every now and then?

Well yes, they may all be important things, but here’s the kicker: You are important too.

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‘I can take care of everyone~ but first me’

is a motto that I try and live my everyday life by. You should not feel guilty for putting your own needs first every now and then. Because let’s face it, if I am too busy, run down, stressed and tired, then that affects everyone else around me, in particular my family. If the health and wellbeing of my family are a priority for me, then shouldn’t my own health and wellbeing be my number one priority?

So when I feel overwhelm and stress creeping back into my life (and let’s face it, it always does, that’s simply the world we live in) I make a conscious choice to dial down the level of ‘busy’ in my life, and slow right down…

Here are some of my go to ways to kick busy to the kerb:

  • Don’t push yourself to do something when your gut says no (trust your intuition, it usually knows best!)
  • Turn your FOMO (fear of missing out) into JOMO (joy of missing out) Sometimes it’s as simple as a mindset flip!
  • Take a mini rest break: pop on an eye mask and lie down for a few minutes: I promise the world won’t end!
  • Start tracking your menstrual cycle: learning your natural energy cycle is a game changer for productivity
  • Lie on the floor and put your ‘legs up the wall’ this is proven to calm the nervous system and help your body relax
  • Commit to having an epsom salts bath by candlelight at least once a week, this is a beautiful act of nourishing self care.
  • Put your phone away at least an hour before bedtime and escape your thoughts and all the ‘noise’ with a great novel instead.
  • Take a break outside. Mindfully drink a cup of tea basking in the sunshine instead of at your desk.
  • Say no without guilt or long winded explanations. Boundaries Boundaries Boundaries…don’t leave home without them!
  • Turn off notifications on your smartphone (trust me you won’t forget to check Facebook and Instagram!)
  • Try meditating daily for 5-10 minutes: in a chair, lying down, listening to relaxing music or use a meditation app (whatever floats your boat, just give it a try)
  • Take mini moments through your day to close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and breathe deeply (ps. this is actually a form of meditation, but if you just said to yourself that you can’t meditate, then try this!)

It’s pretty simple really…being busy all the time is overrated, so take some time for a deep breath or two, and give yourself permission to slow down and simply be. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it (and quite possibly your family will as well!)

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If you would like to chat to me about how I can help guide you to dial down the busy and bring more calm energy into your life and household, then email me at melissa@melissajeffcott.com and let’s organise an obligation free 20 minute call.