Time Out!

“I’m calling a time out on you and it’s for your own good.”

We need to have regular time outs in our life. I suggest that you make it a priority!

Time out allows us to rest, relax, heal, gain perspective, clear our thoughts, discover answers to our problems, release stress etc. Now you can see why it is so important.

So why do many people neglect to do it?

I think that society has conditioned us to think that ‘busy’ is good. People have become proud of being busy and view it as a measure of success. It is as if the busier we are the more successful we apparently are.

This type of conditioning has fooled us in to believing that being productive is all about doing things. Well I believe that taking time out is extremely productive. As Billy Joel said “There are times when we need to let the field lie fallow.” Taking some time out for ourselves allows us to rejuvenate and harvest better results for our future. We become more productive and effective thanks to the rest and relaxation.

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling that you need to do something all of the time. You will end up having nothing left to give to yourself and others.

It is okay to rest. Don’t feel guilty when you do. Know that it is important for you.

Don’t leave it last on your list of things to do. Make it first on your list.

How often do we make time for everything else in our lives and leave ourselves last. We never make any time for ourselves. We are busy helping everyone else and have no time to help ourselves. If that is the case in your life you need to change that right now! Make a promise to yourself that you will take some time out for yourself. It is ironic how we tell other people to slow down and look after themselves and yet we are personally not following that advice.

You need to schedule some time daily for yourself. Call it ‘ME TIME’. Make sure you do this. Even if it is only for 15 -20 minutes, it is better than nothing at all.

Go for a walk, take a warm bath, listen to some soothing music, read a book, enjoy a massage, close your eyes and breathe deeply, stare at a flame etc. You will immediately feel the physical and mental benefits.

REMEMBER TO CALL A ‘TIME OUT’ ON YOURSELF EVERY DAY!

Author: Steve Decker – Life Management & Success Coach