It is a Saturday afternoon, and I am stressed! Yes, even life coaches get stressed out occasionally. Why am I stressed, you ask? Well, I am looking at my calendar for next week and it is pretty crazy. I will be in Ft. Myers for two days giving a presentation to a large group of Realtors and then I will be in Atlanta on Thursday and Friday of that same week presenting to the Atlanta Homebuilders Association Sales & Marketing Council. Whew….So, I am diligently trying to pre-plan, pre-pack, and pre-anticipate any last minute challenges that might arise.
If you have been following my blog, you know that I am a BIG proponent of being PROACTVE rather than REACITVE in all areas of my life. My husband would probably tell you that I can be quite anal about doing so, but that’s a topic for another blog. Anyway, that is why I am spending some extra time this weekend working to insure that all flows smoothly next week.
However, I am also a huge proponent of creating balance in all areas of my life, and part of that means scheduling time for fun and relaxation. I am very selfish and selective about my “relaxation” time. We ALL need to have that special “downtime” in our lives. You know, when we can figuratively and literally “unplug” from the chaos, stress, and non-stop activities that make up our busy lives.
Have you ever been driving in your car, and you look down and notice the gas light is on EMPTY? All of a sudden you get panicky and anxious! You can’t concentrate. All you want to do is find the nearest gas station so you can fill up and NOT run out of gas, right? I like to use this example with clients when I am talking about the importance of “downtime and relaxing”.
If we are in a constant state of “doing” all the time, it’s like driving your car non-stop, and not ever stopping for gas. Obviously this isn’t good for your car, and it is even worse for you!
Believe it or not, a lot of people (especially women) feel GUILTY about taking time out just for themselves. We are MASTER TASKERS, and often feel that if we are not actually “doing something productive” we are wasting our time. Do you know what I say to that? STOP THE MADNESS!
So, in your busy week, remember to take some time just for you….and relax! Maybe that means spending 30 minutes alone reading a book you have been meaning to get around to, or perhaps it means treating yourself to a manicure/pedicure. Whatever it is, just do it.
I know for me, I will be boarding a cruise ship next Saturday with several of my dearest friends from high school, and we will be heading out to sea for five glorious days of rest and relaxation, and a lot of fun! Bon voyage!
Guest Blogger: Leah Turner
email: Leah@CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
website: CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
407.709.6816
