Modern life demands that we do many things in very little time and spend a great deal of that time thinking, processing, planning, executing, following-up on things-to-do… very often leaving us in a state of exhaustion and irritability. Yet the basic things that we want from life are simple and straightforward: good rest, enjoyable activities, meaningful work, healthy relationships, time spent with loved ones and good physical health.
Now add to that the sea of expectations and demands placed on you during a 24-hour period, a week, a month… soon you might find yourself running about getting things done and the routine tasks and obligations may start to suck the life out of us: making us feel dull and tired emotionally and spiritually.
Sometimes what we need is simply to STOP. For a moment.
To stop and consider our lives. To reflect on what we are doing and for who and for what purpose. Tasks and demands will never end, especially if you are blindly accepting everything that comes your way.
So a KEY to opening yourself to a less stressed and more meaningful lifestyle is to STOP and examine your motives, your goals and your daily burden of tasks. What do you really need to do? Must you really deliver on all those things? You might be thinking “Well, yes… I cannot afford to let go of the demands of family life or of my job!” And you are right. But look more closely. Do you really need to do EVERYTHING on the list of things-to-do in all areas of your life? On closer inspection you might want to ask yourself:
How much of it can be negotiated? Reduced? Not everything is black & white. If we look closely we might find that the spectrum of things that need to be done can be wider than we assume. How much of a thing do you really need to do that could be simply, reduced?
Eliminated?What if they can be entirely removed? If you look mindfully at the demands that are placed on you, whether by yourself or another, is it necessary? Perhaps not. Perhaps not doing certain things can leave the space for you to do the remaining things better. Like spending time to rejuvenate, or spend quality time with a significant other, family member, your child.
Delegated?What if some of the things are being added to your plate could be gladly received and done by someone who is willing to help? Not only could this be helpful, but also an opportunity for forging new partnerships or supportive relationships.
Reflecting upon our current lifestyle can be a crucial starting point to alleviate stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed due to stresses or challenges that have to do with deeper problems, contact Arash Kameli at: 514-594-1215 for stress management counselling.
Now add to that the sea of expectations and demands placed on you during a 24-hour period, a week, a month… soon you might find yourself running about getting things done and the routine tasks and obligations may start to suck the life out of us: making us feel dull and tired emotionally and spiritually.
Sometimes what we need is simply to STOP. For a moment.
To stop and consider our lives. To reflect on what we are doing and for who and for what purpose. Tasks and demands will never end, especially if you are blindly accepting everything that comes your way.
So a KEY to opening yourself to a less stressed and more meaningful lifestyle is to STOP and examine your motives, your goals and your daily burden of tasks. What do you really need to do? Must you really deliver on all those things? You might be thinking “Well, yes… I cannot afford to let go of the demands of family life or of my job!” And you are right. But look more closely. Do you really need to do EVERYTHING on the list of things-to-do in all areas of your life? On closer inspection you might want to ask yourself:
How much of it can be negotiated? Reduced? Not everything is black & white. If we look closely we might find that the spectrum of things that need to be done can be wider than we assume. How much of a thing do you really need to do that could be simply, reduced?
Eliminated?What if they can be entirely removed? If you look mindfully at the demands that are placed on you, whether by yourself or another, is it necessary? Perhaps not. Perhaps not doing certain things can leave the space for you to do the remaining things better. Like spending time to rejuvenate, or spend quality time with a significant other, family member, your child.
Delegated?What if some of the things are being added to your plate could be gladly received and done by someone who is willing to help? Not only could this be helpful, but also an opportunity for forging new partnerships or supportive relationships.
Reflecting upon our current lifestyle can be a crucial starting point to alleviate stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed due to stresses or challenges that have to do with deeper problems, contact Arash Kameli at: 514-594-1215 for stress management counselling.
RSS Feed
