Time to yourself

Those of you with families, especially young children, and demanding job roles are probably having a right laugh at the moment at the thought of time to yourself. If not laughing, maybe shouting some ‘pleasantries’ at the screen. I understand, I really do. Just because I am in the Derby and Joan period of my life, I do remember what life was like with kids.

That said, I am still going to kick back and say that we can all find some time to ourselves and time for R&R (rest & relaxation) at some stage in the day/week. An amazing fact of human life is that we can find a way to do what we put our minds to.

The question is, ‘To what extent are you a priority in your life’? Does that sound selfish? Well, it shouldn’t because you are important to your family and your work colleagues. A tied, burnt out, angry (or even worse), you are no good to anyone.

Since reading the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I have been on a personal change journey using the four practices: a day of rest, silence and solitude, and simplifying and slowing. One of the side benefits has been that in the ten weeks, I have been on the journey, I have lost two stone (13 kg) in weight, feel so much healthier (and I am) and can work more effectively.

Finding silence and solitude can be as simple as turning off your mobile, TV, or music and closing your eyes. It may be going for a slow walk, even just around the garden, enjoying sounds, smells, and colours.

A day of rest can be more difficult, and having just moved into a new house, I am challenged on that each weekend, but so far rising to the challenge pretty well and feeling the benefit of it – even if all the curtains are not yet hanging.  A day of rest can be time with family and friends, enjoying the company of others, or something to keep work out of your mind for a whole (or initially part) of a day.

Towards the end of last year, as a Tricordant team, we embarked on a journey of wellness and caring for our mental health supported by a great team at Suffolk Mind on this journey, and we regularly check in with them and with ourselves as a team. We all work from home and have instigated a coffee morning and afternoon tea once a week to create space to chat as a team; no work talk allowed.

I hope I inspire you to take care of yourself and consider what personal and even corporate actions you can take and build upon.