Ask anyone today about their biggest challenge at work, and there’s a fairly good chance, they’ll mention a lack of time.
It seems we’re all expected to do more in less time (and often with fewer resources too). Not to mention that we’re bombarded with information coming from all directions, a multitude of social media channels to keep up with and ‘smart’ tools that blur the boundaries between work and rest… It’s not surprising we all struggle with time management at some stage or other. It’s stressful, and without ways to address it, can undermine your health.
So in a non-foodie post today, I’ve asked SuperWellness’s own stress management expert, Linda Dowie to share some of her insights and tips.
Starting with an eye opening question: could your definition of time management actually be the problem?…
Enter Linda.
What does time management mean to you?
Is it a way for you to be more efficient and cram even more ‘‘doing’ into your day or a way to create some space to enjoy just being alive?
Do you live to work or work to live?
With the multitude of time saving devices you have available now, you should have plenty of time to kick back, relax and enjoy ourselves – is this the case for you?
No! So if your focus on time management has led you down a road to hassle, exhaustion and burnout then maybe you need to review where your energies are being channelled!
‘Time starts to manage itself’
The funny thing is that if you work out your real priorities and plan around them instead, time starts to manage itself. You should find that making time for more exercise will actually increase your energy levels and allow you to do more (more efficiently) than you did before. Making time for rest and relaxation will allow your immune system to function more effectively and you will feel better and waste less time being ill or feeling below par. Making time for people, to engage with them face to face and treat them as human beings not as human doings (machines) will develop supportive relationships and create a synergistic happy environment.
The following sums this up beautifully:-
The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered. ”Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”
A few suggestions for you to consider
- With the good weather fast approaching find a local exercise class or exercise partner to help you put the ‘spring’ back in your step. Pick something that you enjoy and have some fun.
- Review the time you spend in meetings. Are they all necessary or could you be spending your time more wisely?
- Block out ‘YOU time’ in your diary in INK and make it a top priority. Even if you start with just 5 minutes, just do it and don’t feel you have to justify it to anyone!
Linda Dowie is a qualified Stress Management Consultant, Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist and Healer. Combined with 20 years experience managing a busy customer services environment, she knows first hand the pressures people face in today’s busy workplace and aims to help them achieve greater balance and sense of wellbeing in their lives in practical and easy ways.
Linda has a good sense of humour and brings this energy to her work, putting people at ease and helping them overcome blocks to personal growth, health and wellbeing.
