Are you're too busy to think about happiness?

If you are, I understand. I've been there. I know what it's like to feel like the to-do list will never end, and you can't imagine scratching out an extra 15 minutes in your day, much less time to add something else that will make you "happy". I know what you're thinking: "Janice, more sleep will make me happy". 
 

But wouldn't it be nice to have something to think about other than work and your to-do list?

It doesn’t take long to feel burnout when the only thing you do is work. I don’t just mean work at your job. I mean housework, managing family schedules, taking care of elderly relatives. You may enjoy doing these things, but they're still a form of work.

It’s easy to fall into always being “productive” because that’s acceptable. A person being run off their feet, always being busy – that’s the expectation.

It’s more difficult to carve out time for yourself. I’m talking about real time for yourself, when you do something that you truly enjoy that's just for you. You might not even know what that activity would be, but you’ll know it when you find it. How? You’ll probably lose track of time doing it, and you might feel either proud to tell people about it, or a little embarrassed to be doing it.

Embarrassed? Yes. You may enjoy doing something for yourself that feels self-indulgent or silly. Maybe you really want to go for a coffee every Saturday and read a good book for a full hour. Seems simple right? But you might be embarrassed to tell someone that this is your big personal indulgence.

It will add even more happiness to your life if you have a hobby that’s a bit difficult. Maybe you’re learning a new language, or you’re knitting a difficult item, or you’re remodeling your basement bathroom. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you complete these things makes you even happier.

If you’re like me, you sometimes ruminate about a situation at work. If you have another activity or hobby in your life, it gives you something else to think about. That exercise of turning off your work brain is easier when your mind has a different place to focus.

When I coach clients about this, it takes some time to figure out what they want to add to their lives and where they can find time for it. But when they start to incorporate something new, the effect is amazing. The drama of their workplace becomes less important, and they experience less work-related stress. 

I encourage you to spend 5 minutes today thinking about what you could add to your life that would give you a little more happiness, and then find the first step toward doing it.

What is Aeracura Leadership & Wellness? 

I offer personal growth coaching to help my clients find greater satisfaction - both at work and in their personal lives.  Check out my blog for a deeper description of the coaching process.
Learn more about Aeracura on my website.

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