HEALTH + WELLNESS
GO EASY ON YOURSELF CONT .
Make time for digital detox
Granted , it does feel good to be connected in that it makes us feel like we ’ re part of something wider and that people are thinking of us ( as well as demanding our time , let ’ s not forget …). But , this era of constant consuming , sorting , absorbing and filtering of information and imagery is exhausting . There ' s just too much of it . All the time . While many of us must interact technologically for work , we don ’ t have to do it at all hours of the day and night , so set aside some tech-free time regularly to ease these expectations , let yourself focus on something else and have a less busy brain when it comes to sleeping .
Have a day off
Give yourself a day where nothing short of an emergency is urgent . Where emails don ’ t have to be checked , deadlines don ' t have to be met , and meetings don ' t have to take place . Giving yourself this space reminds you that you are in control of your life , inspires you to choose what is and is not important , and , most importantly , offers you a chance to rest .
Stop working every 90 minutes
Even when you ' re working hard , when you ' re completely in the zone and it ’ s really important that you get the work done , stop for a break every 90 minutes . Take 20 minutes to have a short walk , go outside and breathe the fresh air , or do some basic stretches . The 90-minute concentration loop works with your body ' s natural rhythm , so ignoring it means you ’ re working against yourself detrimentally .
Practice self-compassion
While we may strive for perfection , the adage is true : nobody is perfect , and we live in an imperfect world . Instead of beating yourself up over how you think you should look or what you should be achieving , accept imperfect standards as fact and give yourself some compassion when you make a mistake or don ’ t think you ’ ve done enough . If you find yourself slipping into old habits and are berating yourself , take a deep breath and consciously offer yourself compassion instead with an affirmation . Try ‘ I am human . I am not going to be perfect and that ' s okay ’ for starters ; it ’ ll change your life if you say it enough .
Decide what is important to you
We all have tasks that , for whatever reason , are ours . Work is an obvious one , especially if your job is important to your financial survival . The relationships in our lives — significant others , parents , children , friends , etc . — are also important and are clearly ours to work on . While we ’ re not suggesting that you choose your job over your mother or your child over your best friend , outside of these essentials that ( hopefully ) make you happy , prioritising the time that you spend with or without these people , and on gentle self-improvement , is important and doesn ’ t need justification . Do what makes you happy .
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