Our schedules are jam-packed, hectic and exhausting.
It can be challenging to squeeze everything into a 24-hour day. There are a few tasks and activities we always need to make time for, whether it’s for ourselves or others.
Reading
We seem to spend most of our days reading for school or work.
Eat Breakfast
During our morning rush, it is easy to forget the most important meal of the day. It’s asking a little too much of yourself to cook a gourmet meal every morning when you’re still half asleep, so go for some quick options. Try breakfast bars, oatmeal or a banana. Eating breakfast in the morning will make you feel energized and ready for the day.
Friends
Chances are your friends are just as busy as you are, but that doesn’t mean you all shouldn’t make time for each other. Even if it means setting aside some time during the week for you all to see each other, do it. Taking the time to hang out with those close to you can be the motivation you need to get through everything else in your life. Don’t let busy schedules weaken your friendships.
Eating/Cooking Healthy
This one always seems to get us.
Journaling
Taking the time to write down your thoughts and experiences has tremendous short and long-term benefits. In the short-term, you have the ability to pour out your raw emotions on paper, free from judgment and fear of what others will think of your deepest thoughts. Down the road, your journal can become a sacred time capsule. It is neat to go back and read your past experiences. Journaling also gives you the opportunity to reflect on where you are in the present.
Family
If you don’t make time for family, it will be something you regret down the road. Even if it means making time to call your mom or dad every other day, don’t let the relationship you have with your family fall to the last spot on your list. It can be easy to do because we feel our families will always be there, but they deserve attention. If you live far away from home, make more of an effort to see your family. It can be difficult with a busy schedule, but take advantage of the breaks you have as a chance to catch up with family.
Travel
Whether it is planning, daydreaming, Pinteresting, saving or doing, keep the travel juices flowing. One of the main reasons people do not travel is they do not feel they have time. But our time is what we make it so even if it means saving up all your vacation days, make it worth it by going somewhere spectacular. If you aren’t able to travel for a while, plan your next adventure. After all, planning the trip is (almost) as much fun as the trip itself.
Exercise
This one can be the easiest to forget. At the end of an exhausting day, getting active seems impossible. But believe it or not, exercise actually gives you energy. Even if it is a quick 10-minute jog around the neighborhood or doing yoga at home, making time for exercise is crucial for overall health. Don’t use the excuse of not having the time or money to go to the gym. Get creative.
Volunteering
Everyone should spend time helping others. If your schedule is demanding, block off a short time period for volunteering or find an opportunity at your work or school. It will help to better yourself and those around you. Check out our article on ways you can volunteer here.
Yourself
All the chaos of everyday life shouldn’t keep you from spending time alone. No matter your personality type, everyone enjoys and needs to be alone from time to time. It gives you a chance to unwind and relax, which is beneficial to your overall mental health. Take the time to do the things you want to do without having to answer to anyone else. After all, you’re the one that is going to be there at the end of the day. You might as well make yourself happy.
Feature Photo via We Heart It