You’ve got a lot on your plate. Between work, family and additional responsibilities, it’s easy to feel like the world is on your shoulders. If this sounds familiar, here’s some advice – chill! Your life will feel much more balanced, relaxed and enjoyable if you let yourself lighten up. Here are a few tips on how to do it:
1. Don’t catastrophize. Often times, when something goes wrong, we project in our minds the future horrors that the setback might lead to. This is usually due either to a fear of uncertainty or a lack of confidence in ourselves and our ability to rebound. A bump in the road doesn’t mean a disaster is on its way. See mistakes and challenges for what they are – learning opportunities.
2. Cut yourself some slack. With all the demands placed on us on a daily basis, it’s no wonder we feel we have to be all things to all people – and often demand perfection from ourselves. But remember, you’re human! Mistakes are part of the package. You don’t have to be flawless every time. And it’s ok to let others see that you’re not perfect. They’re very unlikely to judge you for it, since they’re humans with flaws, themselves. If they do, know that it’s because of their own insecurities.
3. Let go. You don’t have to win ‘em all. If a project at work doesn’t go as you’d hoped, even though you gave it your all, chalk it up to a lesson learned and move on. Don’t continue to beat yourself up for it. That will only eat away at your confidence.
4. Play hooky. Ok, not literally. It’s never a good idea to skip out on your responsibilities. But if you have some flexibility in your schedule – if there’s a task that can wait an hour or even just 15 minutes – take the time and do something fun or relaxing. All work and no play makes life boring. Don’t give into the workaholic tendencies we all experience from time to time. Of course, there are periods when work is particularly busy and you have to keep your nose to the grindstone. But as a general rule, make sure to find time in your schedule for fun.
Think you might take yourself too seriously? Take our quiz to find out!
-Sarah Cooke
