Everyone is “busy” all the time. It’s our excuse for everything. Below are some ways we can overcome this common justification and get back on track according to Amy Alverez’s article written for Optometric Management.

Go to Sleep

Sleep is our bodies’ natural way of repairing and resetting, so it’s good for your mental and physical health. Going to sleep is the human version of “turning it off and turning it back on again.” People tend to feel better after sleeping on a decision, an issue, or a dilemma. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or over-busy, plan to go to bed early and eliminate distractions that could keep you up or wake you in the middle of the night (i.e. don’t sleep with your phone under your pillow).

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Having so many things to do can cause us to become frantic, and it’s hard to overcome the busyness when it’s all things that need to get done. In this case, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Utilize your team and their strengths to help you complete all the tasks on your to-do list. Delegating can be one of the most difficult things for people to do, but it can be one of the simplest ways to help relieve the busyness.

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Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to not hesitate to help out in return (or even first). As we know, it can be difficult to ask for help, but having someone ask you if you need help makes the task of asking a little easier. If you reach out and ask who needs help, people will be more likely to ask you in return.

Take a Minute

In the face of busyness, self-care can be the first thing we forgo. Don’t let this happen. It’s important to your mental health and motivation to take time and do something for yourself, whether it’s a hike, a massage, a vacation, a bath, a nap, etc. Do something that brings you joy and/or mental peace, and you might be surprised at the relief this simple step can bring.

Eat Something Good & Go Outside

You’ve probably heard it before – eating good makes you feel good. But that statement is true in many aspects of life. Cooking for yourself instead of going out to eat can give you a minute to yourself while also giving you an accomplished feeling. Including veggies and other nutrient-packed foods helps your body perform at its best, which can help you perform at your best.

Getting outside has been shown to have several health benefits, and it can help you clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective on your perceived “busyness.” Go for a walk; tend to a garden; work out. Do something that makes your physical self happy as well as your mental self, but try and make sure it’s something outdoors.

As demand and need for productivity increase, the feeling of “busyness” will continue to weigh on many professionals. But these simple tips can help you feel a bit more in control of the chaos and slow the “go go go” mentality. Perhaps your New Year’s resolution can be to utilize these techniques in your daily practice and see if it helps you overcome your busyness.