A common belief is that if we work hard all the time, we’ll get ahead.. But contrary to that, working yourself to the bone doesn’t serve your bests interests. When you work and work and nothing else, other areas of your life will suffer, causing unhappiness and even dread on a daily basis.
While working hard is admirable, it doesn’t create lasting memories— and no one reflects on their life wishing they’d spent more time at the office. Instead, they wish that they spent more time with their friends and family, creating lasting memories of laughter. Even the most rewarding job can cause burnout, so making time for fun is essential to overall happiness. Time away can also even give you a fresh perspective at work.
“Even though you’re growing up, you should never stop having fun.” ~Nina Dobrev
Making time for fun might mean refusing to take on more workload than you already have, or asking for help with a big project, that way you can squeeze in some time for yourself at the end of the week. It may even come down to scheduling time for fun. If it’s on your schedule it’s much more likely to happen— and YES, it is that important!
You can find time to enjoy your life more—right now. To rephrase: you already have the time. All you have to do is put yourself first and try to experience fun and adventure now rather than after you complete all the work ahead of you. None of us are guaranteed that future time, but we do have time right now!
“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.” ~Bill Watterson
Here are some tips to help you Take Back Your Power and start putting fun into your own schedule:
- Make a daily appointment to be mindful for 20 minutes (exercise, meditation, whatever helps you). Mindfulness reduces stress, and adds to our overall well-being.
- Schedule one month of fun: 2-4 hours of fun each week (dance classes, bike rides, museum visits, whatever mini-adventure suits your tastes).
- Book your next vacation, no matter how “impossible” it seems. You will find the time and resources to make it happen.. And you won’t regret it!
“The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.” ~Leo Babauta
Life is for living. Don’t waste it on working yourself to the bone! Enjoy it today!