I pride myself on my productivity and for years prided myself on my ability to “multitask.” I live – LIVE I tell you – for the moment when I can drag my pen across an item on my to-do list. Once I reach a goal, I quickly move on to the next.
That’s what society calls for to be successful, right? Hustling, crushing goals, moving at breakneck speed through life in the pursuit of feeling accomplished? I’ve realized recently that approaching life in that way has left me feeling like I haven’t lived much at all.
What about you—when was the was the last time you watched a tv show without picking up your phone to check your email at some point? Or succeeded at something you’ve worked tirelessly toward and actually savored your win before thinking, “what’s next?”
We’re missing all of the moments that are meant to be savored in the pursuit of productivity.
Here are some ways we can start being active participants in our lives and stop living on autopilot.
1. Tune into your body’s needs.
Pause right now. Take a deep breath. What isyour body asking for? Productivity calls for getting ish done regardless of our mental or physical state. But what do you actually need right now? Is it some alone time, a glass of water, or a chance to connect with a friend? Getting still once in a while is necessary for understanding what you need to thrive.
2. Schedule time for nothing.
Adding yet another appointment in order to break free from your to-do list may seem counterintuitive. But if you operate best on a set schedule then actively blocking off time will guarantee time to let your guard down. Block off a few hours in your week to step away from busyness. Give yourself what you need in that particular moment.
3. Take a device-free walk.
Leave the earbuds at home and take the time to listen to your surroundings. Soak in your environment: what you’re hearing, what you’re seeing, and what the ground feels like under your feet. Taking a walk is a simple (and free) act that can keep you in the moment.
4. Get out of your comfort zone.
Do you find yourself turning away from new experiences because they get in the way of being productive? It’s probably time togive yourself a new experience. Trying something new can stimulate curiosity and imagination, which are essential to the human experience.
5. Keep your “why” in mind.
Why are you hustling each day? What are you striving for? In going about your day-to-day keeping the “why” front and center in your mind can keep you grounded in your life purpose and what really matters to you.
6. Celebrate you!
You’ve probably been so focused on what’s needs to be done that you haven’t celebrated all that has been done. The end of the year is a great time to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished this year. Whether you bought a home, traveled somewhere new, or survived a tough emotional situation this year, celebrate it!
Jasmine Berry, B.A. in Journalism is a graduate of Hampton University and is soon to have her master of public health from Tulane University. She loves all things mental wellness and a good cup of tea.
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