We all lead crazy, busy lives. So much so, that when we actually get peace, quiet, and alone time we don’t know what do to with ourselves. We “go crazy with boredom” – we just can’t settle down, so we run out and fill out schedule with “fluff stuff”. We go shopping, we make plans…you name it we make excuses and do something else. Unfortunately, we keep telling ourselves it will get better after…(fill in the blank with your excuse). The problem is, it doesn’t matter what season it is, we don’t take enough time to fully realize what we need.

So how do you fix this in your life?

First and foremost, you need to recognize what you personally need. Do you feel worn out? Maybe you need to block your schedule for a few naps, set your alarm later in the morning on the weekends, or shut off the TV and head to bed a little earlier. Are you feeling sluggish? Rather than picking up something on the way home or going out for ice cream every night, you turn down dinner plans and you stay in and cook a healthy meal at home. Are you feeling emotionally drained? Maybe there’s some big event in your life that you haven’t had time to deal with emotionally yet. Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of “doing” that we forget about our wellbeing. However, we can’t provide or produce for others if we aren’t at our best. You need to learn to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others.

It all starts with as little as 5 minutes at the beginning, middle, and/or end of the day to conduct a self assessment! Rather than jumping out of bed in the morning and thinking or stressing about all of the things you need to get done today, just ask yourself how you are currently feeling! It might not be instinctive behavior in the beginning (just set an alarm as a reminder for you to “check in” with yourself throughout the day), but it’ll become more automatic the more you practice it. Then you need to let others know you need a break! If you “just can’t deal” with the kids fighting for one more minute, see if your spouse can take them on a day trip so you can take a nap, read a book, or get pampered.

The next thing to evaluate are your priorities. If your family is your top priority, but you haven’t seen each other all summer, then it’s time to create a plan to spend more time together. Could it be game night once a week or a movie and popcorn in the backyard? Maybe you and your significant other have been working odd schedules to meet deadlines and have just been “going through the motions”. Maybe you both haven’t seen each other because you’ve been driving your kids to all of their practices. It might be time to put all of that aside and create time for the both of you. Maybe a date night out or in? If your priorities involve relationships your solutions to spend more time together should allow you to really connect with those around you. After all, if you are not creating quality time in your life for your priorities, then they aren’t really priorities.

Lastly, assess your goals. What goals have you set for yourself? We often keep ourselves too busy to even think, so you may have even forgot about them! If you have no goals currently, now’s the time to create some! You then need to determine whether you are on the correct path for your goal. If not, assess what actions need to be taken to get your back on track. For example, if you set a goal of paying off $5000 of credit card debt but have used your savings to dine out more frequently than you originally planned for, it may be time to readdress how frequently you dine out. If you’re on track to meet your goal or are “ahead of schedule” it’s time to start thinking of setting new goals! If your goals are money related be sure to get your free budgeting worksheets here!

The more frequently you conduct a self assessment, evaluate your priorities, and assess your goal progress, the more ingrained and second-natured it will become and the less time it will take. If you are in a rut and find yourself just going through the motions, this 5-10 minute exercise daily may be just what you need to get you on the road again. This exercise is also great for those who may not have realized their goals and priorities have changed. If you realize your goals or priorities have changed then you’ll be able to plan your next course of action. Just start off by asking yourself how you feel. If you are stressed, determine the cause and the solution. Even if you feel amazing you should determine the cause and keep a good thing going! Next, ask yourself what are your priorities. Have you been keeping them a priority? If not determine how to make your priorities your priority again. Lastly, what are your goals? Are you on track? Again, keep up the good if you are! If not, ask yourself why not and determine the solution.

What routines or exercises do you have to keep self-care, goals, and priorities in check? I’d love to hear them!