Life can be very busy with work, home, family, friends and study commitments, which makes it hard when we all want to prioritise our health, fitness, well being and sleep. A growing “To Do List”, packed calendar of appointments, and demands from work and family can fill our days. It can feel like we are just running from one thing to the next and that there is no time to stop, no white space, no margin.
The problem with this is than we can fall into bed exhausted but find it hard to sleep or wake up with our minds racing, going over what didn’t get done and what needs to be done tomorrow. One way to improve sleep is to add some extra margin or white space into our days.
I love the concept of white space and margin. A beautify photo of a tree is enhanced by the empty space between the branches. A page of text is more readable and impactful when there are margins around the text and space between the paragraphs. Making some space in our days to stop, have some down time and reset will help us better manage stress and make it easier to get a good night’s sleep.
So how can we add some extra margin to our busy days? Here are some suggestions.
1. Stop in the morning to enjoy a tea, coffee or lemon water before the day begins
Take some breaths, look out the window and be grateful for this new day. Don’t just hit the ground running, even if this means getting up 15 minutes before the rest of the family. I like to do my daily personal “To Do List” while having a protein shake. I draw 3 cards from Cleo Massey’s lovely “Pass Around The Smile” positive guidance cards and write these on my list as well.
2. Hug your loved ones, pat your pets and take the time to smile at people you meet
Give your full attention to this and radiate your love and light. Don’t be thinking about all the things you have to do and miss out on what is really most important. Maybe even add this to your “To Do List” as daily reminder
3. Leave your desk, computer, office or home and take a short 5 – 10 minute break
Go for a walk even if it is just to go to the bathroom, get a drink, check the mail box(not the inbox) or look out the window. This will recharge you, get the oxygen flowing and help your mind settle ready to go back to your next task. You may even solve a problem, get an idea or make a better decision during these mini-breaks.
4. Take a break for lunch
Eat some healthy food, have a herbal tea and talk with friends or colleagues. I see so many people who work through lunch, eat at their desks or eat on the run. This is no good for your digestion, your social connections or your productivity. Believe me, I know about this one after being a busy teacher for 35 years.
5. Put some margin into your night time ritual
Cleaning your teeth, washing your face, putting on a diffuser with Sleep Scents essential oil drops, turning down your bed and spraying Sleep Scents on your pillow can all be done in a calm and mindful manner. Focus on each task, do one thing at a time and breath.
Just as an artwork can be enhanced by leaving white space and framing with a mat board, so to can your life and sleep be improved by finding some margin in your day..
Much love,
Karen
