How many times have you returned to daily life following a vacation only to start counting down the days until the next break? So often we live from break to break, simply trying to muddle our way through the days in between.
We spend our daily lives rushing from one activity to another, always running on high speed to try to accomplish the maximum amount possible. It is no wonder we feel depleted most days and in need of a vacation. This kind of living is a recipe for burnout.
But the truth is that vacations are only a small percentage of our days, whereas the majority of our days are spent in our regular routine. By living from break to break, we are missing out on so much life that occurs in between.
So how can you begin to make the most of your regular daily routine and decrease symptoms of burnout?
Below are four simple ways to create a more pleasurable daily routine that won’t leave you feeling so depleted and in need of a vacation:
1) Find Joy In The Small Things
So often we rush through our days, just trying to get from one activity to the next. When was the last time you took a few minutes to thoroughly enjoy your morning coffee rather than hurriedly sipping as you run out the door? Or mindfully enjoyed your lunch while taking a true lunch break from work? Or stopped to appreciate the sunset or changing foliage on your drive?
There are countless moments of joy to be found in our daily routines, yet we are often too busy and distracted to take the moment to notice them. Joy can be found all around us, even in the mundane moments.
Challenge yourself to find little moments of joy throughout your day. It doesn’t need to be anything grand or spectacular. Rather find the time to appreciate the small things that you are already doing or are happening around you. These small moments of joy add can up to something special.
2) Make Gratitude A Priority
While it may be easier to identify the aspects of your life that you are grateful for on a grand vacation, there is plenty to be grateful for throughout your daily life.
Take a few moments at the beginning and/or end of the day to identify what you are grateful for. Create a small journal to write it down in, or simply identify the aspects of gratitude in your head.
The aspects that you identify do not have to be big things. They could be small things, such as nice weather outside, a calmer schedule, or loved ones that you spent the day with. Anything counts. Try to create a list of 3-5 things you are grateful for on a regular basis.
Making time for gratitude, even just a couple moments, can add up to have a significant impact on your mental well-being. Studies show that people who practice gratitude regularly are happier, less stressed, and tend to have more positive mindsets.
So take the time today! What are you grateful for?
3) Make Time Everyday To Do Something For You
So often we spend our days rushing around to complete tasks for other people…our bosses, our clients, our friends or family, the groups we are in. When was the last time you did something just for you?
Challenge yourself to devote some time everyday to do something that is just for you. Even just a few minutes goes a long way. It could be a 10 minute walk outside, 15 minutes of reading a book for pleasure, or a short meditation before beginning your day.
What is your form of self-care and how can your incorporate it into your regular routine? To read more about self-care, click here: https://www.flourishcounselingservices.org/post/self-care
It can be so easy to let the commitments of the day consume you. Make this time a priority and schedule it everyday.
4) Allow Yourself To Rest
Often we associate vacation with rest and our regular routine with hustle. However hustling around at maximum speed all the time quickly leads to symptoms of burnout and feeling depleted.
Allow more time to rest and relax in your regular routine. Maybe this means taking 10-15 minutes to ease into your day instead of jumping right up and into your routine. Maybe this means saying “no” more instead of always saying “yes” to decrease your commitments. Or maybe it means finding a few moments to rest during your day.
Whatever you find restful, incorporate it into your regular routine. You deserve to find rest, even on the busiest of days.
Don’t wait for your annual vacation to make your joy and relaxation a priority. Find it every day.
Still having difficulty making it through your daily life? A trained professional can help.
Jenna Gentry is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who provides therapy for Flourish Counseling Services. Read more about her practice, the services she provides, her experience, and contact information to schedule a free 15 minute consultation. Start your journey towards flourishing today!
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