The Secret Key to Actually Enjoying Life

The daily grind of modern life can be exhausting: working full-time, going to appointments, running errands, squeezing in grocery shopping, preparing nourishing meals, finding time to exercise…the demands might seem endless.

When’s the last time you spent an afternoon doing absolutely nothing?

According to Dr. Matthew Sleeth, taking time to rest and relax may be one of the best things you can do for your health. In his book 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life, Dr. Sleeth emphasizes that for almost two thousand years, Western culture stopped for twenty-four hours once a week, every week.

“Even when I was a child, you couldn’t buy gasoline, you couldn’t buy milk. The drugstores weren’t open.…And so society just had a day where they put it in park. [That] was Sunday…until the last thirty years or so,” he said.

Now, in a culture that celebrates being busy, people are on the go nonstop – and it’s taking a toll on our health and happiness. According to Dr. Sleeth, constant stress is causing a growing epidemic of depression and anxiety, and stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are linked to obesity and diabetes.

What’s the solution? Blocking out regular time in your busy schedule to rest and recharge. Though Dr. Sleeth recommends an entire day, taking it easy for just a few hours once a week can help you actually enjoy your life instead of watching it speed past.

Even if your Monday is busy and stressful, it can be reassuring to know that you have a relaxing and stress-free Saturday to look forward to. For someone with a sedentary desk job, that may mean unplugging from your computer and going for a hike; for someone who spends a lot of time on their feet, that might mean curling up with a cup of tea and a good book.

Whatever you choose, prioritizing unstructured downtime is a crucial form of primary food that will help you relax, appreciate what’s good in your life, and return to your daily tasks with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Do you spend enough time doing absolutely nothing?

Share in the comments below.

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Work

How do you feel about your work? Are you fulfilled and enthusiastic about waking up and going to the office every day, or considering switching careers so you can do work you love?

You have two options:

A. Learn to love the work you have.

B. Find new work you love.

Either way, we’ve got some great tips to help you thrive in your workplace. 

Don’t let another year go by without taking the next step in creating the career of your dreams!

Here are five ways to love your work:

1. Express gratitude. Writing down or saying out loud why you’re thankful for your job will help foster an abundant mindset, which increases your satisfaction and productivity. Consciously appreciating everything you have also helps naturally attract your dream career.

2. Create goals. If there’s anything in your career you’d like to change or improve, set a clear goal and take action towards it. Plan it out and schedule all your action steps in your calendar. Your circumstances are more likely to shift if you’re proactive in creating what you want.

3. Communicate. Whether it’s speaking up to ask for a promotion, practicing the art of listening, or developing your unique creative style, communication is key to success. You can’t get what you want unless you ask for it.

4. Personalize your environment. Since you spend a great deal of time in your workspace, it’s important to make it comfortable. Having plants, photos of loved ones, and your favorite teas and snacks can go a long way in reducing stress and making you feel more at home.

5. Grow. It helps a ton to view every experience as an opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge. How can this apply to you? Does it involve taking a weekend course to learn a new skill, making a change in your approach to certain projects, or reaching out for support? Be open to change, even if this means leaving a career you’ve invested a lot of time in to start something new. 

Do you love your current career? Dislike it? Do you want to make any changes in this area? Share in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you.