Sometimes I get a bit lost in lists. I have lists of things to do for customers, lists for my business, lists for my team, my family, my shopping… And they all list, sometimes in great detail, the things I have to do for other people. Which is great because it keeps me organised and on task. But sometimes I really need to focus on me, and what I need for me.
So the other day I sat down and wrote a list of the top 10 things I want to do for myself. This is my list:
- Make time for me – whether it’s a quick walk around the block after finishing a piece of work that has drained my concentration or to book a facial or massage with my favourite therapist – or even just to grab a coffee with a friend.
- Get organised – use my diary to block out time for me, time for work, time for family, time for friends, time for home chores. Use my lists to maximise my effectiveness and efficiency so that when I’m finished I can relax.
- Move more – find excuses to increase my movement. Park further from the entrance, drag the kids out for a walk with the dog, grab a coffee with a friend and walk – or organise a tennis game. Just move!
- Recruit a friend and sign up for the Pottery & Prosecco class that’s just been advertised near home.
- Get into nature more – book more camping escapes with the family, find excuses to get outdoors on weekends, make the most of the autumn and winter sunshine.
- If it’s not “hell yes” then it’s a “thank you, but no”. Get more comfortable with this!
- Practice mindfulness – with spending, with eating, with my relationships, with me. Be in the moment and switch off everything else.
- Go to bed earlier and nap if I need to!
- Reach out to friends for a chat or catch up – real connection rather than just quick texts.
- Go easy. Remember to go easy on myself. I’m in this for the marathon, not the sprint.
Just the process of writing this list made me feel clearer in the head and freer in the body. It was a great exercise to do.
What would your list look like?
