Romanticizing burnout and excessively packed schedules have no place in 2022. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be productive and make the most of your time, there’s a point where too much of a good thing becomes detrimental to your health and well-being.
Making sure you have free time scheduled in your calendar is just as important as any other activity. Free time allows you to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate to return to your busy life refreshed and recharged. Here are eight reasons why you should always schedule free time in your calendar:
Reason #1 It allows you to recharge your batteries
When you’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to run out of steam. And when you’re running on empty, it’s hard to be your best self. Free time gives you the chance to recharge your batteries to show up as your best self in all areas of your life. Don’t run yourself into the ground — schedule some free time into your week!
Reason #2 It gives you time for self-care
When you don’t have free time, it’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining your health and well-being. Free time gives you the chance to do things that make you feel good, like getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy meals.
So, if you know that you have your annual visit to your family dentist in the morning, don’t plan anything else for that day to relax and take care of yourself afterward. Besides, if you’re going for a painful procedure, like a wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll want some free time to recover!
Reason #3 It gives you time to reflect on your goals
When you’re always busy, it’s hard to step back and reflect on your goals. But reflection is essential for staying motivated and on track. Free time gives you the chance to think about where you want to go and how you will get there. If you just keep pushing without taking the time to reflect, you might end up going in the wrong direction.
Reason #4 It allows you to pursue your hobbies
When was the last time you had the chance to enjoy your hobbies and interests? If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long. Constantly working or taking care of obligations can make it challenging to find the time to do the things you love.
But free time gives you the chance to pursue your hobbies and interests, making you happier and more well-rounded. So, don’t forget to schedule some free time in your week to do the things you love!
Reason #5 It allows you to catch your breath
When life is constantly moving at a million miles an hour, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Free time gives you the chance to catch your breath and relax, which can help you feel more capable of handling whatever comes your way. This makes it easier to deal with stress and anxiety when they pop up.
Reason #6 It allows you to connect with loved ones
When you’re always busy, it can be challenging to find time to connect with the people you care about most. Free time allows you to have quality time with your loved ones and deepen your relationships without sacrificing your well-being.
A good starting point would be to leave your weekends empty so you can have some much-needed family time or plan a fun outing with friends. This way, you won’t have to pass on quality time with the people you care about to focus on other areas of your life.
Reason #7 It gives you a chance just to enjoy the moment
It’s easy to get caught up in the future or dwell on the past, but it’s hard to enjoy the moment when you’re always busy. Free time gives you the chance to be present and appreciate the good moments as they happen. By scheduling free time, you’re committing yourself to enjoying your life!
Reason #8 It helps you prevent burnout
When you don’t have free time, it’s easy to get burned out, which is detrimental to your health and well-being. Burnout can make it difficult to accomplish your goals and find a reason to keep going. Free time gives you the chance to avoid burnout by taking breaks and giving yourself a choice just to do nothing, guilt-free.
Scheduling free time may seem wasteful, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. In this fast-paced world, it’s essential to take the time to relax, reflect, and recharge. So, don’t be afraid to schedule some free time in your calendar! Your body and mind will thank you for it.
