Centering Yourself Amongst the Chaos

Today, I felt the need to write out of consolidation for the overworked, and under-slept. In today’s world, with the constant stimulus thrown at us, it is so hard to find your Zen. When “me” time becomes something that you schedule in, that’s when you know, that you are over your limit and that you have hit capacity.

How do you help yourself in these times? The answer is simple. Find what makes you happy, and keep doing just that. There is a well-known quote by Simon Senek:

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion”

And although I agree with this statement, I believe sometimes your passion can overcome you to the point where you can feel stressed. I constantly find myself trying to check everything off my to-do list and make sure I dedicate enough time to finding my muse for the day. This can vary based off my schedule for the day, which show is being recorded that day on the DVR, and what book I am currently reading.

Sometimes, I even do the unexpected, I go to sleep; Yes you heard me right overachievers, sleep is very essential. Studies show that nothing can compensate for sleep.

I wanted to share 5 easy (and stress free) tips to centering yourself:

1. Keep yourself in check every morning. Stay grateful to your circumstances, and do not rush into working on your to-do list the minute you get up.

2. Mid-day stimulant. As you find yourself buying a cup of tea, coffee, juice or smoothie, make sure you take this moment to revel in the experience. Do not stay attached to the hip at your phone or tablet. You deserve a couple minutes off.

3. Before leaving the office/library. Make sure you do not over do it. Do not jump into tomorrows assigned task. You did a good job, now do a good thing for yourself and walk away from your desk.

4. At home study/work. When you get home, its may seem as if there is barely time for rest. More than likely you have other tasks or another class to study for. Make sure to delegate your tasks and take time out to enjoy your dinner. No food allowed in front of my books or computer!

5. End of the night with gratitude. Set an alarm on your phone to go off at the same time every day of the week in the evening. Title the alarm “3 things I am thankful for” Make sure to either mentally take note, or write out 3 things that happened that day that put a smile on your face. Over time you will see you cannot just limit yourself to three. This changes your mindset and allows you to continuously look for positive things throughout your day.

Here is an amazing TEDx talk by Harvard psychologist Shawn Achor. He specilizies in positive psychology:

Laura Luke* grew up in the Greater Atlanta Area. She earned her B.S. in Journalism from the George Washington University. She currently is in the process of obtaining her graduate degree in Journalism at the University of Southern California. She aspires to be awared the Livingston Awards for Young Journalists one day. Currently she works as a journalist for a local los angeles newspaper. When she is not working and studying and preparing to take over the world, Laura enjoys going on hikes, yoga on the beach, and reading a good book.

*This blogger has requested to contribute to this blog with a pen name and cartoon image.