Take a Time-Out Before You Burnout!

Do you sometimes feel as if you're living in fast-forward, trying to stay one step ahead of the craziness we call life? I know I do! There's the work project that's due next week, the preparations for your weekend dinner party to attend to, or the study session to help your son or daughter (or grandchild) get ready for a test — but there doesn't seem to be any time for fun! And just when you think you finally have it all under control — here come some more tasks and responsibilities!

Time out! The nonstop roller coaster of life might not cut you any slack — but you can give yourself a break. It's time to start living for today! If not, you're going to turn around one day and wonder what you've been busy with your whole life, and when you get to start enjoying it. We all need to take a step back and let ourselves relax and recharge — and make time for the things that are really important.

What I want you to focus on in the coming week is slowing down your forward thinking, just a little. Invest a little time in the here and now to enjoy yourself. Sit down and read to your child or grandchild, pick up the phone and call that friend you've been meaning to call for months now, or just sit by a window and watch the beautiful sunset instead of rushing right by it. All your tasks and responsibilities can be taken care of in due time, you'll see.

It's just a half hour — you can afford a daily 30-minute break to just enjoy yourself! In fact, you can't afford not to. At the rate you're going, you're headed for burnout. This half hour will allow you to restore your energy so you can hit your to-do list with newfound vigor!