Take a look at this; we are told that the increase of leisure will lead to an increase in meaning. It is not always evident. Through the forty years slog and more, one’s way is marked with assorted trophies of success – material things too good to throw away, certificates, licenses, souvenirs, acquired skills; above all a tremendous accumulation of knowledge about everything under the sun. All of these have a peculiar tendency to grow and multiply without the owner being aware of it, and they contribute disproportionately to the problems and confusions of later years.
A famous and humorous writer from a bygone period, Elbert Hubbard, identified an important reality that we tend to forget in the middle of our day-to-day struggles: “It is important not to excessively burden ourselves with the seriousness of life, for in the end, none of us will emerge unscathed.” Rather than an invitation to be apathetic or irresponsible, this is a gentle reminder to embrace a more balanced and harmonious perspective. Stress, worry, and a relentless drive for achievement can drain us and make us feel unsatisfied. So, the question is, in what ways may we lessen these loads and live more comfortably and peacefully?
It’s imperative that I follow my retreat routines in order to relax. It is crucial that I schedule and designate particular periods for rest and refueling. I understand the importance of these activities, whether it’s saying no to more commitments, going on a quick weekend getaway, or engaging in daily mindfulness practice, like having a checklist for my daily tasks. I focus more necessary activities that need immediate action and are important.
Disconnecting from work outside of scheduled working hours is as important. My approach includes a “shutdown ritual” that helps me completely disconnect from work and mentally refuel. Essentially, I go over my duties and put them aside for later. When I return to my duties, this practice helps me focus better and get better sleep.
Reevaluating our priorities and taking a step back might be a helpful tactic. It’s critical to evaluate whether the objectives we are pursuing are consistent with our basic beliefs and actually add significance to our lives. We frequently neglect to periodically check in with ourselves because we are preoccupied with meeting external expectations and cultural demands. We may make the required corrections and avoid burnout by regularly assessing if our actions serve a purpose bigger than ourselves.
Instead of viewing life as a goal that necessitates constant hustle, one could view it as a meaningful experience. We can manage the inevitable obstacles and setbacks more skillfully if we embrace stress-reduction and self-awareness techniques. It is important to realize that living a more laid-back lifestyle does not mean giving up on our goals or aspirations. Rather, it entails pursuing them with a refocused and renewed perspective.