By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity
There is a reason why we take vacations. They improve overall well-being by providing a necessary break from daily routines and chronic stress. Vacations reduce stress and burnout, increase happiness and motivation, boost productivity, foster creativity, and improve relationships by offering time for rest, relaxation, personal growth, and connection with loved ones.
For the last two weeks we've been talking about the scarcity mindset. A scarcity mindset is a way of thinking that focuses on something we don’t have enough of. We become so obsessed with that lack that we have tunnel vision and cannot deal with anything else. We neglect other obligations, other needs. And we make poor decisions.
We find ourselves losing patience quickly and snapping at people, especially those we love. Minor annoyances aren't tolerated. Overdue notices on bills we forgot to pay? Missed appointments. We have trouble paying attention or following our schedule because our mind is wandering back to whatever is creating our stress.
Our brains need a vacation, too. Stepping away from daily pressures can reset our brains, improve focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. How can we do that?
Start by spending more time outside. Go for a walk every day. When you have a break at work, go outside, maybe walk a few blocks. It's amazing how much that can help clear your head. Visit parks; we have so many wonderful parks in Alliance and in the Panhandle. Fish, birdwatch, hike. Nature can be regenerative!
Get more exercise. If you use your exercise bike for hanging clothes, you might want to sign up for a class at the Alliance Recreation Center. Or find a workout buddy and go to one of the gyms or exercise centers in town.
Reduce your screen time. Set aside your phone and your tablet. Walk away from the computer and the television. The constant alerts make you think you are multitasking, but instead you've lost focus and overloaded your brain with mental clutter.
Quality sleep is critical to good mental and physical health. If you aren't sleeping well, get more exercise and get away from those screens.
Nutrition is also important. Stress causes us to make unhealthy eating choices. It's too quick and easy to do a quick fast-food drive thru. Plan ahead by stocking healthy choices in your house, both for quick meals and for snacks. Make lists before going to the grocery store.
Use the calendar app on your phone for all your appointments. Each morning you'll see whether you have to be somewhere and at what time.
Finances can be a little tougher, but there are some things you can set up. First, sign up for any benefits your employer offers, things like retirement programs and insurance. They may lower your paycheck, but they pay off in the future!
Look at automatic bill pay options through your bank. If you know your rent is transferred automatically on the first of the month, you won't stress about getting a check to your landlord. Auto bill pay is available for City utilities, Black Hills Energy, internet services, phone bills, etc. Be careful, though. Some of those bills, especially the utilities, vary quite a bit from one month to the next. Banks will charge big overdraft fees if there isn't enough money in your account, not just for that bill, but for everything that comes through until your next deposit. As long as you can maintain a large enough balance, automatic bill pay eliminates much of the stress of getting bills paid on time.
Take some time. Give yourself some breaks to clear your head and reset your brain.