5 Secrets to Surviving a Demanding Schedule
If you have a demanding schedule, then you know how impossible is feels to get everything done. It’s work piled on more work. It can be truly exhausting. The worst part is that sometimes there really isn’t any way around this kind of schedule, at least in the short term. So, you don’t have any other choice but to deal with it, even if it’s not easy.
Maintaining an exhausting pace on a day-to-day basis can easily ruin a good mood. It can also cause fatigue. Being tired can lead to irritability, lethargy, and a lack of motivation. It can also affect performance. Little by little, life becomes a drag.
“Work without love is slavery.”
-Mother Teresa-
The situation may seem rather grim, but don’t despair. There are some tips you can follow to better survive your demanding schedule. It’s all about using some practical, easy-to-apply strategies. They aren’t going to completely change your life, but they will help you manage busy days. Check out the following tips to learn more…
1. Survive your demanding schedule by shifting your perspective
One of the secrets to surviving a demanding schedule is to change your perspective. It’s easy and very human to complain about things. But if you get stuck there, nothing good will come of it. In fact, every day will feel less bearable.
The best thing to do in this situation is to remember that all experiences teach us something and give us an opportunity to grow. If you get into the right mindset, you can take advantage of tough times. The key is to recognize the opportunity instead of complaining.
2. Do spontaneous acts of kindness
Though it might seem contradictory, nothing helps you work through a problem more than helping others. This strategy turns your problem on its head and channels it into something more positive. It’s also a chance to show yourself how strong you are. You can prove to yourself that you have the ability to give more, do more.
Surviving a demanding schedule is much easier if you can count on the goodwill of those around you. So take advantage of any opportunity you have to do acts of kindness for others. These can be gestures, words, or actions that help others in some way. Sooner rather than later you will find yourself filled with good energy.
3. Improve the quality of your downtime
Keep in mind that you are demanding more of yourself than normal. That means that you wear yourself out more quickly. This is true intellectually, physically, and emotionally. For that same reason, you also need to think about improving the quality of your downtime. You need the right space and time if you want to get your energy back.
Protect your time like a lioness protects her cubs. If you only have an hour, then really maximize that hour. Nothing and no one will disturb your rest. Dedicate this bit of time you have to activities that truly relax you. They should make you feel comfortable and happy. Don’t use it for anything that feels like pressure. This is the only way you’ll be able to balance your energy and responsibilities.
4. Be mindful of your diet
Your diet has everything to do with your mood and energy. A good diet is absolutely necessary to survive a fast-paced, demanding schedule. It’s not about eating more but eating better. One of the side effects of having too much to do is that you neglect your eating habits. Don’t let that happen!
Eating well means eating three complete meals a day, and two snacks. Apply the old adage of eating breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. The most important thing you can do is eat whole, nutritious foods. Reduce your coffee consumption. Carry a bit of chocolate with you at all times, and when you feel listless or irritable, eat it.
5. Overcome your fear
To cope with this type of situation, your only obligation is to do your best. Doing anything else is impossible. Maybe you are subjecting yourself to this demanding schedule because you are afraid of something. You might be afraid of losing your job or missing out on an important opportunity.
Whatever the case, don’t mix up your priorities. The most important things in life are you and your happiness. If your incredibly demanding schedule becomes torture, it’s time to think about taking a different path. Try to identify some positive elements of your situation. If you can’t see any, you might just be a prisoner of fear. Don’t let it win.
Whatever the circumstances, you have to cultivate self-confidence. Don’t lose sight of the fact that time passes and you never get it back. If you aren’t comfortable with your situation, if you feel overwhelmed and unmotivated, find the strength to say “enough.”