I learned a new mental health hack this week, which is a rare and joyous occasion for a wellness junkie.
I give you: under-scheduling, defined by Workaholics Anonymous as:
- allowing more time than we think we need for a task or trip, allowing a comfortable margin to accommodate the unexpected
I got to this idea after doing 36 coaching sessions for laid off workers in 4 weeks. I never intended to do that many sessions. A post on LinkedIn took off and I woke up one morning with A LOT of meetings.
While the experience ended up being a profound and beautiful, it also left me feeling pretty out of alignment at times. Practicing under-scheduling grounded me. I skipped networking events, limited my availability, and stopped trying to cram 10lbs into a 5lbs pack.
The result? Unexpected phone conversations with girlfriends, yummy time to wallow in wedding planning, and even time to write this note – which I love doing!
Here’s how you can try it:
- Add buffer time. Try giving yourself 15 mins between meetings. I know that’s hard in corporate – try 5 mins between if you’re a back-to-back person. During that time, breathe. Just sit there and stare. Calm your nervous system. Then, take a second to jot up notes from your last meeting. Your future self will thank you.
- Book rest. Have an event you need to go to after work? Book yourself an hour beforehand to rest and have spaciousness. You’ll arrive less frazzled and more magnetic.
- For God’s sake take a nap. I don’t care if it’s only noon. If you’re tired, sleep.
- One in, one out. Before adding a new commitment, take one out. For example, no new projects unless you’re deprioritizing one. No new collaborations unless you’re taking one off your calendar. Definitely no new recurring meetings!
- Stop the spray and pray. Applying to 50 jobs a week probably isn’t going to get you a job. Overdoing you’re next presentation might just muddle your point. Consider borrowing the ‘fewer, better things’ model from fashion and commit to less but better output.
Alright! It’s good to be back. Please say hello by responding to this note if it spoke to you!
Love Kit
