How to Get More Done… By Doing Less

Today’s post is by YogaVibes teacher and life coach, Carrie Wren. Our favorite class of hers on YogaVibes is a cooling and calming Moon Salutation sequence. It’s perfect to practice in the evening before bed when you need a little extra stress relief. Full of forward folds and yummy stretches, it’s just the thing to help you accomplish more – by doing less. How, you ask? Read Carrie’s insights below to find out!

 

Post by Carrie Wren, www.carriewren.com

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“When feeling urgent, you must slow down.” – Mark Nepo

Wait, what?! 

If you’re like so many of us, the idea of slowing down when you feel as if everything in your body, mind, and life is on fast forward is counterintuitive. Seems ludicrous, right? I totally get it. 

Still, hear me out. 

As a life coach, some of the most frequent requests I hear are from folks seeking support with being more productive, managing their time better, and achieving major life goals. Clearly, these outcomes are significant, even life changing.  I assure you: I am Here. For. It.

And: before tackling those goals, I first always find out what’s going on with their wellbeing. Why, you may ask? What does your wellbeing have to do with being able to get stuff done?

Here’s an example. Imagine you’re working on a project that’s really meaningful to you. You are getting the bare minimum (or less) of sleep, over or under eating, frequently arguing with your loved ones, and feel out of alignment with your own value system. How do you predict it would go with that project?

Take two: Imagine you are working on that same project. You are regularly getting plenty of quality rest, are consistently well-nourished and hydrated, feel thoroughly supported by your loved ones and community, and feel in alignment with your own personal values and standards. In this similar but dramatically different scenario, how do you predict it would go?

I don’t know about you, but I envision two very different outcomes. 

If you’re feeling curious about your own wellbeing, try this quick check-up:

When was the last time you:

• Got a really good night’s rest (or several in a row)?
• Actually rested when you felt worn down, rather than reaching for that next cuppa joe to push through?
• Fed yourself nourishing, balanced meals throughout the day (or several days in a row)?
• Consistently moved your body in a way that felt revitalizing?
• Said no to something you didn’t really want to do?
• Intentionally created opportunities for fun and play?
• Truly felt that all areas of your well-being (physical, mental, emotional, relational, spiritual, sexual, financial, and any others that are important to you) were well cared for?

If it’s been awhile, you’re in good company. Most of us are underserved in at least some of these areas. I want you to know that it’s absolutely possible to both improve your wellbeing AND be highly productive AND achieve your goals. In fact, I witness time and time again that folks are actually MORE successful in meeting their goals when their wellbeing is in tip-top shape.

If that sounds good to you but you have no idea where to start, here’s a tool to get you started.

Make a list of 10 actions you can take each day to nourish your wellbeing. Think outside the box! Some of my own well-being practices include items like: expressing gratitude each day, snuggling with my dog, and reading something that inspires me each day. Once you have your list, post it where you can see it regularly. If you’re into tracking, you can keep track of which items you’re implementing, and how frequently. With dedicated effort, you’ll notice that what once may have seemed an insurmountable feat now seems “normal”. 

Finally, if you’d like to dive deeper into taking really good care of yourself and gain additional tools for tending to your well-being, check out my 30 Days of Extraordinary Self-Care. It’s totally free and self-guided, though I’m only an email away if you’d like more support.