STOP DOING, START BEING

We're living in a world where everything has to be faster, better and more efficient. Everything we do needs to have an adequate reason and a perfect result, otherwise we tend to feel guilty and dissatisfied. It is true that we only have one life and that we should try to make the best out of it. But sometimes doing so means to take a step back and do something without any deeper meaning...

Take a look into your calendar. Is the whole week already planned out? Doctor's appointment on Tuesday, coffee with Peggy on Wednesday and gym on Friday? In your "free time" you have to book the tickets for the next family gathering, find a gift for James' wedding and start reading the book that's waiting on your bed table for some time now.

Our life is full of tasks and responsibilities, no longer only regarding our job. We're in a constant rush, driven by the high demands that we (mostly) place on ourselves. This often makes us lose sight of what is really important: finding a healthy balance between activity and unwinding and especially finding back a connection to ourselves and the present moment. Here are some suggestions on how to make room to breathe and to "be" instead of "do".

1) Write a letter

When was the last time you told someone how much he or she means to you? You don't have to become the new Shakespeare - simply send a small postcard telling someone that you've thought of him. Is a friend's birthday coming up soon? Send a real card instead of a text message. Did you go through old photo albums and found an especially funny example? Put it in an envelope and send it! It's an easy way to show someone some affection by putting a tiny bit of time and effort. And believe me: the addressee will be more than happy (or even thrilled) to find something else than a bill or brochure in his post box!

2) Go for a walk

And by this I don't mean pass by the pharmacy on your way to the gym. Step out of the house and just follow your nose! Explore the neighborhood, go to a forest nearby or simply walk around the block a few times. No rules, no reason, no destination. Just some "me-time" to free your mind and take a break from the constantly demanding world. You can take this opportunity to order your thoughts and sort your life, or you can accept the offer with thanks and simply think of nothing at all.

3) Do a puzzle

There is almost nothing as relaxing and casual as a puzzle. There is no bigger purpose to it, really. Sure, you could put it into a frame after you've finished and hang it on the wall - if it's a really beautiful motive, I would even recommend it - but the main purpose of doing a jigsaw is to really focus on something without any need for an instant result. It's about taking your time and being in the moment: step by step, piece by piece. Enjoy!

4) Pick some flowers

A meadow in the park next door or some roses in your grandma's garden: Nature offers so many beautiful varieties and colors. It's up to you to use them to bring some happiness into your appartment and into your life. Attentive inspection, conscious decision, careful completion - this not only allows us to enjoy nature and spend some time outside, it also helps us to simply live in the present moment. Not to mention the heavenly smell...

5) Take a bath

When it's getting cold outside and all the flowers are gone, there is another way to withdraw from the hectic hustle and bustle out there: Light up some candles, choose a nice-smelling bath essence and pour the water! Promise, there won't be any quality check or assessment during your stay. This is only about you, your pleasure and relaxation. So leave your thoughts and worries outside the bathroom door and dive into a moment of enjoyable idleness...