Time Flow

We live in a world that is primarily focused on output. Behaving like machines, we often get tricked into believing that our worth is linked to our productivity. This model leads us to a work-hard, play-hard mentality that firsts exhausts us, then distracts us. With no time invested in nourishing ourselves, we live for that big vacation or long weekend getaway. We yearn for time – to slow down, to breathe, to feel like ourselves again. 

But what if instead of working yourself to the point of exhaustion and needing a vacation, you adopted an approach where your needs to give (output), receive (input) and rest were bundled into each day? What would life look like if a vacation wasn’t just to replenish you but filled you up so that your joy spills onto others? What if you operated from a place of abundance?

Transition into believing that you give from a place of overflow not depletion. 

You know the difference between flow and fight. There are days you glide through – those seemingly effortless days where you accomplish it all, have time, and feel good. Then there are days where you are struggling to do the bare minimum. These days leave you feeling depleted, lacking. A little intention can help us find our pace so that more and more of our time is spent in flow versus fight. 

Up this week: 

1.     Finding Time Flow

2.     End Routines

3.     Sleep

FINDING TIME FLOW: Creating an on/off signal helps our brains transition from one phase of our day into the next. Our rituals and habits (purposeful or not) send signals to our brains all the time. You’ll be familiar with some. Your morning coffee tells your mind to start gearing up for your day. Your evening glass of wine or tv time tells your mind you would like to shift into a slower gear. 

Like everything in life, your day has rhythm too. It often goes unnoticed because you don’t realize you have the power to pace yourself. So, let’s see how you might reclaim it. 

Mornings and evenings aren’t the only time to send signals. We can learn to find the flow in our day by creating some “bookends” within our day as well. Section time off into chunks for productivity (output), receptivity (input) and rest. These will help you get some time to refuel and reset yourself (remember your intentions from Week 1 in Creating Time?).

Your mind will feel sharper and more productive when you need it (remember list making from Week 2?!) because you are self-supporting your day. This internal infrastructure allows you to comfortably step back, enjoy your ‘off’ time, and bounce back with total confidence. Now each day holds everything you are looking for: productivity, inspiration, and fulfillment.The focus here is on the intentionality of your time spent over the actual quantity of time spent.

What does ‘off’ time consist of? Whatever you need! The only caveat is you’ll want to do something soul-filling versus distracting. This will look different for each person. Here are some things that fill me up: time outside, walking, a cup of tea, a few deep breaths, meditation, speaking to a friend, laughing, and reading a book. If I spend time on social media or the internet or run errands, I often still feel stimulated rather than relaxed.

I used to feel like things would come crashing down if I stepped away from my busy-ness, but I have never found that to be the case. So, start small – maybe just a few minutes here and there – as you begin to trust the process and yourself. I know this can seem like a hard idea. I didn’t believe it until I tried it. We often feel like there is never enough time in a day. And that may be true some days. But I’ll bet if you start out with something as small as one or two intentional minutes, your days will start to feel more like rolling hills than rollercoasters. 

END ROUTINES: The end of your day can be one of the hardest to invest in. But choosing to create a strong ‘bookend’ here pays ten-fold. Signaling your brain to transition with healthy end of day habits, sets you up for real restoration, satisfaction and meaning. On the most hectic days when I still choose to cook a meal and spend time at the table with my family, I never regret it. I am reminded of my why – the reason I do what I do. For love. For family. For connection. I nourish my body and soul. A healthy eating routine can be a restful and fulfilling bookend to mark the reclaiming of “me” time. 

That being said, a wonderful meal does NOT need to be complicated on time consuming. Like the other parts of your day – it’s about having the right tools and some creativity. (A side note: I cannot emphasize meal planning enough. It takes mental fatigue out of the equation. Doing is almost always easier than thinking.) I’m highlighting a new hero in my house: fonio. I love it for its extreme versatility which means I can use it in a pinch. Here’s a quick dinner recipe (see blog Real Food, Real Fast: Veggie Fonio) that uses any fridge odds and ends and tastes delicious. Use it as a side dish or a main. 

SLEEP: A funny thing happens to me as I wind down. I start to get a lot of creative inspiration and my mind get a second wave of energy. Creating nighttime ‘bookends’ are vital for my sleep quality. Routine is key. I tack my bedtime rituals onto my children’s. As I get them ready for bed, I find myself in a beautifully peaceful state. I decided to take advantage of that built in relaxation and carry it through into my own end-of-day routines (no screens, no more lists, just a soothing and joyful act like reading or spending time with my husband). Let “small and consistent” guide you to supportive routines, more flow, and more time.