Hectic schedule taking over your life?

We live in a time where the general belief is that it's better to be overly busy than having too much free time. We only have 24 hours in a day and we have to do as much as possible with the time we have. It is great to be productive, especially when it helps to work toward a desired goal but it's crucial to make time for the important things in life that contribute to your happiness.

I've come to learn that some of the most important elements that should top the 'to do list' include taking care of yourself, being well rested, and building meaningful relationships. I find that these are the hardest to sometimes accomplish, especially all at once, but the rare times I've been able to reach this trifecta I tend to feel much better about life. When I don't get enough rest and am not being mindful of what I'm eating or not taking vitamins on a regular basis it reflects in my health, whether it's feeling tired or getting sick more often. In a busy life, extreme tiredness nor sickness are welcome as it takes time from accomplishing the goals at hand. It's great to take care of others and give of your time, but at the same time realize that if we don't make ourselves a priority, at least sometimes, we won't be much good to any one else.

The third component of the trifecta, cultivating meaningful relationships, is a component that I've found as I get older becomes harder and harder to achieve. I've found that it's essential for me to have core group of people that I can turn to that will help me navigate life. In realizing this I've also come to an understanding that it requires that I actually take time to build and strengthen my relationships. It's important to call and check up on people, be a good friend, listen when needed, provide words of reassurance and most importantly take time to be there when a friend needs you. I've found that reciprocal relationships have been the healthiest and most rewarding ones, because ultimately I feel like I have not only invested in the relationship but have gained from my investment of time with that other person. How often have you felt that you have been the one that has put more time and effort in a relationship? For me, when I get to this point I often have to figure out if the friendship is worth addressing the issue or if I would be better served by placing that person in the acquaintance category. It may seem like harsh logic, but let's be realistic are you really willing to spend precious time on those who don't seem interested in spending time with you or who never seem to be there for you when needed? This all goes back to the theory that quality is better than quantity. I'll take strong relationships with a few good friends that I can depend on over having hundreds of friends that I can't trust or will drop me like a bad habit when I need them.

So ladies and gentlemen, what have you missed from your life while filling your hectic schedule? Is your hectic schedule fulfilling or are you just filling in the empty spaces with nonsense? You may find that it's likely that you could do a better job at taking care of yourself and others.