After a tough few months of lockdowns, juggling family and work schedules, anxiety/depression, job loss, death, not seeing friends and family - we are finally coming out on the other side of this damn pandemic. So it's time to live a little and get your life back on track!
Photograph: iStock
Text: Lyndsay Jensen
First, ask yourself this question: What is control, and what does it look like to you? Does it mean having the proper balance between your personal and professional life, or is it more about having the skills to make quick decisions? Control is different from person to person, and every once in a while, that control can slip. If this happens, there are things you can do to get back on track, eliminate bad habits, and live your life.
#1 Time for a life audit
Life audits are great to help you start paying attention to different areas of your life – career, intimate relationships, family relationships, emotional well-being, health, finances, spirituality, and creativity. When it comes to getting your life back on track, it's best to assess where you are at this present moment. Sometimes, when life takes over, we neglect essential and vital areas that cause us to sacrifice our health and overcompensate our time and energy in relationships and things that aren't serving us. The first step is to check in and see how happy you are in these major life areas if you want to learn how to get your life back on track. Successful people can be honest with themselves about which areas of their life need the most work.
#2 Bringing confidence back
Confidence is the root of how you show up every day. Showing up is more than getting up and going to work; it's about showing up with an intention for the day. When things are spiralling out of control, it's because you lack physical and mental clarity. Although confidence may seem an intangible element to grasp, it's far more within reach than you think. Think about what gives you confidence, and find things that correlate to that. If it's feeling good about your body, commit to fitness. If it's knowledge, learn from those you admire or reach out to a mentor you would like to work with.
#3 The great brain dump
Interesting fact: On average, we have 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day! Although it's impossible to keep track of every single thought that crosses our mind, there is still an uncontrollable list that flows into our consciousness, which can get in the way when you want to know how to get back on track. Next time you're feeling overwhelmed or feel that things are spinning out of control, take 15-20 minutes of brain dumping. This exercise isn't supposed to have structure, instead, do it in your own time and write everything that comes to mind. Once done, go through your notes, and prioritise them into different categories.
#4 It's the little things that matter
When you feel like you don't have control over the major events in your life, always remember you have control over the things that surround your space – literally. This means having control over how clean your house is, how organised your drawers are, if you eat healthily, how much money you spend, how often you see family and friends, etc. These little things add up and can also help you feel like you're regaining control of your life.
#5 Figuring out your purpose in life
Redefining or identifying your purpose couldn't be more accurate than during pandemic time. So many people have been forced to take stock of their life, and rethink their career paths. Diving into self-awareness can help identify or define your purpose, and that is the core of you. When things seem to be spiralling, refer back to your purpose and the joy that comes from it. Let that root you as you try getting life back on track.
#6 Time management is your friend
This is a super important life skill and one that takes years to master. There's nothing wrong with wanting to engage in multiple projects, but it's about moderation and portion sizes like everything else. Assess your day, and see how much of your time and energy go into certain areas and activities if you want to get your life back on track. Try and track how much time you are actually spending doing different activities, including work, recreation, and errands. You will be surprised by the results – trust me!
On a personal note, I'd like to thank all our readers and followers for sticking by us online. I know you will be just as thrilled as we are about returning to print (but still online too)! Next will be events, and the team and I can't wait to see you all again!