“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery that you miss by going too fast – you also miss a sense of where you are going and why.” – Eddie Cantor.

[mks_dropcap style=”square” size=”52″ bg_color=”#8224e3″ txt_color=”white”]M[/mks_dropcap]ost of us lead crazy and busy lives, whether it is juggling school, work or family, but the one thing we never seem to have time for is our self.  Making sure that we make time to relax, unwind and reflect upon our day is usually not our biggest priority.

Rest and relaxation rejuvenates our bodies, mind, and mood, and is linked to learning and memory function. Not getting enough rest can have a negative effect on our mood, immune system, memory, and stress levels. No one can function under a burden of stress. Functioning under a constant burden is like trying to fly an airplane with the wheels unlocked and the flaps down. There’s more ‘drag’ and greater resistance, in which much of our energy is wasted.  Relaxation can also mean taking the time to rejoice in what we’ve accomplished. Recognizing your accomplishments no matter how small can be a forceful drive to achieve even more.

As much as school, work and family take priority in our life, it is also important to schedule time for our own renewal. Here are four ways to make time for you and lead a well-balanced life:

 The best way to make time for you is to follow a routine. When we have no structure or organization, we become distracted and procrastinate, and therefore nothing gets done. By attempting to maintain a balanced routine, you will find that you are more at ease, have more time, and will experience an overall sense of peace and well-being.

The second way to make time for yourself is to make a list of how you spend your time. Writing down what you did throughout the day will help you to see whether or not you used your time effectively. Perhaps a few minutes throughout your day could have been spared for relaxation. Connecting with Allah  (SWT) is another way to make time for you. Belief in God, or a higher power, can be a deep well from which to draw inspiration, guidance, and strength that can help in times of stress.

The last tip is remembering that you cannot be good to anyone unless you are good to yourself. Start by being good to yourself. Take the time to listen to your body and mind. Ask yourself, “What do I need to do in order to de-stress?”

As busy as our schedules might be, taking time out of our day to sit, relax, and reflect is extremely beneficial. Our lives need balance. Life is all about balance; it helps us to excel in all aspects of living. Never forget, there are 24 hours in the day to set aside a few hours for your needs.