I’m sure this will be a theme in this post, but I love being an organized person. I have all the blog posts I want to write organized and planned out for which days I want to post them (check out my tips, here). Some may say that I enjoy planning for the future.
This has been a topic that has been weighing heavily on my mind recently. I see it as fitting to shift my color-coded schedule and share my thoughts about it now, because I think so many others are feeling this way, too. The future is a scary thought.
I’m scared that I won’t be able to handle or do it all. Failing at something terrifies me. I’m scared to re-enter the world post-COVID.
Thinking Ahead
I’m sure we can all relate to the start of a new semester, seeing all your syllabi, and getting a little overwhelmed (tips for studying, here). Something about just seeing everything you need to be doing right in front of you makes it seem 10x harder.
A little background. I’m a nutrition major at Drexel University a part of their accelerated BS/MS program. Pretty much, I’m an undergraduate senior, first-year master’s student, and dietetic intern all this year. I start my dietetic internship this week and could not be more excited. One step closer to becoming a registered dietitian!
As much as I love studying nutrition and school, I also LOVE this page. Posting on here and sharing my recipes and thoughts has become something that brings my life immense joy, especially during this crazy time. Then it hit me that I don’t think I’m going to have time for it all.
I think ahead to what this semester is going to look like for me, as well as next year. How am I going to do a 24 hour/week internship, full-time classes, dance, create recipes, and maintain somewhat of good mental health?! Thinking ahead to every task that we need to do in the future is terrifying and overwhelming. We can’t possibly do it all, but if we do it usually ends in burnout. Is there any way?
I’m not writing this to just share what’s happening in my life as a personal diary (well, maybe a little). I want to share this because I think that this is something SO many people are struggling with. We’ve seen in the past year that we can’t think ahead too far. How should we enjoy the present moment when the future is weighing so heavy on us?
Perfectionist Mindset and Wanting to Do It All
Let’s see if you can relate to this. You’re a perfectionist who hates letting people down, wants to be great at everything you do, has trouble saying no, has high-functioning anxiety, and just wants to do it all. Sound familiar?
I used to think that being a perfectionist was a positive trait. It definitely can be, but it also has its dark side. Some pros of being a perfectionist are getting work done on time, striving to be better, and having strong organization skills. The cons are that it’s hard to let go, we beat ourselves up when something goes wrong, and we tend to overwork ourselves and have poor boundaries and limits.
I’m a perfectionist and I want to do it all. I want to be a full-time student, dietetic intern, make straight A’s, have a job, maintain my friendships, and run a food/wellness blog. It’s not bad to want to do it all. That’s how we grow and push ourselves. I think the problem comes when we can’t accept that we can’t do it all.
Trying to Slow Down, Enjoy, and Give Grace
I guess the point of this, is that it’s okay to be scared for the future. It’s okay and actually great to recognize that about yourself. A lot of people push too far and want to do it all, and usually, just burn out. I don’t want that for myself, and I certainly don’t want that for any of you. Check out how you don’t need to go crazy in order to be productive, here.
This weekend, I had therapy, then went to the beach after and literally did NOTHING. I laid myself down in the sand, listened to The Skinny Confidential Podcast, then did a guided meditation. And let me tell you, I’ve never felt better and more energized. I’m starting to learn that giving yourself breaks is not a sign of weakness or laziness. It’s an absolute necessity to progressing in your life and avoiding burnout.
Here are the best things I’ve started implementing in my life to begin slowing down:
1. Spend more time in nature
I’m telling you, when I graduate college, I’m moving to California or somewhere that’s warm all-year-round with a beach. Something about putting your bare feet in the sand and just breathing in the fresh air does wonders for your mental health. If you’re feeling scared or overwhelmed, try going outside, even just for a few minutes. Put your feet in the grass, sand, or cement, and just be present.
2. Take a true mental health day
It’s a little sad to say, but I didn’t take my first true mental health day until a few weeks ago. I used to think that if someone took a mental health day and did absolutely nothing, they were lazy. Boy, was I wrong. I took a day where I didn’t go on social media, didn’t look at my phone, and didn’t do any school work. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you’re not comparing yourself to others or trying to plan your future down to the minute.
3. Breathwork and meditation
Your breath is extremely powerful. Think of your inhale as the “on” switch to your stress, and your exhale as the “off” button. The longer you exhale, the calmer you’ll feel and the lower your stress will become. Every morning, I do yoga then a few minutes of quiet breathwork. Not going to lie, it’s hard to be still and not think. I’m not very good at it, but I think that just means that I need it that much more.
I’m not too sure what I want the meaning or goal of this post to be. I just felt it to be true and right to get these thoughts out and not just fake being okay. I’m struggling right now, and I know I’m not alone with feeling this way. Hopefully, this helps you realize that you’re not alone either.
xoxo
