Could this small thing be affecting your mood?
There is one seemingly small action that we all do throughout the day, that once removed creates more ease and generally leaves you feeling better off.
It’s the action of doubling up.
This looks like…
- Trying to hop in the car whilst holding everything in your hands – your bag, your lunch, your coffee cup…
- Putting on your face moisturiser whilst also trying to put the lid back on.
- Calling your mum whilst trying to get ready for work.
We get caught up in trying to fit as much as possible into each moment, thinking that the more we do, the easier life will be. We believe that by doubling up we save time.
But in my experience it doesn’t, it ends up being frustrating and requires even more time and energy.
- You end up sitting on your bag whilst trying to get in your seat, but because your hands are full you can’t get it out of the way, and 9 times out of 10 you have to put everything down on the ground and start again.
- You end up dropping the lid and it rolls under the vanity, so then you have to get on your hands and knees and grab it out.
- You miss parts of the conversation with your mum, and end up having to repeat things and not feeling as though you’re connecting.
Whereas if you slow down, take one action at a time, or take additional time upfront to consider what is needed to help make things move more smoothly, it creates more space for the actions to happen easily and calmly. This could look like taking the time to put things in the boot or the passenger seat before hopping in. Putting the moisturiser on first, then putting the lid on. Getting ready completely then calling your mum on the way to work.
I know it might sound silly, but if you stop and think about it how many times throughout the day do you try and double up actions?
- What typically happens when you do this?
- How do you feel whilst doing it – Calm, centred, happy or frustrated, rushed, hassled?
- What would it look like if you slowed down here and took one thing at a time?
Sarah x
