We’re all searching for that 25th hour in the day.
We’re stressed because we can’t accomplish every task we want to accomplish every single day. As our to-do lists grow, it seems we must be superheroes—or high-functioning sociopaths—to be “effective” people.
I feel the pressure, too.
But instead of beating myself up when my life isn’t “complete,” I give myself permission to be satisfied if, twice a week, I’m able to engage in the twelve solo endeavors that are most important to me (in no particular order):
Sunlight (one hour)
Writing (two hours)
Reading (one hour)
Sauna (30 minutes)
Yoga (30 minutes)
Squats (100 reps)
Pull-ups (60 reps)
Push-ups (200 reps)
Cycling (30 minutes)
Meditation (20 minutes)
Hiking/walking (two hours)
Weight training (30 minutes)
Some folks might call these endeavours simple self-care rituals, while I simply consider them part of a meaningful life. Although I’ll likely never accomplish all these tasks in one day, doing each just a couple times a week gives me 24 opportunities to improve my life every seven days.
Moreover, these pastimes make me a better version of myself, especially when I’m around others. Committing to twice a week relieves the pressure of daily expectations, and it has proven far more productive than trying to overdo everything. At under sixteen hours total, “self-care” occupies less than ten percent of my week, but it makes life immeasurably better during the other 90 percent.
I’m curious: What twice-a-week pursuits would improve your life? Let me know on Twitter.
