Viewing a schedule that contains appointments, meetings, and scheduled activities releases dopamine in the brain and a boost of adrenaline (not to mention self-esteem). This is a real phenomenon that psychologists have labeled as "Action Addiction."
When we believe that keeping packed schedules is positive proof of being ambitious, competent, professional, important, and/or successful, over-scheduling can become the norm. The perception is that being really busy equals being really productive. The 80/20 Rules of Life debunk this notion.
Those who find that they are action addicts (not to be confused with those who love adventure) need to look more closely at their schedules and honestly assess the significance of the agenda items they see. Can some things be consolidated (e.g., one weekly meeting instead of two)? Can some things be shifted around for the purpose of convenience? Most importantly, can some things be removed altogether? Most true action addicts will say no.
That's why the scheduling of unscheduled time becomes imperative.
When your life begins to feel like a Rubik's cube, the work/life integration strategy of scheduling unscheduled time (time in which you not only intentionally, but purposefully, block out time on your schedule to do nothing) can help.
Scheduling unscheduled time allows you to integrate the 3 things that matter most to us, which are people, time, and activities. The scheduling of unscheduled time can provide you with a a stable center of flexibility that can not only insulate you from stress by granting you the freedom to do nothing, or something non-work related.
By saying no to over-scheduling, and yes to unscheduled time, you can unlock your Rubik's cube time dilemma. This will create more time flexibility; thus affording you an opportunity to plan spontaneity or down-time. And it's fitting, considering that of all the pieces of the Rubik's that move, only the center remains stationary - for a reason.
Take your cue.
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