Many of us have had those seasons of life where we feel like it’s a full-on rat race. Mindlessly doing the same thing every day, and never stopping to look up or take a breather. Last week I was reading a book “The Five Resets” by Harvard physician and stress expert, Dr. Iditi Neurukar. She shared a clever recommendation that she gives to many a stressed out clients who come into her clinic. And one that I want to share with you, my community.

AN EXPERT’S ANTIDOTE TO STRESS

She suggests that they “Live a Lifetime in a Day”, and that this thought process is a great antidote to our modern-day hustle culture. Whether she’s treating someone who is terminally ill or simply burned out, this strategic method of slowing down brings some peace of mind to anyone who tries it. And the concept is simple.

Take all of our typical “stages of life” and make sure you incorporate them into each waking day. Your next question is likely “what ARE the stages of life, and how do I actually do that in a 24-hour period?”

THE SIX STAGES OF LIFE, BROKEN DOWN

Her method is straightforward, with each stage as follows:

CHILDHOOD. Spend a little time each day on activities that cultivate your sense of wonder or play. Maybe something that evokes awe, like drinking in the natural beauty around you while on a walk outside. Or perhaps a revisiting a hobby that you gave up a long time ago, that brings you joy. One that enables you to fall into “flow state.”, that state I often refer to that makes time stand still because you’re fully immersed.
WORK. You often hear me refer to the fact that setting and achieving goals is great for our well-being. Make small goals each day and feel the sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes with accomplishing even the smallest of tasks.
VACATION. Be sure to unplug for a bit, each and every day. Think about the activities you do on vacation or to escape. This may look like reading, watching Netflix, baking, listening to music, etc. Create your own mini-holiday.
COMMUNITY. Spend time each day with your family, friends, or any group that gives you a sense of belonging. Studies show that finding like-minded individuals helps us feels supported. One of the most well-respected studies on human happiness in the world has proven that relationships are the single most predictor of human happiness and longevity. Go find your tribe.
SOLITUDE. Find time for quiet. Every day. It’s something I am ALWAYS promoting in my workshops, and something that is needed more than ever in today’s world full of constant notifications. Carving out time for mindfulness often leads us to solving our own pressing challenges.
RETIREMENT. Take a moment each day to pause and acknowledge all that you’ve accomplished. No matter how big or small. Spend a few moments to be grateful and reflect on life. You don’t need to be seeing a stress clinician for your burnout to benefit from this short paradigm shift. Nor must you have had a recent traumatic event. Regardless of where you may find yourself, taking the time to experience each of these six life stages allows us to be more intentional and to stay mindful.

A favorite Tibetan proverb that I often share is:

Which of these six stages could you spend a bit more time in today, to better take care of your minutes and years? To better take care of your tomorrow?