Escape the Rat-Race - 7 Ways to Regain Your Health

Are You a person who strives to learn how to make money more than anything else? Are you dissatisfied with your normal job or work routine? Do you spend a lot of time complaining about not having enough time, money, or love?

Chances are if you answered Yes' to any of these questions then your on your way to becoming trapped within the 'Rat Race' or you've become a 'Rat Racer.' If you consider the definition of Rat race, explained by the Oxford Dictionary, it states:

“A way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power; an exhausting, usually competitive routine.”

Whether you're constantly logging onto your computer all week or weekend, trying to meet work deadlines; constantly accessing your iPhone; to, dealing with everyday life conflicts or overload. It's time to wake up. I'm very mindful that its hard to break old habits, and you may be a person who needs a much needed break from family routines, or work.

However, this article is not only geared around the need to understand the subtle and long term damage the rat race can cause - but, also to examine your own boundaries that you have or haven't set between your
work and routine life.

In today's modern fast paced world, its not that uncommon for working individuals to have to tackle a one to two-plus-hour-long commute, then spend long hours at the worksite or office, or maybe just always being in the 'on - mode' even after-hours and on weekends. Then add to the mix, the actual time being spent away from your family, or the relentless in-house job role competition from inside your workplace.

Are you hunting for happiness or never feel contentment? Are you a person who the more you achieve, the more you want? (e.g. house, another car, another job, or more money). Are you always comparing yourself to others?

Do you relate to the following mindsets? I will be happy when I get my job promotion, I will be happy on the day I get married, I will be happy when I get the house or car of my dreams. I will be happy when I start making x amount of money.

Sadly, all these mind aspirations have an imaginary future label attached to them, and they're not where you'll find the real happiness you're probably trying to find. I think I have some authority here; as, I am someone who left this similar rat race myself and escaped to the country. After years in the corporate environment and dare I say it - a mid- life and career crisis, I started to re-evaluate what’s truly important to me.

Yes, I had observed the stress, fatigue and unhappiness long enough in many others and myself to realize that a lifestyle change was inevitable. So, I started taking small steps to realize my own vision.

In considering the expertise of Harvard Professor and leading researcher Tal Ben-Shahar - there are four different happiness archetypes. Firstly, there are people who have just lost their joy in life; whether it be work or in their private life. Secondly, some people will generally just live for the moment, feel unchallenged, and give little or no thought to future consequences and plans. Hence, they often feel unfulfilled.

Thirdly, many people are rarely pleased and they will attach their happiness to future outcomes, which many times don't come to fruition. Finally, Professor Ben-Shahar states that real happiness comes from 'focusing on your life gifts' within the present moment and enjoying them, and nourishing your life with healthy and positive thoughts each day.

Have you ever wondered why many of life's beautiful moments and small pleasures come at a low cost or even for free? Whether it's playing with your pet or taking a walk on the beach or in nature. Similarly, the positive energy you can gain from just having a good conversation over a cup of tea or coffee with someone close or placing fresh flowers in your bedroom each day can be invaluable.

You don't want to live your precious life in survival mode. You don't have to feel like a robot at work or constantly feel frustrated or drained. Be mindful also that you can still be happy, despite your personal circumstances. Was it not Mark Twain who said;

                  “The most important two days in your life are the day you were born,                      and the day you find out why.”

Step 1 - Take time out to Breathe and Slow Down

Research is highlighting that breathing exercises can be very effective - not only for any immediate and long-term stress reduction, but also helps to minimize anxiety, anger, and build up nervous system resilience. Strive, to regularly take time out in order to elicit the relaxation response.

Step 2 - Channel your Energy into things you really Enjoy

You need to channel your energy into positive outcomes, not negative ones. Which means, you need to start slowly disconnecting from things that cause you fear, anxiety, anger or stress. In short, "know thy triggers" Maybe start by striving to bring more laughter into your life or seek out what turns your inner light on. Trigger the inner feel-good energy, by being grateful for what you have or helping others in need.

Step 3 - Learn how to be better Manage your your Time

Plan and strive to make better use of your free time, with the goal of making smarter choices with what you do with yours. Time management is the key in many life situations. So, try to focus your time on things you enjoy doing most and try your best to stick with them.

Step 4 - Reduce your Habitual Reliance on Technology

Internet addiction has become a major global health problem, and its real. So much so, that its changing people's personality and rehab clinics are sprouting up everywhere. Try to watch less computer games or videos and reduce your daily time on social media.

Step 5 - Realize YOUR true inner Spiritual Gift
 
Let me remind you that we're all born with a 'spiritual gift' and it will grow and strengthen as we age. If you often feel lost and empty, then it is likely you haven't worked out what your 'life purpose' is. You will have an inner talent, ability, a vision, or even a power to do something, or maybe a strong intuition keeps occurring. Recognize it, and then put it into action.

Conclusion

Do you like the way your future looks? If your answer is No, then you need to harness your past experiences and start to make choices that support and improve your overall quality of life. Don't be afraid to try, and realize that everyone has an inner passion, so why not focus on that and see where it takes you.

Strive to not get caught up fiercely competing for wealth or power; it's not only mentally and physically exhausting, it's also bad for your health and your soul. In closing, don't let your worries ruin your joy - try to cultivate optimism and trust the flow of life.