Sit down in a comfy chair, grab your favorite book or knitting project, and RELAX!
This morning I had a chat with my business coach. I had two computers die on me this week (thankfully, I brought the desktop back to life when I learned the fan was the problem–after 10 years of working almost exclusively on notebooks I didn’t know I needed to clean that regularly… oops!). And then a migraine hit yesterday. Jill asked me what it would take to get me to acknowledge it was time for a little break.
The topic of taking time out for yourself to de-stress was on my list to blog about this week with the cute, dressed up dog theme… Yes, I see the irony!
So, my question to you is, do you need a time out, too?
Maybe you’re in a spot where you can take a full day off. If so, give yourself that gift! It’s okay to walk away and take a break once in a while.
If you can’t, then take an hour or two, or even 30 minutes, whatever you can spare and relax. Do something just for YOU and just for fun.
Here are some ideas:
- Go buy a bunch of different kinds of chewing gum you’ve never tried then try them all (kids love to do this with you) – idea from http://adventuresinfreetime.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/65/
- Make a snow angel, snow man, or throw snowballs in your yard, if you’ve got snow
- Take the phone off the hook, grab a blanket, and get cozy with your favorite beverage for a few quiet minutes
- Dance to your favorite high-energy song
- Give yourself permission to watch your favorite movie — without folding laundry, doing dishes, checking email, or doing anything else while you watch
- Take a bubble bath (yeah, it’s a stereotype, but I don’t care, it’s relaxing!)
- Clear your mind and do 20 minutes of yoga without worrying about what else you should be doing
- Take Fido the Dog for a walk or give Fluffy the Cat a nice massage/cuddle
- Color or finger paint with your kids and remember what fun it was to be a kid
- Got a daughter? Trade manicures! Or treat yourself to one in town
- Sneak in an afternoon nap!
Or whatever works to make you feel pampered and recharged. Treat yourself like a Princess (or Prince) even if it’s just for a little while. You deserve it.
P.S. This post inspired by Sara from http://craftsforkidlets.com and her suggestion to take a princess retreat!
This is a great reminder, Michelle. I know I need a break. My anxiety level is at an all-time high. I need to get over feeling guilty even thinking about it. (If I was still working “out there,” I have no doubt I would have taken a vacation day by now.)
That’s a great point, Angie. With a “regular” job we get that built in vacation time (and regular days off). You deserve a break!
It is so true Michelle! We need that time to rejuvenate and when we give ourselves that time we do better at our jobs! One of my personal favorites is afternoon naps. My bed is one of the most comfortable places in the world. Combine an afternoon nap with one of my favorite shows (I’m a sucker for HGTV) and after that I’m ready to conquer the world!
Very true – it’s amazing what a little time away can do for our creativity and energy levels.
Excellent post! I’m doing that today, actually. I’m just about to sit down with a book and later, I’m doing some visiting with my kids who are out on their own now. I might just have to throw in some gum chewing and finger painting as well :).
Definitely share those finger paintings with us. ;) Enjoy your book and visiting, Leanne.
Michele,
I just had to come see the dog picture that went with that title!
Yes, I could use a time out! Doesn’t always seem to happen all at once?
Can I add one more thing to your list? Go see a live performance. Watch others create in the real world. This is a good time to do this.
Life does seem to like to send things at us all at once.
Great suggestion! I took my daughter to see the Nutcracker last week (the ballet school she attends was presenting it) and it was wonderful to just get away and relax a bit, and watching the talented ballerinas was inspiring.