Thrive Global: Is It Time to Step Off the Gas?
"My 3-year-old got me sick last week. It was a bad cold that took me out for most of the week.
During this time, I couldn’t focus much, so I read a few light novels and mostly stared into space willing my sinuses to get their act together.
And it was….great actually.
Because in all that empty space, I realized that I’ve been on “drive” mode for months. So concentrated on keeping up with the kids and building at work that I’ve gotten sloppy with my health and friendships. (And I had no idea.)
And while I mostly enjoyed that focused time, it’s still dangerous to never take a true break, even from things you love.
You can’t see if your life is unbalanced if you never slow down enough to look.
So, when was the last time you took a true break?
Not an hour locked in your closet or a semi-outing where you prep all the food for your kids and hubby.
But an honest to goodness, “I don’t have to do anything all day” break.
Or at least an “I’m doing the bare minimum today, and that’s ok” kind of day.
It may feel like something will collapse if you’re not holding it all together, but it won’t. (Think of it as helping others to step up)
You have to let off the gas to hear that voice deep inside of you. Because that voice usually has something important to say, and we’ve got to remember to make room for enjoying life too.
So, give yourself a chance to re-balance, check in on your purpose, and benefit from a happiness boost too.
What can you do during your self-prescribed time off?
If you need a few ideas, try…
- Doing a hobby you love (here are fun hobbies for women ideas)
- Reading a light book
- Going on a lot of nature walks
- Sitting in the sun enjoying a nice day
- Enjoying a date with your partner, kids, or friends
- Journaling about anything that pops into your head
In Conclusion
Is it just my family, or is mom always the one who gets sick too? Leave a comment and let me know if this is how it is in your home! And then let me know how you’ll be taking time for yourself soon.
Because I think you may have a tickle in your throat. You might be coming down with something and you should probably go lay down. 😉"
*We often forget to take time for ourselves in our busy lives because there is always something going on! We can lose ourselves in our family and work lives and we forget what it's like to take a true break. Even if there's no time to just not do anything, taking some time to just chill is really important. There are some great ideas listed above and plenty more you can look up! Take the time you deserve!*
#SelfCare #Relax #StepOfftheGas
Read the full article here!! 🌞
I don't really know how to make a true break possible. Bare minimum? Sure. The bare minimum actually involves a fair bit though for me and has for over a decade.
I do feel burnt out a fair bit, I don't think there's much out there for solutions to that.
The tickle in the throat comment really displays the big differences in my life and the author's. For me that's a medical emergency, it's not a break.
@AffyAvo I really do understand Affy. It's so hard to take the time necessary for a real break in our busy schedules. Maybe you could schedule a nice vacation soon! There's nothing like spending time on a beach for self-care <3
@fruityPond7887 It's not as simple as going on vacation. I still have to keep up with my medications, including infusions. With contact dermatitis going to the beach isn't simple, no one can even tell me a safe sunscreen.
@AffyAvo What if you did even a little staycation for a night? Those are always nice too! ❤️
@fruityPond7887 i make it a point to take breaks like that every once in a while thay're wonderful
@zealousGrace5023 I agree! I'm really happy you have that habit! I'm sure it really helps when you are feeling overwhelmed :)
@fruityPond7887 it does and it's necessary I'm also very lucky to have the luxury to be able to do that
@zealousGrace5023 I'm so proud of you for realizing that <3 Thank you for sharing!
@fruityPond7887 thank youu
@fruityPond7887
thanks for the article and in a way reminder to take some time off my life! I think I definitely agree that when we’re busy it’s easy to lose motivation and drive to move forward. It’s important to have moments where we stop and recuperate our drive and motivation to move forward.
@sunnyWriting4806 Exactly! We aren't meant to constantly work, but that's how our society is unfortunately. I hope you are able to feel better after taking your breaks!