I have entered the new year, a bit sluggish. Because there was so much to do around Christmas, it was nice to finally be able to sit back and relax. But there's a danger, of staying this way for too long. When do you know it's time to tap yourself on the shoulder, for a bit of honest feedback?
- Things aren't being done. The regular things, not just the big things. They're not even being thought about during the day.
- Excuses appear to avoid action, which aren't based in the present. Maybe relevant around Christmas - but now?
- Avoiding important events on the calendar, in advance - leaving them to the last minute, instead.
- You're starting to loose track of time in general.
When does rest become counter-productive to enhancing life? It's simple. Avoiding things, without good reason to. Rest gives us a wonderful break from carrying responsibilities, nonstop. A healthy pause. Beneficial to mind, body and soul. However, when there isn't good reason to continue - like the illness has passed, or the holiday period is over, but you're still languishing. Well, maybe it's time for some honest reflection?
If you cannot find a good reason to continue the pause, get proactive in your life and responsibilities again. It sounds extremely simple, I know. But you won't believe how I need to tap myself on the shoulder, sometimes. The events on the calendar are being recognised, early. Regular jobs are being adopted again, and even enjoyed! It's a slow start, but a necessary one.
Do you struggle with the transition between rest and work? What is your approach, to reboot again?
Oh I hear you!
ReplyDeleteThe dilemma is real!!
Sheer necessity usually boots me in the bum...eventually! 😂
I've had that kind of born out of necessity, boot in the bum, as well. Not quite as enjoyable as catching it early, lol. But yes, it definitely happens. :)
DeleteI know that I need a reboot when I feel my energy levels dipping really low. I sometimes just have tired days and I will be more lethargic then but I know when that goes on too long because the chores I would normally fly through keep getting moved from one daily list to the next without getting done:/ If I feel a reboot is necessary I start by making sure that I'm eating lots of healthy veg, drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep and going for walks. That will usually bring my energy levels back up again. Meg:)
ReplyDeletePaying attention to external inputs, is another good point to make. Diet, water and exercise, are normally ignored during the festive season too. So tackling those things, will often provide the energy required to get back on track. I'm enjoying the additional feedback from everyone. :)
DeleteFloating. In my mind I imagine that I float serenely from task to task. It is purely a mental thing for me.
ReplyDeleteSo mental framework, is another reboot formula? Choose the one which gets you going. I like it.
DeleteChris, don't tell me you have been wearing socks in this weather! LOL! It has been so humid that I find it hard to get back into routine once again but I have started my Leslie Sansone walking routine once again(in the lounge room)which I am quite pleased about. So much deep cleaning needing to be done but hopefully the humidity will clear up soon which will make that easier to get into. I have made some practical short lists of things to do this week to get back into the swing of things.
ReplyDeleteHa-ha! I don't even wear socks in the winter, unless I'm going out. It's ugg boots all the way, for me. That image was from a free photo source, called Pexel. I normally link the photo source (it's not obligatory) but I forgot this time.
DeleteWriting the list is another reboot formula. Thanks for the reminder. I was contemplating it last night, but didn't commit. I'm going to have to change that, as the day of school returning, starts in a few weeks. I need to get my ducks in order.
I find weather is a huge factor for me in terms of motivation. If it's blazing hot or frigidly cold, my motivation suffers terribly. So I try to do the laborious outdoor jobs in spring and fall, and save other things for staying in the shade or near the heat stove.
ReplyDeleteClimatic influences, helps determine the appropriate reboot strategy. Very true Leigh. No point fighting the weather, and how it's impacting our biological processes. I too prefer autumn (fall) and winter, as our more productive work months. Without snow here, it's very doable through winter. I like spring too, but it's a bit unpredictable. If we get hit with summer early, spring motivation barely makes it out the door.
DeleteLike the previous commenter, weather is a serious deterrent to action in our part of the world at the moment and I just don't try to fight it (forecast for tomorrow is 41 degrees, hot and windy). Winter I like....I get much more done so I kid myself that I make up for in winter what I don't do in summer.
ReplyDeleteMaking lists is one way I get myself going. There's something very satisfying in crossing something off!
Rebooting is harder if you completely shut down, so I guess the secret is to keep going, just a LITTLE bit. :)
41, ouch! Looks like we've swapped summers from last year. We were baking, while you enjoyed much milder weather. We are expecting 33 degrees tomorrow. I sure hope the hot, windy weather, passes without event. We were fortunate enough for that to happen, last year.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, keep something in the tank to reboot with later! There's nothing worse than starting from empty. ;)
I have a terrible time relaxing, to the point I know I am annoying to others, always jumping up to do something. So the rest thing is something I have to work on because when I am QUIET I am a better wife, mother, sister and friend. I do slow down for the GK's though. Not sure why that is.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this! I pick up people's dishes, just before they've finished, making them chew quicker. Or I'll put the milk away, they just got out, lol. It's a habit of mine, to tidy as I go and it's easy to lose track of what others are doing. I see the empty plate, but not the sandwich they still have in their hand. Or I see the milk out, without registering the person who put it there. I'm getting better at registering what others are doing though. ;)
DeleteWell, yes. I do struggle but when I don't get things done I don't feel like I'm a part of life. Having spent so much time bedridden last year, I struggled to grasp onto any routine that wasn't hospital related. Believe me, the day I finally cleaned my own bathroom felt marvelous. I am rebuilding my life so to speak.... With errands and tasks and chores.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're making progress with your improving health. Yes, it's a treat, just to be able to do something ordinary under your own steam! Errands, tasks and chores, give a sense of security because at least, for the most part, they're doable. :)
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