Rest and recuperation are necessities most overlooked. Perhaps because most of us don’t see them as necessary enough. Obvious, I know. This is not a criticism though. It’s not our fault.
Life has its way of throwing crazy challenges at us. Forcing us to prioritise what we feel is most important. It may be making a living, having a career, keeping afloat, being dependable to the people who rely on us and many other things.
However, some of us neglect downtime. We have a negative and exploitative relationship with it. We try to use it as a form of procrastination. Or don’t use it enough because we see it as a sign of laziness or weakness.
Ask yourself though when was the last time you really rested? I mean truly rested. Had downtime. Did something for yourself, not because it was an annual event like a wedding anniversary or a birthday, but just because. When was the last time you took a break that you wasn’t forced into through fear, exhaustion, injury or illness?
Possible ways to try to combat this:
- Monitor your health more. Check your heart rate, sleeping productivity, energy levels
- Ask for help more.
- Maybe ask a friend to babysit the kids on a weekend; take the time for yourself.
- Perhaps ask a co-worker to cover your shift before you start to feel exhausted.
- If you run your own business, try to delegate more so you have more opportunities to take time away.
- Schedule self-care activities, so you don’t forget to fit them in.
- Share household responsibilities so you don’t overwork yourself
- Get comfortable with saying ‘No’ sometimes. You can’t do it all
- Remember self-care is not selfish.
- Just like with other healthy activities, balancing good rest and recuperation is a necessity.
Jaaay
J writes 