In our fast-paced, task-oriented world, very often there’s something missing – something that could make all the difference in our productivity. Resting.
I’m just as guilty of this as anyone – gobbling my lunch at the computer, moving from one task straight to the next, realizing at the end of a long day that I haven’t turned off my brain or got off my feet once. No wonder I’m so exhausted! And so unproductive.
This week I’ve got a rare kid-free week, with open stretches of days just beckoning me to get some work done that I’ve been unable to concentrate on since my kids finished school for the summer. In some ways, getting the kids off to day camp this week is a rest in itself.
But I know I won’t be working at my best if I don’t also take care of myself. So here’s a few things I’m going to do to make sure I’m at peak performance this week:
1. Eat lunch at the table. Maybe with a book.
2. Transition between tasks with a glass of water and a little break. (I might have to set a timer so I actually go back to work.)
3. Reward myself for goals accomplished with something that frees up my brain and relaxes me – reading a just-for-fun book, a mini yoga session, a dip in the pool (which I have yet to do this summer!)
There are lots of ways to give yourself a rest. What things best rejuvenate you? Try and pepper them throughout your day and see how much better you can work!
Erin E. M. Hatton 
Something that rejuvenates me and gives me a good break during the day is just 20 minutes of exercise in one way or another. Whether it’s a run or playing at the park with my kids.
Absolutely – they do say a change is as good as a rest 😉
Erin – I’m happy to hear you have a plan for rest & rejuvenation this week. Also delighted you’re including ways to reward yourself! This is something so many creatives struggle with. I actually gave myself “permission” to read a fictional novel most of yesterday & did very little else. Today feels like more R&R is needed. Back to the book soon.
Awesome, Kelly! 🙂
Nice post. I’ve been writing about similar things lately. I am currently unemployed by choice and it has been a struggle to enjoy it without being stressed about the future.
You might feel better about your time off if you consider it a sabbatical instead. 🙂 All the best with your plans for the future.