Right now I’m in Molokai, Hawaii.
Recharging my battery.
Why? Because I’ve been working hard for the past several weeks, and to do my “thang” at optimal levels, I have to reboot my life’s computer and recharge my body’s batteries — OFTEN.
I didn’t always know this. Unfortunately.
I used to work, and work and work some more. Without breaks. Without treats. Without vacations. Without rest.
My adrenals konked out. My body broke down. My sinuses were in an uproar. And I felt downright lousy for years and years and years.
Here’s the thing: We are MEANT to be under stress.
That’s right.
To live a fulfilling life, you MUST stress yourself. And regularly.
“Woah, woah, woah: STRESS? I’m confused… Weren’t you just talking about “relaxation?”
Yup. Just keep reading…
You feel alive when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. You feel giddy when you conquer a fear. You feel exhilarated when you learn a new skill. You feel outright awesome when you do something you didn’t believe possible.
BUT…
What most people forgot to tell you is that you need to build in rejuvenation BETWEEEN all your stresses, too.
If you forget this important tidbit, you’re guaranteed to hit a wall. And the longer you wait, the harder you’ll crash. (Ouch!)
Life without breathers can cause a lack of focus, mental fatigue, working inefficiently, and making poor choices. A list of further effects can go on and on and on.
Life ideally should look like a series of hills and valleys: A stress, then rest, stress, rest, stress, rest, stress, rest…
You get the shtick.
So if you’re not taking naps, vacations, respites and pauses in between, your battery will run down. Empty. Done. Sayonara, sister.
When I plan my year, I now build in breaks at strategic times. And when I plan my day, I’m learning to build in some breathers here and there.
I’m here to give you full permission to push the envelope and reach for the stars! But also make sure to take time out to have fun, sleep in, watch the sun set and read a great book along the way.
“RECHARGING” ACTION STEPS:
1. Take 5 minutes to look over this week’s schedule. Where can you dock yourself into your spiritual recharging station for a few moments, hours, or days?
2. In the next 6 months, can you schedule in 1 week (or more) to unplug from the hoopla and give yourself permission to simply “BE” — without having to “do” a single darn thing?
REBOOTING IDEAS:
Consider incorporating 1 of the ideas below…
• Turning off your alarm and letting your body sleep until it’s rested
• Scheduling an evening to watch a light, funny or romantic movie
• Take an afternoon off to explore a new street, town or area
• Book a trip months in advance, especially after an intense work stint
• Pick 1 day a week where you don’t do ANYTHING work-related
• Select 1 weekend a month to use for a road trip, overnight jaunt or other fun adventure
• Curl up in a cuddly robe and slippers, and read a girlie novel while sipping Jasmine green tea
• Give yourself 30 minutes to snuggle up in a favorite spot and flip thorugh a magazine
• Go for a 15 minute “awareness walk” — where you simply look, observe and experience the beauty of your surroundings
…What other ideas can you add to this list?
…Do you have other favorite time-out treats?
SHARE + SUPPORT:
Share your plans for adding in more R&R into your schedule below in the comments box, and help inspire your fellow Soul-Sisters here in our secret, Unstoppable land…
And I’ll see you when I return from MY “recharging” island romp.
With love from glorious Molokai….
Stephanie
© Copyright 2012 Stephanie McWilliams LLC
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