3 Ways to Charge Your Batteries
This post is Day #5 of the 31 Days to a Better Work + Life Balance series!
I think our generation is really comfortable living in stress.
Not comfortable in the way that we like it, but comfortable in the way that we are used to it. Many of us are constantly on the go, in charge of a million details and then actually have trouble on the opposite side of the spectrum - resting.
We don't know how to unplug. We don't know how to NOT look at the clock or our phones for long periods of time. We don't know how to feel content if we're not getting things done.
Living at top speed can really wear down our health, creativity and compassion for others. But I know that sometimes life is just hard and it's NOT possible to live in a stress-free environment. I have two kids under four and one of which is autistic. So high anxiety, stressful situations just kind of follow me everywhere I go. I can't change my circumstances, but I can make them a little more bearable by finding ways to regularly recharge. Here are three areas I focus on...
Self Care
For me this means praying, reading a few verses and then getting dressed with simple hair and makeup BEFORE my kids get up. This feels like so much effort some days but honestly it's 15-20 minutes. My goal is for my kids to be woken up with hugs and a smile (AND for my son's bus driver lady not to see me looking scary haha) but it helps me start each day positively. Then if I need to go anywhere or someone stops by, I'm ready for it. Showering, getting enough sleep, painting nails, exercising, wearing accessories, etc. all fit into this category. Do a little something that makes you feel put together because you matter.
Hobbies/Rewards
In order to get myself motivated for the day, I go out and get a coffee or juice every work day. Sometimes this means Starbucks but other times if my coffee card is drained, it means getting it for 75 cents at the gas station haha. I love to start my day getting out in the fresh air, turning up good music, getting my coffee and then sitting down at my desk to work. I also love ending the day with something good. My favorite thing to look forward to is curling up in bed with a cozy candle and reading, scrapbooking or pillow talk with my man. Getting even just half an hour to do my favorite things helps me be energized when it's time to work.
Socializing
I'm am right on the line between introvert and extrovert so I know this might look differently for everyone. Sometimes being with others drains me and other times it recharges me. But I do think it's important to make time daily to stop and check in with others. For me this means physically getting up and greeting my husband with a hug at the door, physically sitting down with no distractions to play with my kids, sending a few encouraging texts to my friends/sisters while eating lunch, etc. Each of these things takes maybe 5-15 minutes but it helps me to remember that there is more to life than getting things done.
Okay so today's goal for us is to find simple ways to relax and recharge. Get creative and think about things you would love to do if you had all the time in the world. Try to find little ways to work them into your daily life now.
Do you have some good tips for resting and recharging? Share below!
