If you’re anything like me, the thought of not doing anything is slightly daunting. I’m always on the go; I love learning, I love creating, I love being busy with projects. And, like a lot of people, sticking to the same routine is, arguably, pretty routine for me! For the most part, routine is a huge benefit to my lifestyle. However, there comes a point when having a set schedule becomes too mundane and doesn’t fuel me in the way I need. I end up feeling less motivated to check off whatever is on my to-do list and instead, start to have this sense of being stuck.
I used to just push through this, thinking it would just pass. And sometimes it did. There were periods though where this ‘stuck’ feeling lasted for days or even weeks at a time and the more I tried to push myself, the more I started to resent the task in front of me.
One thing I’ve started to recognise is that this means my body and brain need a break – and not just a few minutes away from the screen. I need to temporarily walk away to come back more refreshed. After all, my best work isn’t produced when I am tired and frustrated, bored or depleted. Rather, it comes from being energised and having a genuine love for it. Sometimes I need to walk away for an hour or an afternoon. Other times, ‘walking away’ means putting my ‘Out-of-Office’ on and having a few days focusing on other activities that have been on the back burner.
Learning to recognise when I need to take a step back and have a break is essential so that my projects and hobbies continue to be enjoyable. This is still something I’m figuring out but I’m glad I am recognising this. We all need rest – sleep, yes – but also rest away from being in ‘work mode’ whether it be for school/university or full-time and part-time jobs.
When I need a short break, I try to avoid screens because I work on one for most of the day. I often find myself going for woodland walks or getting ice cream/coffee, and having a nap is sometimes a good call when I am feeling particularly tired. I also like doing paint-by-numbers, playing the guitar, painting my nails, and browsing the local shops. If you struggle to carve out time to recharge, sometimes it can help to have planned activities with a friend so that you can hold each other accountable. Occasionally, I’ll do crafts at my friend’s flat or we will pop out to a nearby town for a change of scenery – we will take a picnic and go exploring. Whatever it is, I try to be present in the moment.
This is your reminder that it is okay to take a step back and recharge, and I hope this provides you with some ideas for what you could do.
-Lauren
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