The Importance of Down Time
The importance of down time is hard to measure. You know you need it but don’t feel you have the time to take it.
Those of you that know me pretty well know that I have a hard time with downtime. But, I’ve made a commitment to build more downtime into the schedule and NOT feel guilty about it.
Why? well, burnout, that’s why. There are so many demands on our time. Our spouse, children, work, church, part-time job, volunteering, and more can make our schedules look ridiculous.
This year is the time to make a commitment to yourself to have some downtime. Have a staycation, go to the coast for a few days, read a good book, go camping, get out in nature or anything else you love to do.
Downtime keeps us balanced and grounded. When we don’t get enough of it, we are snappish, impatient, chronically tired, angry, resentful and lots of other emotions that are unhealthy. That burnout feeling makes us not be very pleasant to be around and our families deserve us to be present for them and their needs. Think of it like being on an airline when they go over the safety protocol. Put your oxygen mask on before assisting someone else with theirs.
Normally I feel very pressured to keep the appointment book full but this last week (an entire week!) nothing was on the books and the downtime and mental rest as a result have been pretty surprising. It’s easy not to realize how stressed you are. This week’s stay-at-home staycation has been really relaxing and fun. My spouse said they haven’t seen me at home this much in a long time and that it was nice. They’re right, it was!
There’s no money coming in without appointments but I’m going to have faith that all will work out just fine and appreciate (and schedule) downtime in regular increments. Feeling stressed? Take a few days for yourself. You’re worth it. Your family will appreciate a different mindset too:)
Stay safe and keep training!
