The 3 R’s: Review, Regroup, Renew!
It is a privilege to be a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and employee. These roles, however, should not replace the role of individual. Many of us are pressured to make the most of our time each day. When we do have time to ourselves, we usually fill it with errands-housecleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, banking, etc. Our spouse, kids, parents, siblings, friends, and boss all take a piece of our day, but when was the last time you took time for you?
It’s important for individuals to practice the three R’s: review, regroup and renew! Eking out a few moments just for you is critical in order to maintain energy for the millions of things you do everyday. Stress is cumulative. Without relief, it will build upon itself until you reach the final point of burnout. But you can stop this progression, and even reverse it, by simply taking time out for yourself. Individual “down time” can help you put things in perspective, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. By taking care of yourself, you are better able to take care of others.
You don’t have to schedule a week long vacation in order to have some individual “down time”. Let’s face it, family vacation is the antithesis of “down time”.
Here are a few things you can do to rejuvenate and enjoy some “down time”:
Do absolutely NOTHING
One of my favorite songs is “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode. Kick off your shoes, sit in your favorite chair, relax your muscles and just breathe.
Get a massage or a facial
Get that kink out of your back and shoulders with a massage or relax with a soothing facial at the local spa.
Go on a “self” retreat
If you need to get away, but only have a day, fill the gas tank, grab a map and drive to a cozy little town or hop on the ferry for a day trip to a local island.
Make a date with yourself
Treat yourself to a gourmet meal for one at your favorite upscale restaurant. Chew slowly and savor every bite.
Take an art, dance, singing or music class
While signing your children up for classes, sign yourself up as well. Many programs offer separate classes for children and adults at the same time.
Cruise an art gallery or museum
Soak up the energy and appreciation of your fellow man’s creative genius. Many museums and galleries offer free or discount days every month which will allow you to enjoy “down time” for little or nothing.
Testimonial
My good friend, playwright Sheritha Bowman, has many different roles. As a wife and mother, she’s the cook, chauffeur, doctor, lawyer, teacher, and occasional referee for her three outspoken kids. During her “down time”, Sheritha is busy writing, rehearsing, and directing her stage plays; she’s also working on a novel. As we all do, Sheritha also spends a lot of time worrying. One night after a show, Sheritha discovered that she had misplaced her keys. She searched frantically in every nook and cranny she could think of. Feeling a little defeated, Sheritha walked back to her car, only to find the keys in the ignition! Sheritha said two things crossed her mind: she was grateful that her car hadn’t been stolen and she was reminded of the Scripture, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matt. 6:27). After this event, Sheritha decided to have a little “down time” and while the kids were at school, she did something wonderful-nothing. She reviewed the things and situations that caused her worry, she regrouped and put things in perspective and this, in turn, allowed her to renew her energy.
After hearing Sheritha’s story, I was reminded of a quote by Swiss philosopher and poet Henri Frederic Amiel, “So as long as a person is capable of self-renewal, they are a living being.”
Immobilienmakler Heidelberg Makler HeidelbergSource by Kimberly Harden