When I first decided to blog today I initially thought of writing “Why It’s Absolutely Okay to Be a Workaholic,” because typically, that’s pretty close to what I am. If you know anything about me, you know I am always going, doing, working, etc. etc. That’s my MO, I’m a workaholic. When you love what you do, you tend not to see it as work, but more like a passion that you need to feed your soul! But, perhaps to other people, it seems like you just never slow down and take time for yourself. I assure you, I do. Some days I might even sleep in a little since I stay up late planning my next day. So if any of you only see me as this whirling dervish that paints, decorates, crafts and designs, let me show you the other side of me, and more importantly, tell you why it’s okay for you to take time for yourself, too!!
Those of you who label yourself as “workaholic,” “go-getter,” or simply “driven,” will understand all too well what I mean by needing to just take some time for you. You guys are my kindred spirits because you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say that the passion of what I do, inspires me to do more, and it becomes a domino-affect- the more I do, the more I want to get done! The days aren’t long enough! But even I know all that drive requires some “soul-recharging” or quite plainly, some down time to let our minds relax and veg a little to gain some new inspiration.
Here’s how I do it…
Let’s say I have cleared my schedule for a complete day off. What am I going to do? Well, after catching up on a little missed sleep, I’m going to treat myself to a big cup of coffee, and my laptop. I may do some online shopping for a bit, and then I love to read other entrepreneur’s websites and Facebook pages, to gain some inspiration from them. I tell you, a lot of my down time is spent gaining inspiration. I enjoy reading my “Jesus Calling” book, because it makes me feel good, and it inspires me to always be a better person. I guess a lot of my day to myself is spent at my desk, but that’s not really quality “down-time.”
In order to let our souls fully recharge, we need to get away from all that could be construed as “work.” That might mean getting in your car and driving to a park, the mall, a quiet place to think and relax, or a fun and entertaining day with your kids or best friends. Whatever works for you, just do something totally unrelated to what you do every other day. I really enjoy meeting my daughters for lunch, driving up to Canton to meet my friend for shopping, or even taking a day on the golf course. When you let your mind fully engage in some other activity, and truly enjoy the moment you’re in, with the people you’re with, you can completely disengage your mind and soul from work. Now, this is not to say you won’t have a thought about what you love to do, because you will, but it just won’t be your main focus on your day to yourself.
When I’m out shopping on my free day, I’m constantly aware of how things are displayed, the colors used, and the creativity put into each arrangement I see, whether it’s a store-front window display with mannequins, or a wall design at a restaurant. I’m not working, I’m merely observing, but I’m still making mental notes. I can’t “not see” the possibilities all around me. It might be like that for you, too. Maybe you’re a psychologist taking a day for yourself. You run into a rude salesclerk at a store, or you observe a parent screaming at a child in the mall. You’re still going to think about how you’d speak to that person if you were treating them, but today, you’re just not “at work.” We can turn off our work brains, and still be in tune with what’s going on. That’s normal.
Use your day to yourself to gain some insight on something that might be troubling you. Read some uplifting material, meditate, get outside no matter the weather, and walk a little. Exercise is an amazing tool for reducing stress and clearing the mind. I may have an intense day, with all kinds of to-do lists in my head, and a flurry of communication issues to attend to, but if I come home and take a walk down my quiet little country road, it puts me in such a better frame of mind, and brings clarity to everything. For that reason, I always try to do some form of exercise on my free days. It really shows me how my mind affects the rest of my body. My friend power walks every day when she gets home from the office for that exact reason. Make some time on your day for stress-relief.
Do something you have been meaning to do but because of your schedule you haven’t had the chance. What better than to pamper yourself a little? Book a spa day with a girlfriend, get your hair done in a new style, get those shoes you’ve been admiring in a magazine, or try that new trendy restaurant you’ve been wanting to for weeks. Treating yourself is good, very deserved, and very much a great idea! Doing something exciting releases dopamine in your brain, and you actually do feel better! It’s true! Make that day to yourself stimulating and extra-special.
Why are all these things so important? Why do you need to have a day here and there to slow down, gain inspiration, relax, energize, stimulate, or just veg? Because it’s good for your health, and it’s good for the whirling dervish you, like me, so that you aren’t constantly focused on others, your job, or yes, your passion. The part of you who is always going, doing, helping, working, directing and whirling needs to be rejuvenated and recharged every so often so that the fine-tuned powerhouse you are keeps on going and going with good health and happiness!
So take that day because you so deserve it!!
Tami Loves…the balance that comes from a good day off.
