Doing Nothing is Okay

Last week I was on vacation. Rather I was on staycation. I thought about going somewhere. Making it a real vacation, but the more I thought about it, the more I decided that I needed to be still. I have had a very hectic two months at work with lots of night meetings. I was tired. But most of all, my mind was tired. I don't know about you, but when my mind gets tired, small things magnify to big things. Everything is magnified. Something that wouldn't normally bother me, becomes a bother. I become easily irritated and impatient. I start looking at the negative first. And when that happens I know it is time to do something different. I put myself in a time out.

So for four days I had a relaxing staycation. I slept until I wanted to wake up. For me instead of getting up and getting started at 5:30-6:00am, I slept in. I relaxed in bed, reading, writing and watching tv) That counts as doing nothing for me. It was my opportunity to recharge.

There are some reading this who will say, "Girl, I get my rest" Then there are others reading this who will read these words and go right on about their super busy, super charged lives. They will say like I used to say "I ain't got time to sit and do nothing. Those dishes are not going to wash themselves, those clothes won't automatically fold themselves" And you know all of the other things we say when we can't imagine taking the time to sit and do nothing.

I used to think just sitting around doing nothing was a waste of time and being lazy. But over the last couple years that has changed. I have changed. I realize that relaxing and doing nothing is just what I need to do to recharge. It was in the resting that I received clarity and direction on next steps. I got my energy back!

My advice to you who find it hard to sit still, who always feel the need to be doing something. Stop it! Make the decision that you are going to give yourself the gift of relaxation. Don't feel guilty. You are worth it. Your body will thank you and most of all your mind will thank you.

Here are a few of my tips to get you started.

1. Choose a day and time for your Relax and Recharge Day

2. Decide what activity or activities you will do during this time. (Soak in a warm bubble bath, read , sleep, get a massage, etc) It's your day. you get to choose.

3. Find a place where you won't be disturbed (no kids, no spouse)

4. Put your cell phone on silent, or do not disturb. (Or turn it off)

This is your guilt free time.

ENJOY!!