Just Relax

"Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; serenity , that nothing is." - Thomas Szasz

Today I took a random "personal day off" from the office after a busy week at work. Not necessarily for a mental break, but more to organize myself and prepare for a busy weekend ahead of me.  

In the past, from time-to-time we've actually been given random days off from work as thanks, for hard work put in by our team. Those are always well received by everyone and definitely a nice gesture, and usually come at a time when we all are starved for a much needed break. However, sometimes it is hard for us to allow ourselves to take a day off. For that matter, it's sometimes hard for us to even want to take breaks throughout the day. We get so caught up in what we are doing and always get the feeling that there is more to get done.

Time off doesn’t automatically result in rest and relaxation for many perfectionists and some "Type A" personalities. We are so used to the hectic pace of the day-to-day, that when we have some time to relax…we can't. 

For some, it is hard to just relax and enjoy some 'you' time. A day with nothing to do stretches in front of us. We get antsy, aimlessly wandering around the house trying to find something 'productive' to do, binge watching television, or flipping through social media. We heave a few big sighs, wonder what our friends are doing, and begin to beat ourselves up for being so lazy. Can't wait for the day to end. 

It’s just difficult for some people to relax. Does any of this sound like you?

• Routinely work long hours
• Rarely sit down with your family during a meal or movie (in your home)
• Pride yourself on having a strong work ethic
• Complain that others don’t work as hard as you do
• Feel like there's always something more that 'could' be done
• Hard time just focusing on one thing at a time
• Goal and Task-driven
• Feel like there’s always one more thing to do
• “Fun” is a low priority
• Your family complains that you work too much
• You rarely take an actual vacation

If relaxing doesn’t come easily to you, think of it as a skill that you can learn and practice. But if you’re going to invest in relaxing and enjoying down time, you first need to see its benefits.

Instead we can see the day as a gift. No responsibilities, no plans. We can savor the morning cup of coffee, take a long walk with no destination in mind, listen to our favorite piece of music, write an entry in our journal. All of the things we say we're too busy to do most of the time.  I don't need to be busy to avoid being bored. I will let myself enjoy just being.

Why is rest and relaxation important?

• Decreases stress
• Helps you sleep better and feel better physically (such as decreasing blood pressure and headaches, fewer colds)
• Increases productivity
• Strengthens relationships
• Increases happiness
• Improves focus and accuracy
• Results in more energy
• Improves decision-making skills
• Do you need help learning to relax?

In my experience, most perfectionists and Type A personalities have a hard time relaxing and allowing themselves to rest or enjoy recreation. You can start small.

Even if you believe it’s important, finding balance between work and fun/relaxation is challenging for perfectionists. I find that making small, incremental changes are the most realistic. Small changes also create less anxiety. Instead of thinking about spending a whole day on rest of fun, consider committing to two hours of no work of any kind.

Ways to relax include: How to Relax and Rest

• Get some sleep! Take a nap
• Spend time with your children
• Learn or practice meditation
• Take a walk
• Get out into nature
• Go on a date with your partner
• Listen to music
• Take up or work on a hobby
• Visit or call a friend
• Practice stretching or yoga
• Do nothing at all (yes I said it)
• Reading for pure pleasure
• Play a game
• Create art
• Learn something new
• Take a technology-free day
• Watch a movie

Like most things, there isn’t a one-size-fits all solution. You’ll need to experiment and find what helps you relax. But like learning anything new, you’ll need to be intentional when it comes to rest, relaxing, and enjoying your time off. Give yourself permission to take it easy. It's okay! You deserve it!

Do it. Find time to take a day off and just relax! 

Make today great!

Curtis

“Just because you take breaks doesn’t mean you’re broken.” - Curtis Tyrone Jones