By Nancy Alexander, PT
This is not an article about exercise per se, but I feel it is just as important. It is about you. It is about checking in with you. It is about doing what’s good for you, for your soul. It’s about resting and now is the perfect time.
Sometimes I will schedule this for myself. Other times, it is intuitive. Now is one of those times where it just happens naturally. My classes are on break and very soon my husband and I will be embarking on our summer journey up north to the Finger Lakes area of New York. Along with that, I recently shed some projects and responsibilities that just no longer suit me. That feels really good. My mantra when we moved to Florida almost two years ago was “simplify.” And I continue to do this.
Thus, I am ready to rest, renew and recharge myself. How about you? Here are some ideas for you to consider if you’re ready to take a break. They are in no particular order. Pick one or more to start your rejuvenation.
Be alone – Schedule it if you have to but please take some time to be by yourself. Perhaps take a journal with you to write down your thoughts and your ideas. Listen to your favorite music, too. Some of the following ideas could also be done when alone.
Read more – Download or purchase some new books for summer reading. Get lost in a great story. Ask friends for some of their favorite titles or do a little research online.
Brain dump – Sounds odd, but this is one of my favorite things to do. If I have a lot of ideas, thoughts, tasks that keep running over and over again in my mind I perform a brain dump. I write each thought down when it comes. Try it. Don’t judge your thoughts, just write them down. Write them all down. Get them out of your head so your mind can be free to see solutions instead of an ever-growing to-do list. Write them down and revisit them when you have some time and clarity. Priorities will show themselves while some will likely be removed because they aren’t worthy anymore. Please try this, just once. Chances are you will be doing it again and again.
Journal more – Take a notebook you’re not using or buy a nice journal that appeals to you. Write your thoughts and feelings down that come to mind. See where they take you. Maybe you’re considering a change in your life. Whether it’s personal or professional, imagine you are in that new life right now and write about what it’s like. Be specific. Paint a picture of your new self with your words. Be warned, this can be very powerful. We tend to get what we think about. Write and think about your dreams often and manifest your own future.
Treat yourself – That’s right, treat yourself to something special. Maybe it’s a trip, maybe it’s an object, maybe it’s your favorite food or drink. Take a trip to a local park, spend a day at the beach or just relax poolside somewhere. Visit your favorite restaurant. Celebrate yourself and enjoy life now.
Travel – Why? Because you can. Treat yourself like we just discussed. Travel near or travel far. Be comfortable with your choice. Maybe reconnect with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while. Do it while you can and make new memories that will last forever.
Simplify your life – Take a cue from my efforts of late and renew your focus to just a few things that matter more than any of the others. Ask yourself, “Does this job, position or activity serve me right now?” When you identify those things that are important, then ask yourself, “How can I make this happen? How can I make my life better?” If it’s important enough, you’ll find a way. Always.
Move more – You know this had to be here somewhere, didn’t you? Walk, ride your bicycle, hike, swim, do anything that strikes your fancy. Do something you’ve never done before. Invite friends to join you or do it alone. It’s up to you. If you can, get outside and breathe in that fresh air. Movement is good for the mind and the body. If your mind is working on a solution to something, often exercising frees the mind to find it. Write it down when it comes. You won’t want to forget that brilliant perspective or new idea you created. Feel better, move better and live better with movement.
Which idea here appeals to you the most? Choose it and start the process of recharging yourself right now. Let me know how it’s going by posting on this blog. You never know, it might give a fellow reader a fabulous idea they can use. Be well friends.