I saw someone I know post recently about working 20 hours a day and never taking breaks like it was a badge of honor. Reading their post I had a visceral reaction. There was a time in my life where I would have thought "hell, yeah!". Now it just makes me sad.
I used to pride myself on being busy. I have worked from a young age starting with babysitting. Then in high school I went to school, was a varsity cheerleader, and worked about 20 hours a week. In undergrad I worked 2 jobs the entire time I pursued two degrees. In graduate school I worked full time while taking classes and doing internships. I still work 2 jobs. Even though I am often busy, it's different now. I used to work myself to the bone, never stopping. I attempted to be everything for everyone. This left me feeling sick, burnt out, resentful, judgmental (why is everyone else so lazy?!), and in pain.
In the last few years I have been much more intentional with my time. I'm a Mom to a kiddo that plays year round sports, I coach his football team, I still work 2 jobs, and I'm a wife. We are busy, there is no way around it. I now build rest into my days. It's a priority. Once I shifted this for myself I have noticed a HUGE difference. I get sick less. I'm not burnt out. I have better relationships. I'm also in less pain.
Some things that have helped me accomplish this:
Taking my lunch break & other breaks in the day
Batch cooking and canning easy meals for busy nights or nights where I need a break
Meditation before bed to ensure a proper night of sleep
Saying no to things that aren't a "Hell Yes" for me
Not volunteering for extra stuff to prove anything to anyone (and stopping caring about the opinions of others)
Not feeling obligated to participate in everything (JOMO- joy of missing out)
Using my vacation time
Participating in things that light me up (my puppy, reading with my family, cooking, being in the woods, crafting, engaging with people I love)
Being in the water- so swimming in the summer and nice baths in the winter
Moments of solitude
My priorities now are joy and peace. I engage in things with intention as often as I can. Even though I am busy I am able to say no to things that don't serve me. When I feel stress creeping up too high, I back off. Being busy is a product of the capitalistic culture we live in. Rest is radical.
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