Terri Ramsey Beavers Forget diamonds and unobtainium, the most valuable and most rare commodity of them all is a bit of downtime. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a full-time mom or newbie entrepreneur, it’s become so hard to steal a moment for yourself; one where no one needs anything from you, you have no pressing deadlines, nothing on your to-do list that is life-threatening, and no expectations for you to be this, that or t’other. Instead, the only thing on your radar is total relaxation.
At least, that’s the plan. But how often do things actually go to plan? Even a spot of downtime. It’s a romantic pipedream that’s filled with confusion, anxiety, stress, and guilt. Yup. Stress and guilt. We feel guilty for not doing something and we feel stressed about not feeling proactively stressed because that’s how we all measure success.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of things you should be doing to better use your downtime and help you fully recharge. Enjoy.
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Schedule It In
Think about it: You schedule everything else, from client meetings to dinner parties to working out, so it makes total sense for you to start scheduling in some downtime too. Trust me, when you pop a feet-up session into your diary, you’re more likely to commit.
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Goodbye, Guilt
There are a thousand things to feel guilty about. The house is a mess. I could be working. The shopping hasn’t been done. It’s endless. But the next time these thoughts creep in, just tell them to go away. We all need to take care of ourselves better, but that takes time.
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Screens Suck
A modern-day epidemic is that urge to reach for our phones every thirty-three seconds – something that needs to stop. It is doing no good for your rest. It’s a much better idea to pick up that book you almost started last summer, or try your hand at relax hypnosis, or have a bath, or get into yoga, go for a walk, or commit to an episode of Downton Abbey without getting distracted.
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Fitness Works
Believe it or not, sometimes the best way to relax is to move your body. It’s about using your break to clear your mind, encourage your endorphins and get your limbs moving. It doesn’t have to be a full-on sweat session. Just a half-hour here or there to help your body and mind totally unwind.
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Power Nap
We are such a big fan of the power nap. Could be a quick five minutes in your favorite chair or twenty minutes on the sofa; the kind that isn’t long enough to sap all your energy. Of course, time is not the important factor in all of this; it’s getting all snuggly, comfy, cozy, and finding that relaxing land of nod for a brief moment.
It seems crazy that making the most of your downtime is so hard to master, but that’s just the way of the world at the moment. Hopefully, these tips and ideas will help you relax more.
I’m a total nightmare for scheduling in downtime and then crossing it out for work! I’d be much happier if I could stop doing this!!
Power nap is my best buddy is so stressful right now. I always work out often just to release this stress. I like nature tripping and hiking if I get a chance. I love keeping this list as a reminder for me.
NIce post. I totally agree, getting more in my downtime – I would go to a market and buy foods for my loved ones. I don’t know what’s with me but I love markets.
Well.. time is precious… It’s crucial to get more out of downtime, too! Many things can be done, isn’t it?
Thank you for this reminder girl! I need to start having some more downtime
For me, downtime is curling my feet in the sand while I read my book by the ocean under an umbrella! I do need to schedule this in to relax!
I’ve been scheduling downtime for myself, too. My schedule is busy 7 days a week with five kids, a husband, and work. If I don’t take time for myself, then I feel very run down.
I agree. We tend to use our phone everytime without realizing it is wasting our time. Unless like me that I do it for work.
I completely agree. I need to get better at scheduling more downtime in my life. Thank you.
I feel like I need to start scheduling it in and then I won’t feel so guilty about it! That’s such a good idea, never thought of it before.
Everyone needs downtime. I like a spa a detox and some me time.
I don’t know the meaning of the word downtime, but really need to because I’m constantly on the go and busy. I need to take a minute and relax…. This blog motivated me to at least try… #goals.
I have to work on minimizing my guilt when I take downtime. I am always thinking about what I could be doing instead of being present in the moment. I do have to get away from the screens, that’s for sure!
I created a daily schedule for myself that includes time to walk/run a few times a day, time to meditate and time to unwinde. (I sit at a desk for most of the time). I have found that if it is on a schedule I am more likely to do it.