I started taking Sundays off and it changed my life
This will probably be my only post today, as taking Sundays off (yes, it is "Sundays," not Sunday's, despite what your autocorrect tells you.. ugh) is crucial to my success as a person, as an artist, and as a professional.
We have horribly underestimated how much we just need a total break every week.
I'm a Catholic and although it isn't always a common practice, there is a strong tradition of the Sabbath rest still. And those who take it seriously reap the benefits--let me tell you.
When I started taking my Sundays off a few years ago at the advice of a mentor, it is not an exaggeration to say my life transformed. Suddenly, I could fight my way through anything during the week, right until the very end of Saturday, because I knew I would take the whole Sunday off to rest, pray, think, call my mom, write songs, hang out with my roommates, clean my room (for me, this is restful.. it's a little subjective. I imagine Steem will seem very restful some days as well. No hard and fast rules! Besides Mass if you're Catholic, that is. :)
So, it has a religious root (so does the whole concept of the almighty "weekend," actually), but, frankly, it's just good psychological common sense. Everyone maxes out. Everyone needs a break--a real break.
And resting, contrary to the worldly understanding of it, which is a lot more like laziness, true rest is actually a discipline. Sometimes it's a struggle to choose not to work. Sometimes I was a little nervous leaving my project until Monday, or even had to get up early on a Monday to finish up a paper in university.
But it is so worth it for the long-term effect, especially when we are also disciplined enough to choose our rest well (real, restorative leisure--an important subject for another day).
And it was fascinating watching myself develop the capacity to deliberately put things aside, without anxiety. It was amazing.
I've had seasons (too long) where I didn't put my Sunday rest into practice, and I felt the consequences fast. I believe this definitely contributed to the deterioration of my health a few years ago.
So, why don't you try it for a few weeks, and see what it does?
Off to mindfully rest and enjoy my Sunday now! Enjoy your day (I mean that)!
Xx, Kay
It is always good to have a rest day where you can rejuvenate your health and mental health. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I can have any days off for the rest of this year as I have a huge plan coming up for 2018! Maybe like once or twice a month, but I am planning to travel away from home for a minimum of 2 years. It's going to be hard and I am sure there will be bumpy roads on the way there, but I am certain it will pay off.
Cheers!
Oh wow.. well, it some ways, I would argue we can't afford not to take breaks, even if adjusted to fit our lives a bit. Honestly, with the affect it has on our health and mental agility, I just don't know if it's worth it! Doing that for so many years ripped my body apart. BUT.. I certainly wish you well!
Maybe there are other ways to rejuvenate on the run.. like music? I'm a singer-sgonwriter and a lot of people have told me they find my work restful and peaceful. I have a few videos up here and some free downloads on my site if you like it. Zero pressure, but I honestly think it might bless you. Take care. Xx, Kay
Well, good for you for having a day of rest!
My wife and I own a small art gallery and this is a tourist town... so we're always open 7 days during the summer season... my last day off was in April. It gets tiring after a while... but you do what you have to do.
I do sympathize. I know it is different for everyone. In part, it's a growing whole-culture problem.
In fairness, I actually make a concerted effort to take my Sundays. It's a decision, and often one it felt like I couldn't afford. Sometimes I suffer for it, actually, in the short-term. But I think it's worth it for the long-term, and have actually seen that play out! And sometimes I do make exceptions as well, depending on what's going on.
In whatever way you can, though.. try to unwind! Even going completely work-free just for an hour or two can be a huge help. And hopefully the winter is a time where you can rest more, then?
And.. music helps, too :). I am the self-titled anti-spam queen, so no pressure at all, but a lot of people have told me my work is soothing and restful.. so take a look at my videos on here? That might be one thing to add a little bit of rest to your busy days..!?
All the best with your gallery! What kind of art is it? I'm really hoping to connect with a lot of serious artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers on here.
Sundays are great! Btw..I mentioned you in my post ;)
Well, I have to upvote that, now don't I? Thank you so much--honestly, I can't believe how kind and supportive people are here. This is my new home. xx
Haha i'm glad you like it! You don't have to upvote it ;)
lol - no, I want to. Just shaking my head with a big smile right now. Have a good day, friend!
You too! Even though it's getting late here. See you around :)
Have a good sleep then lol. Where are you?
Denmark. You? :)
Wow, cool! Canada.
Humans need sometime to spend for themselves.
It's so true.
I really need to start doing this. I have been working 7 days per week for the past 7 years in my business with out a vacation, and for sure feeling burned out more and more.
Honestly, it's one of those things that feels really counterintuitive (isn't it always better to just do more?), but actually tends to reap even financial and personal success. And you don't kill yourself and your relationships in the meantime!
If it's too much to start with the whole day, why not even just the whole Sunday morning? Or a block of time in the afternoon? I honestly think you'll feel so much better and happier and ready to do good, inspired work. Xx, Kay
Maybe I will start with baby steps, I have been giving it some thought for quite a while that I need a break or some kind of small reset. I am actually closing early today to take my dad out to dinner, so I guess that is a small nudge in the right direction. It is hard going cold turkey when you have been a full time workaholic since the age of 14 lol.
You're right that it's hard. Baby steps are good! I encourage you in it for sure! Enjoy your dinner :).
Thanks so much, Peruvian food for dinner. It is one of Dad's favorites. :)
Ah! That sounds amazing! Makes me hungry! xx
good to hear that ... we have to ensure some balance between spirituality and materialism
Yes!
An excellent idea!
Thank you! Not my idea, but I do implement it as best as I can :)
I wrote you this little poem to celebrate your Sundays, maybe you can put it in one of your songs
Take a break, unwind, enjoy
Strip and feel naked for a day
Without electronics
Without positronics
Without hypertronics
Away from the illusions of existence
Close to the source of life
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Nice post! Really need to start this too... I mean I'm not working Sundays but I am also not able to rest or regenerate, it's always packed with stuff to do.... upvoted & followed
It's hard to really rest in the way we need. I'm sympathetic! It was weird for me to realize that even having friends in for brunch was something I had to limit, because I realized it was actually something exhausting for me personally. It takes a lot of growing self-knowledge to do it well so that rest is truly accomplished.
Thank you for your comment and support! I'm going to go look at your profile now. xx, Kay