Simple Secrets to Happiness #6: Adults Need Recess too!
Now that we’ve all caught up on Happiness Secrets #1-5, let’s move on to the next simple secret: adults need recess too! I think many of us know this, and yet in the day to day hustle and bustle, we forget we are not super computers or super humans! We need a regular break or we will get burned out.
I find myself at times, sighing a lot and getting snippy and even sarcastic, and I realize that I’m completely drained! Every task, interruption, and decision throughout the day (and night, as a mom with a baby) has taken a collective toll on my ability to respond appropriately to situations around me.
I’ve found it’s hard to take a true break as a stay at home mom. As soon as there’s naptime, I spend spare moments cleaning or keeping the house running. The to-do lists never ends, as you know.
Enter the recess concept. In order to be mentally available to those around you, to bless them by what you do and who you are, you need to take care of yourself.
“Me Time” that Doesn’t Recharge Your Batteries
Now, you’d think any break would work just fine, but that’s not the case. Computer games can end up just being another “thing to do,” to get to the next level, and can add to your stress. Games can suck you in, and there’s simply never enough time to be satisfied by playing it.
Binge watching your favorite TV show--although fun--also not helpful for brain recuperation. Here’s one I’m guilty of, browsing the internet, reading unimportant emails, and the like. After five minutes, I look up and an hour is gone! And then I feel guilty because I didn’t especially enjoy it and there’s nothing to show for it.
How to spend leisure time instead.
To truly recharge, use some of these ideas:
- Spend quality time with friends and family.
- Lift your spirits through exercise, dancing or a sport. I feel so good after my blood is pumping!
- Be still and listen to music.
- And, my favorite, meditate on God’s word. Sing praise songs!
The number one best kind of “Me Time”
Exercise your signature strength. This is the thing you are the best at compared to everything else you do. You might feel this strength sets you apart from others, energizes you, and you can’t wait to do it again.
For me this is graphic design. It feels so good to have an extra hour or two that I can spend creating something. And I feel better after I’ve done it! For you, maybe this is knitting, creating new recipes, learning how to do something new, volunteering, or writing on Steemit. Though, if your signature strength is your job, it may not be very relaxing, unless you do it for yourself.
If all else fails, when you need a break and your brain is so fried you don’t know what you want to do…
Take a nap.
Your family and friends will enjoy a happier you when you arise!
Enjoy your recess, whatever it might be. @allforthegood
I love naps! But I often find myself torn between napping and getting cleaning done. In the end, neither one happens. I love going for walks outside and listening to music. Those two are my ideas of “me time”.
I feel the same way! Sometimes in the afternoon the kids and I walk down to the mailbox and take leisurely time about it and meander back and we ALL feel 10xs better. The combination of the fresh air, exercise and relaxing together time is wonderful. And music, of course, can make even the most mundane jobs cheery!
Upvote for adult recess!
Thanks!
There is so much truth to this! I am realizing that it's not selfish to take a nap or do something to wind down because it helps me to be a better mama!
Yes! There is a time for everything. The trick is to be present in the moment. If we are fully present and not distracted we can have true quality time with those counting on us and then withdrawal for refreshing without feeling bad about it.
I find star watching to be very peaceful. But perhaps the thing I enjoy the most is spending time in fellowship with other like minded people. I find that Proverbs 27:17 is ever so true:
That poor dad, just trying to take a nap but the bear cubs won't let him. I can relate.
Yes, I agree. Good, encouraging friends can be hard to come by, when you find such a jewel, what a blessing to revive your spirits in their presence.
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Very good post! It gets the #healthy-home seal of approval!
@healthy-home is a curation account of @em3 for the topics of: healthy family, gardening and food harvest, and homesteading!
The account is still new and is also looking for supoort in the form of upvotes, SP Delegations and Steem/SBD donations.
Peace
Thanks! I'll have to check out your blog. Those are all topics I'm interested in :)
We never get enough recess. In school they give us like ten minutes in Korea. It is not recess. It is a bathroom break.
Children are first and foremost work :)
This has been one of the hardest things for me to accept as an adult - the definite need for some one on one time with myself where I'm just literally doing nothing. And now of course with kids those moments are few and far between! But you're absolutely right, adults need "recess" and chill time just like kids do. I'm getting there slowly, haha!
Me too! When you have kids, it's a completely different ball game. They will literally consume all your time if you are willing. It seems good, but in the end, you'll burn out.
tell me about it! It sucks too, because it's actually fun hanging with them haha - but whew, all the energy is just gone by the time they're finally asleep!
When you say you're feeling draining, it's a lot like voting power on steemit. You can't do much if you're so drained. Gotta rest and power up :)
Good analogy :)