How many of us have seen children running around as if they’ve tapped into some endless supply of energy? How many times have you thought, “man I wish they would sit down somewhere?”
I know this was something that I was directed to do growing up and something that I have said to children. Why is it as adults we believe ourselves to be exempt from the need to take a seat every now and then? Why do we keep running and running, overcommitting, grinding and #teamnosleep and #hustleharder as if we get a trophy for being the busiest and most sleep deprived person around? Spoiler alert: You won’t.
Sitting down is something that you can either force yourself to do or something that your body will force you to do. On my good days, I choose option A.
Option A has been something that I’ve been choosing this month. January was BUSY. It was fun, but BUSY. I told myself that February would be renamed to Fallback February, because I could not continue to operation as I did in January without facing any consequences. What does Fallback February look like? I’m glad you asked.
1. If something was not on my calendar prior to February 1st, the answer would be no.
I really had to protect my time and release any feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out). I needed to really stick to my schedule to re-establish routines.
2. I planned in time to do NOTHING.
As you know, I am intentional about my self-care time. There is no shame in blocking off slots in your calendar to do absolutely nothing. Even if it’s 15 minutes. Those are your 15 minutes to just be whatever you need to be in that moment. I literally built in days where I slept in, rested, read or did whatever my heart desired on that day. In other words, I practiced self-care.
3. Schedule Time Off
The work will be there, take your time off. According to Project Time Off, in 2018, 52% of American Employee’s had unused time off at the end of the year. They also found 212M vacation days were forfeited annually. Long story short, use the time you earn. Every day off does not have to be for a glamorous vacation or for a doctor’s appointment. Try taking a day just because and see how that feels. Unplug for 24 hours and take time to slow down and just breathe.
As adults, we must begin to place more value on the need to “sit down” regularly in order to regroup, rest and refresh. We are human. Resting and sleeping are basic needs alongside food, water and shelter. Do not ignore your body’s signs telling you to sit down any longer. Either you listen or it will force you to listen. If you feel like it’s too late to do a Fallback February, try doing a Minimalist March and scale back (just for a little) to recharge and reset yourself.
When will you sit down? Think about it and plan it out now.
Be well,