How often do you allow yourself to rest?
Yesterday I got the absolute bare minimum done. I spent a good majority of my day on the couch reading Harry Potter, and watching Star Wars/High School Musical: The Series. I let the dishes sit in the sink, I left the laundry folded in the basket waiting to be put away, and I ate frozen chicken patties for dinner. Honestly, I didn’t really get off of the couch until we took the dogs for a walk right before bedtime.
It was exactly what I needed.
I know some of you are thinking, so what? I do that all the time.
But do you do it without guilt or shame?
There was a good chunk of my life (especially since becoming a mother and a professional) that I felt like I had to go, go, go all the time. Every day was spent getting the maximum amount done because I always felt there was so much I needed to do. I mean realistically there was but I was constantly on over-drive and would feel immense guilt any day I slowed down. My critical self talk would kick in, calling myself lazy and wondering why I couldn’t be more like the Pinterest perfect people I saw online with a cleaning schedule and consistent routines. I was completely immersed in the grind culture. When I operated this way, I felt resentment, anger, and frustration every. single. day. I looked around my house straight pissed off that things needed to be done. I got angry at my coworkers for not doing more. I got mad at my family for making messes. I couldn’t relax. I struggled feeling real joy or gratitude in my everyday life. I was what I’ve dubbed a “toxic overachiever”.
Guess what? There’s always something that need to get done and that’s just a fact of life. BOOOM. Who knew?
Because I listened to my body and my needs yesterday, I was able to wake up today ready to conquer the day (with coffee of course). I didn’t feel resentment towards the things I had to get done. I’ve noticed I’m more efficient when I have the actual energy to engage in the work I’m doing. I’m more productive when I take that time to rest. I’m also nicer, calmer, and happier.
Let this be your reminder:
Rest is productive. Rest is necessary for us to function.
Rest is how you refresh.
The to-do list never goes away.
It doesn’t ALL have to get done today. Pick a few necessary MUST DO’s and call it good.
Stop being mean to yourself over household chores or unfinished tasks.
Stop being mean to yourself in general.
Your best work will never come from your burnt out self.
You deserve to feel happy regardless of how much you’ve accomplished today.
You are worthy of good things without working yourself to death.
Rest is self-care and self-love.
Practice it daily.
