If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely love my work. I love being a coach, a lead trainer, a public speaker, and a psychologist. I’m so truly lucky to have an occupation that I love this much and to get paid for it. I’m grateful that I found my way to this line of work and for the business that I have built over the last nine years, but really over a lifetime. The drawback of work that one loves is that it is a constant pull toward the business and possibly away from other people and other things that I love to see and do.
During this quarantine and subsequent limited access to the outside world, I’ve found myself doing MORE work. I like to write, read related books, design programs, etc. One day I realized that I hadn’t take a full true day off in months. I hadn’t gone a day without at least responding to emails or checking my business social media. So I decided to take a true day off one day in July.
Lessons I Learned While Lounging
I had lots of epiphanies that day and also a few naps! First, I realized that it is a privilege to love what you do as much as I do. For so many Americans, this isn’t the case and may never be. I had parents who paid for every penny of my college education and had connections to help me get my first job out of college. I had a husband who supported the family while I went to graduate school and I had decent credit that allowed me to take out loans to pay for two graduate degrees. These privileges put me in the position to find work that was both fulfilling and financially abundant.
Second, I realized that many of us are addicted to production and being busy. It feels unnatural to relax and allow a day to unfold without checking things off a to-do list or planning for the following day, week, or month. My mind was chattering away at me to get something done and I had to continue to quiet that chatter down. Productivity is a wonderful thing and so is not being productive. Allowing ourselves to truly take a break and to rest is a gift that we might want to give ourselves more often if that’s at all possible.
When was the last time you truly took a day off to do nothing? Rest is not indulgent, but necessary for recharging our mind, body, and spirit. #work #rest #selfcare Click To TweetThird, I realized that a true day off made me more motivated to work. I was more clear-eyed and creative about my work, and more energized about my life in general. Once I got over the decadent feeling I had about lazing around, I felt happier. I read a book, napped (I think I mentioned that), worked on a jigsaw puzzle, and spent time with my family. It was a beautiful gift that I gave to myself that day. I’m grateful that I’m able to do so.
I’m planning on doing it weekly, or at least bi-weekly. It was a day off both emotionally and physically. I’m going to recommend that if you can do it, you should take advantage of the opportunity. Let me know how you do.
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC