The least fun part about being a woman are the times when you wake up feeling like someone ran a truck through your insides and decided to pull some donuts in the parking lot of your guts. But, it’s like any other day and you don’t have the Call in Sick option, because your to-do list still hasn’t gotten any smaller and you don’t want to get behind. It’s time to breathe into a slower day schedule.
This week I wanted to write about the downside of Busy. But, that sounded like it would take too much brainpower to think about when what I want to do is sit in a bathtub while eating strawberry cheesecake ice cream. So, now, I’m lying on my bed, fully dressed, sitting among my pillows and plushies, all in the name of being productive. I still have bills to pay.
But, after work, I have big plans. Lazy, summer plans. Because, part of regulating your nervous system is listening to your body. While I am writing about slowing down more and living mindfully, these aren’t just lessons for you, dear reader, they are also for me. Those who are closest to me know I have a habit of pushing myself further than I should. Even when I’m sick I’ll tell myself, “I can’t be sick” and keep going. By the end of the day, I’ve collapsed.
The days I accomplish the most are the days when I remember to pace myself. Finish a task. Breathe. Finish another task. Breathe. And, so it goes. That way there isn’t a major overwhelm. Some days are not meant for completing everything, yet you want the satisfaction of crossing things off that never ending list.
On those days (and sometimes weeks) I have an alternative schedule. Now, if I can stick to this schedule, then my life would be so much better.
Here is a small sketch of what I have in my planning diary. Just to give you an idea. Create your own based on your own lifestyle and priorities.
Time to Reset & Routine
[For Overwhelming/Anxiety Days]
R-R-R- Relax
Reset
Routine
- Read a cozy book, magazine, or blogs you enjoy for pleasure. It needs to be light and cozy. No extra work, studying, or anything that makes you overthink and add to the 1000 other ideas you already have in your mind queue.
- Limit social media. No doom scrolling. (Put your phone away or at least put it in a mode that locks your apps and decreases the temptation)
- Daily yoga (even if short morning or evening routine)
- Weekly/Daily routine – Start small
- Read little red book (this is specifically for me. I have a little red notebook of inspirational notes and lists I have collected since 2011. This could be similar to “Look through Pinterest”)
- Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Full down time (excluding mandatory work and/or errands), prep and restoration
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday Creative work
- Apparently, Wednesday is yours to do whatever you want with it.
BREATHE
Small Cleaning Tasks When Overwhelmed- Because each little task adds up
- Declutter one surface
- Empty one bin/container
- Fill dishwasher
- Clean bathroom sink
- Polish mirrors
- Sweep hallway or front step
- Dust tv
- Organize one set of clothes
- Hang up clothing
- Date check the refrigerator and clean spills
When your energy battery is running low, the most important thing on your to-do is taking care of yourself. Take extra time – without guilt- to rest your body and mind. Breathe, play your favorite music, focus only on one thing at a time, and be gentle with yourself.
I hope you’re enjoying these Cozy Coffee Notes. Subscribe to get Cozy Coffee Notes sent directly to your Inbox every Thursday. If you need a little extra help with that to-do list, check out Tiny Tasks.
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