Recharge….
Sunset
How often do we push ourselves so hard and we just don’t feel that we have anything left to give? I am a repeat offender of doing that myself. I push and push to get things done without giving myself time to recharge and relax.
There are definitely times when you have to push through and knock out whatever needs to be done. Seasons full of challenges are abundant and seem overwhelming at times. Sometimes, even in those seasons, we have to take a step back and give yourself some time to recharge.
Taking a little time for yourself will ultimately give you more energy and mental clarity to tackle the tasks in your life. Pushing yourself to burnout is a recipe for being unproductive, overwhelmed, and just generally sad. It seems counterintuitive to take a break in order to be more productive, but the energy and clarity boost will easily surpass the lost time.
I find myself having 18-hour days more often than not lately. Early mornings, long days, late nights seem to be the story of my life. Between my day job, my startup company, house chores, and family life, it seems like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. I end up slacking on something and normally its my quiet time I try to build into my mornings.
When I wake up at 5am and read my bible, and take time to reflect on what is truly important, I seem to have much better days. That 20 minutes that I will sometimes use to finish a project or sleep in, is the most important part of my day. When I choose to use it for anything other than bible and reflection time, I have a much more challenging day. I seem off, my mind doesn’t seem as sharp, and I have less patience. I ultimately get less done in the rest of the day.
That 20 minutes in the mornings if used correctly charge me up for the day and almost ensure that I will tackle any challenges that come my way that day.
Your 20 minutes may be exercising, reading the news, going for a walk or run, etc. It doesn’t have to be a the same as mine. You will have to find what works for you.
Making that time a priority everyday gives you a time to charge yourself up everyday to prepare yourself for the battle of the day.
Vacations are great but unfortunately they don’t seem to come around soon or often enough. Taking a few days off does so much for your mental clarity and energy. If you are like me, going back to the daily grind of life after a few days away is not fun, but for me it gives me something to work towards. Having a taste of daily time freedom encourages me to work harder towards accomplishing my goals. It fuels the passion behind all the hard work. One day I will have the freedom to live life on my own terms, but not if I burn myself out trying to get there.
Psalms 23 NLT:
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.