As a long time gardener I know that there’s always something to do in the garden. Every season there is a long list of tasks that need attention – from planting in the spring to putting the garden to bed in the fall. In between there is a continuous cycle of watering, weeding and pruning. If you let it, the garden could be all about work.
When people ask me for advice about starting a garden, one of the first things I say is:
Make sure to spend as much time enjoying your garden as you do working in it.
That’s not to say that working in the garden is not enjoyable. If it wasn’t there would be no point in having one.
What I mean is that you must take time to simply relax in the garden.
Whether it’s reading a book or watching the birds or enjoying a meal with friends, the garden needs to be more than just a place to work. Taking time in the garden lets you catch your breath, appreciate your hard work and then return to your gardening chores with renewed enthusiasm.
It’s no different in the rest of our lives. We have to take time to relax.
With long to-do lists and busy schedules, we might think that there is no time to kick back, put our feet up and simply relax.
The truth is you need to make time to just take time.
Time for play.
Time for reflection.
Time to just be.
For many people, life becomes all about work. We spend long hours at our jobs and then once we leave the office we stay plugged in through our computers and smart phones. Most people don’t even take all of their vacation days.
Weekends, our so-called time off, are jammed with all of the tasks around the house we didn’t get done during the week. It’s not that we intended that to happen. We just lose our focus and forget that relaxation is important.
It’s a need to have, not a nice to have, part of our lives.
Time for relaxation is a need to have, not nice to have, part of our lives. Click To TweetWhen was the last time you relaxed?
If you think you don’t have time to relax, then now is the time. Whether its tasks from the office or chores around the house, set the work aside for a bit and do something relaxing.
If the task master in your head tries to convince you that there’s too much to do to take the luxury of a break, remember that this kind of mindful pause doesn’t have to be long. Even a 15 minute break has great benefits.
You will be able to catch your breath, appreciate all that is wonderful in your life and when you are ready, you can return to your work world with more energy and enthusiasm.
Besides…you know what they say about Jack.
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What’s your favourite way to relax?
Hi Laurel! When I signed on for a weekly, 2-hour slot as a DJ at my local radio station I didn’t realize it, but I did exactly what you are suggesting, with an extra boost.
We always hear about scheduling time to relax and do something you love, but that’s usually a commitment we make only to ourselves.
I’ve made a commitment to other people to do it, so I can’t just skip it or “guilt” myself out of taking the time. It’s something I love doing and I feel recharged at the end of the day.
Thanks Sandi for sharing this perspective. Taking a break doesn’t have to mean all by ourselves. If we love doing it and feel recharged as you say, then it’s a great choice.