Don’t burn out, take a “time out”…

In this world of schedules, long “to do” lists, high expectations and periodical chaos, it’s easy to burn out.

Modern society leaves people’s bodies in a continuous “fight or flight” stress reaction, due to over-stimulation from multiple sources at the same time.

Since so many people are under pressure to continuously do, do, do, “burn out” is one of the most common dis-eases of our time.

It seems to take radical circumstances, such as a health crisis, to bring people to a grinding, sudden halt.

When the body shuts down, that’s when people tend to pay attention – because they don’t have a choice if they want to live.

 

 

I’ve known so many people over the years, especially in the corporate world, who were not able to enjoy their retirement for more than a year or two – if at all. They worked so hard for decades, with the goal to reach the enjoyment stage of their life. Unfortunately, their bodies gave up once they got off that hamster wheel.

Another scenario I’ve repeatedly seen in the work force, regardless of their jobs, has been that when people go on vacation, they also burn out. Vacation is highly prized “time off” from their regular routines, so when they have it, they overdo it by squeezing in all the stuff they didn’t allow themselves to do before vacation. They return to work feeling like they need a vacation from their vacation!

This is akin to a cheetah chasing a gazelle, or a gazelle running for his life, for most of the time – only stopping to sleep (and many people don’t even sleep well).

This brings up the highly under-valued “time out”. A time to fully be.

Our bodies are Nature and cannot sustain a continuous go-go-go, do-do-do, without suffering the consequences at some point – usually when we least expect it.

Our bodies are generally very resilient. They can put up with a lot. 

However, even machines eventually break down if they continuously work and don’t get proper maintenance on a regular basis.

I was amazed one summer day, when I observed a beautiful grey squirrel take a complete “time out” from her usual routine, to just sprawl out on a branch and “be”.

I was used to seeing squirrels hyper-actively, continuously scamper and jump all over the trees, chase each other, forage for food, always doing something.

I had never seen a squirrel deliberately stop all activity to simply enjoy being. This squirrel I saw seemed so content on that warm day, silently lounging on that branch for a good part of the afternoon, observing me and its surroundings.

It’s important to incorporate time in our daily routines for “time out” from all technology and simply “be” for while. Get off that hamster wheel and allow our bodies, minds and spirits to completely unplug from the over-stimulation and recenter.

One of the best ways to do this is by spending time in Nature… and remembering to b-r-e-a-t-h-e.

Most people in the industrial world are shallow breathers due to that “fight or flight” stress factor. Just remembering to fully breathe is highly beneficial.

Other ways to “time out” are simply incorporating things in our routines that make us feel like we’re on a mini vacation, even if it’s only for a total of 30 minutes every day. Whether that’s savouring a favourite beverage without thinking of the “to do list”, exercising, a creative project, gardening, reading, journalling, meditating, walking your dog, playing with your kids, etc.

Without well-being, we don’t have much of a life. It’s so worth investing in.

What’s one little thing you can do today to begin incorporating a “time out” in your daily routine? 

 

With love and wonder-filled spirit,

 

 

https://sacredearthconnection.com/gift-for-you/