Respite

Last week I enjoyed a hattrick of spontaneous, plan free days. My break from work enabled some respite from running around like a knackered-arsed-fly. It was delicious. Not dragging myself through the never-ending to-do list of adulting but just being.

I was most grateful that the sun shone all week which assisted me with my quest for swopping doing for being. Somehow, I find it easier to stop and be when I can do so from the comfort of my outdoor lounge. It was the first time I was able to dust down the garden furniture ready to use. I probably should have cleaned it properly, but I figured that 1) I was practising staying unchained from the to-do-list and 2) the inevitable rain would hopefully do it for me. Given that I am way too old/menopausal to sit in the sun or want to chase the orange, leathery look, I also wrestled with the parasol. And even won (eventually).

I used the week to practise listening to my body and letting it do what it needed. Generally, after being still for a while, a spontaneous urge to move, then arose. Whether to walk, cycle or run, it was a joy to do this naturally rather than cramming it in, in between everything else.

Respite is essential and doesn’t have to be costly. But it certainly will be if we don’t make it a priority. This is equally true within our working days where breaks away from the desk/workplace are vital. We all need daily respite breaks from whatever responsibilities we have, as well as longer breaks throughout the year.

The only downside to my week of respite was realising I could have done with two! To that end, I have now planned in the next two breaks. If I don’t plan them, they don’t happen.

When I returned to work yesterday, I found myself flat out playing the catch-up game. I don’t find this anywhere near as much fun as the time out/respite game. But worth it, nonetheless. By 8pm last night, I realised I had fallen into that annoying trap awaiting us busy people. The one where the never ending to-do-list can squash self-care/exercise out. I definitely hadn’t managed to get outside or move enough. As the day wasn’t over, I fought the pull of the sofa and went for a walk across the fields instead. The sun kindly rewarded me with a show on its way down. Not as good as the Northern Lights but no matter how hard I tried to stay up for them, the need for sleep was stronger. Gutted.  

When our jobs are sedentary, we need to move by standing up and stepping away from the workstation. And if we manage no other form of self-care or exercise within a busy day, at least try a walk. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lark or an owl, walking is great for the mind and body at any time of the day. Even better where there is scenery to feast the eyes upon. And it’s also my very favourite thing; FREE! As well as giving time out/away/respite from everything else. By getting into our body’s for something as simple as a walk, we can give ourselves a brain break.