The winter here in Kansas City makes me tired. The grey sky, the snowy white landscape and the frigid air makes me want to stay in bed all day where it is warm and comfortable. During the winter, it is hard to find motivation, I just want to eat and hibernate.
But the winter is also a good reminder for me to slow down. The winter is a time to turn inward, reflect and rest. This is hard for us. We all want to do it all. We all want to have it all.
We work all day. Then we have to go to that committee meeting, then finish wrapping Christmas presents, then write a few emails, cook dinner, finish that project while we still try and be present for our family. We wonder why we are so scattered. We wonder why we struggle to be mindful. We sacrifice our sleep for a few more items crossed off our ever-growing to-do list. But the truth is we are human. We have limitations. And we NEED sleep.
Without sleep we are like little babies. One thing goes wrong and we burst into tears.
Here are a few items that will help you rest and be more productive this winter:
- Say No-
We all have a hard time saying no. We are all plagued by the “shoulds.” But you can’t do everything perfectly. And if your plate is too full you won’t do anything well. So say no to the committee meeting or coaching sports. I know this is hard to say no to worthwhile activities, but remember taking care of you and getting ample rest is just as worthwhile.
- Read a book
To get everything done, we sacrifice sleep. But we also sacrifice enjoyment. In some ways I think we are starved for enjoyment. I think that is why we eat too much, we drink too much and we spend too much. ENJOY your life. Enjoyment needs to be a priority for all of us. So curl up with a cup of tea and read that book.
- Take a break from email
If you are lucky and are off for a few days for the Holidays, take a break from your email. Take a real break from work. Not everything is urgent. And it will all be waiting for you when you get back.
And finally – enjoy the holidays!
Blessings,
Dr. Chris Michaels
Mindful Monday is a weekly practice provided by Dr. Chris Michaels. The intention of #MindfulMonday is to provide the world with a moment of pause and reflection. This moment connects us to what really matters. Stay tuned each week on our site, Facebook and Twitter for Mindful Monday tips!