Summer is winding down...a friendly reminder to make sure you relax
Can you believe we are only a few weeks away from the start of school?! I swear, I blinked and summer has about disappeared.
For most of us, summer is our time to recharge. We look forward to treasured downtime only to realize somehow life didn’t really slow down at all. Between kids’ activities, yard work, house projects, and maybe even caring for aging parents, our schedules stayed packed.
Did you get a chance for some real downtime? If you haven’t, try to squeeze some in – it’s important!
Life moves as a fast pace. We are in a now society. Everything’s urgent. On top of that, all too often, we over commit. We get on one more committee, say yes to another party, or take on a large project around the house. The idea of taking time off seems like more work than it would be worth.
The truth is, we need downtime. We need to unplug from technology, turn off the news, and relax. Time away, even for a long weekend can make a difference. Make the effort. It’s worth it! You’re worth it and you need it.
Need more of a push? Here are 7 science backed reasons taking time off is important:
Better physical health – The stress of work and over commitment takes a toll on your physical well-being. Our bodies can’t tell the difference between good or bad stress – it just responds the same way – with an adrenaline rush. That rush is important for your survival, but it’s detrimental for the long term. Your body needs time to recover.
More productivity– After time away, you will feel more refreshed and have more energy resulting in getting more done. According to the New York Times, “Human beings aren’t designed to expend energy continuously. Rather, we’re meant to pulse between spending and recovering energy.”
Closer family relationships– Leaving behind the crazy schedule and doing activities together not only brings the family closer, it can create lasting memories. Being able to share stories, laughter, and memories is the good stuff.
Newer perspectives– Our best ideas usually happen when we aren’t trying so hard. Our subconscious is always working even when we are not. Imagine what ideas you might have when you are on vacation!
Increased mental power–Research by the University of California Irvine found that our brains don’t have a reserve pool to gather energy and power from. Time off from work is like a tune up for our brains!
Lower chance of burn out– When we are feeling overwhelmed and starting to feel burned out, time away can help. “Workers who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts,” according to about.com.
Improved mental health – After time away, most people have an increased sense of calm, which helps relieve stress, and helps you feel more like you again.
So, if you haven’t taken a break yet—do it! Even a little bit of rest can go a long way.