I am still learning that it is important to take periodic breaks from whatever you are doing. I experience first hand the benefits of this with my exercise. When I take a rest day or a rest week, I come back to my workouts stronger and more determined than ever. That being said, I still find it hard to take a rest day. I’m getting better since I now view these days as a time to do easier exercises.
This point was brought home to me as I was driving to see a dear friend, whom I hadn’t seen in several months. My life right now is a juggling act. I don’t believe there is such a thing as balance since balance implies something static. Taking care of my Mom is taking a lot of my time and energy. I also worry that I am not using my brain to its full capacity, so I consider my volunteer consulting work to be a God send. This leaves little time for much else. I try to keep in touch with my friends, but it’s with a quick phone call or email.
There is also a part of me that feels guilty if I take a week day to do something fun. There is no reason on earth why I shouldn’t, but I still feel the guilt.
I had such a wonderful time with my friend. I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. As a matter of fact, as I was basking in the pretty countryside while driving to see her, the idea for this blog post popped into my head. I love it what that happens.
So my lesson learned is that we all need to take a break sometimes. It doesn’t necessarily mean a two week vacation to an exotic local. It can be as simple as a 10 minute stand and stretch break. I must keep reminding myself of that.
What about you? Do you find it hard to take breaks?
This beautiful relaxation photo is courtesy of Muha’s Flickr Photostream, under Creative Commons Licensing.
Louisa May Alcatt
April 23, 2014
yes and no. as a cat, I am always on break, My Pub, however, has to keep reminding herself to take breaks, especially small ones. They really make a difference with things like exercise, like you mention (we are not getting any younger) and housework and other small projects. glad you took time to see your friend, At first it may have seemed liked a sacrifice, but as you saw, it really was essential, xo LMA
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hey LMA,
Ha – yes, cats seem to be always relaxing, but that’s the secret to their happiness, is it not? I’m glad your Pub is being mindful of taking breaks. You can be her inspiration. š
Nancy
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swethadhaara
April 23, 2014
You are absolutely right Nancy. Taking breaks definitely is a must and helps us from staying away from monotonous tone of life. As for me I enjoy a beautiful bath for more than an hour to relax myself.
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hi,
Ah, taking a nice relaxing bubble bath is the perfect way to relax!
Nancy
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Nishita13
April 23, 2014
Its time for a break. š
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hi,
Yes, it is always a good time for a break.
Nancy
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Nishita13
April 24, 2014
Your smile’s beautiful. Smiling.
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Nancy Loderick
April 24, 2014
Hi Nishita13,
Thanks for your nice comment. š
Nancy
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Nishita13
April 24, 2014
You’re welcome. š Stay Beautiful.
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sdalton43
April 23, 2014
I do find it difficult, Nancy, but – like you – I am learning the benefits. Sometimes it seems that life doesn’t want me to take breaks. That’s when I find that I need a break the most. The thing that seems to suffer with me is my writing. It sometimes feels selfish to set apart time to write; but, when I do, I always experience a blessing. Even at 56, I’m still learning.
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hi Steve,
Yes, it certainly does seem like life can conspire against us. But if we are self-aware, it can help. I’m glad to see that you are learning to listen to your body. It is hard though, isn’t it?
Nancy
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Ralph
April 23, 2014
Hi Nancy š I take breaks all the time. but find I am doing something else instead. Would you call sleeping a break ? Works for me !! Ralph xox ā¤
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hello friend Ralph,
Sleeping is most definitely a break! As a matter of fact, I love sleeping more than I love exercise. Heck, I love sleeping even more than I love Peeps!
Nancy
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Ralph
April 23, 2014
Whew. I thought I was on my own with this. It’s nice to share a common interest š
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hey Ralph,
That’s probably why we get along so well. š
Nancy
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Judi Brady
April 23, 2014
Ah,Miss Nancy, you are SO right about it all! Seeing you was such a lift to my spirit that day and it didn’t matter one bit what we were doing! It is “connecting”,just taking time to breathe ,,sharing a dear friend’s company and being in Nature ! For me, my loving family and good friends are what give me the sustaining power to deal with whatever challenges I am facing . Hope we get to have more of that!
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hello my dear friend,
I am so grateful for spending that wonderful day with you. As you can see, you inspired me to write this post!
I look forward to our next adventure!
Nancy
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Peter Wells aka Countingducks
April 23, 2014
I do find it hard to take a break, but I know you are right. I have just had a book published, and the pressure to market it is unrelenting. Oh for that nice view and a cup of tea
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Hi Peter,
Yes, it is hard to resist the unrelenting pressure. But, keep at it. You will come back to your tasks with renewed spirit, ideas and energy!
Nancy
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Wendell A. Brown
April 23, 2014
Not difficult as I have to take periodic breaks because of MS, But I truly understand, because there was a time where I was always trying to do so many things throughout the day when I was working as a branch manager…but my energy level was always one of the highest in the company…then one day I realized in not being selfish to others I was really being selfish to only myself…then I began to understand that balance brings about peace…always be good and true to yourself! Always a delight to read your words Nancy, hope Easter was wonderful for you and your Mother! Hugs and blessings my sister!
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Nancy Loderick
April 23, 2014
Dear brother Wendell,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about taking a break. I know exactly what you mean about going all out in one’s younger days. Self-knowledge is one of the blessings that comes with getting older.
Many blessings to you my friend!
Nancy
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socialbridge
April 24, 2014
Nancy, this post makes me think of how my camera just conks out and sends a message saying: ‘battery exhausted.’ I’m a huge believer in breaks as in both theory and practice as I feel they are fundamentally necessary to re-charge the system ~ both physical and mental. My favourite break is to float in the sea ~ bliss!
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Nancy Loderick
April 24, 2014
Hi Social Bridge,
Relaxing in the sea sounds heavenly! There is something very therapeutic about salt water. It’s good for soothing those aches and pains.
Nancy
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Unshakable Hope
April 24, 2014
Great post, Nancy. Your endless search for balance and the guilt… sounds so much like my wife. I forwarded her the link so I know she’ll read it.
Busy women like you and my wife should not feel guilty over taking breaks. Think of these breaks like an adult putting an oxygen mask on before a child; you’re doing so for them. No more guilt!
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Nancy Loderick
April 25, 2014
Hi,
Thanks for the support. I hope your wife finds the post helpful.
And, what is it about the guilt thing? It must be a ‘woman’ thing.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy
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CBurns
April 25, 2014
I recently had breakfast with a friend and know exactly how you were feeling. Sometimes we don’t even know how much we need these breaks until we actually take them!
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daoud alahmad
May 11, 2014
I am so happy to reblog your Wonderful post.
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Nancy Loderick
May 13, 2014
Hi Daoud,
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed this post enough to reblog it. I am flattered.
Nancy
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daoud alahmad
May 14, 2014
I always like your posts it shows your experience , your are always welcome .
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loujenhaxmyor
May 14, 2014
Since I’ve been retired from my 40-hr workweek (I job I truly enjoyed because of the diversity of duties– which kept me very busy), my days are an open book. My wife an I try to get a couple of days when we walk about a mile throughout our neighborhood, and a couple of days in a one hour stretching class. Otherwise, in no particular order I might decide to check out my vegetable garden, play guitar with a veteran buddy of mine, read up on a new recipe (I love to cook–and eat), try solving a sudoku or crossword puzzle, catch an hour of local and world news, take a two hour nap in the middle of the day, watch a couple of favorite tv shows, and work on some new illustration and/or poem for my blog site– that time usually being really late night till early a.m.(that’s why those wonderful naps.) With this heat, it feels like a beach day– probably tomorrow or Thursday). In one week we’ll begin our three-week New Jersey visit with our families. Won’t be relaxing, but at least it’ll be a break of sorts. Peace.
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Nancy Loderick
May 14, 2014
Hi,
Sounds like you are enjoying your retirement! Good for you. Sadly, too many people work hard all their lives, only to get sick once they retire.
Enjoy every moment!
Nancy
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