Cup of Inspiration

In our daily lives it can be too easy to go into some kind of auto mode to get things done. We get up at a set time, we have the normal morning routine that involves rushing from one task to another as we get ourselves, and perhaps loved ones, ready for work and/or school. We push ourselves to get through that routine, which leads to the daily routine at work, which leads to the nightly routine before we go to bed. Then we do it all over again the next morning.

There is nothing wrong with these routines. Routines can help us keep track of where we are and what still needs to be completed by the end of the day. What is important, however, is remembering to make time in our hectic schedules to pause, disconnect from the stress, and breathe. It can be easy to push these small breaks out of the schedule. We think we do not have time to take that 10-minute coffee break, because there is a report that needs to be done. There is no time to go for that 20-minute walk, because there is a meeting that needs some preparation. We may put off taking that break till later, or later we will find something else that needs to be done.

There are times when circumstances may force you to take a break. This happened to my family this past week. Covid-19 has altered some of our holiday plans. We are getting through much of our daily routines, but not with the same energy level as our bodies fight this virus. Thankfully, we all have very mild cases which do not require outside medical treatment. What we have all had to do is take breaks throughout the day. We have all taken a second look at some tasks and evaluated what really must happen today, what can be put off a little later after some rest, and what can just be eliminated from the daily to-do list until we are recovered.

Strangely, I will still feel guilty about not getting through my to-do list, but then I remind myself what I did accomplish. I have not been to the fitness center for my normal routine on the treadmill. What I have managed the past couple of days is a handful of loops around the parking lot to get a few steps in when my energy was up. I have not been able to get as much work done as I would like. What I have been able to do is make the necessary phone calls and reply to emails in 10-, 20-, or 30-minute blocks of time before I must step back from the computer. Anything that is not necessary to be completed this week I am adding to my list for next week when I should be further along the road to recovery.

Are you dealing with holiday stress, end of year deadlines, and planning for the new year that is right around the corner? Keeping busy is good, but it is also important to schedule time to go for that short walk, to go for that cup of coffee in the breakroom or sit by the window for a few minutes (and I don’t mean Windows on the computer.) Include these breaks in your routine with the same importance as a meeting or report deadline. Do not wait till an illness forces you to take a break.

When you do find yourself in a position where you must step back, either due to an illness or some other unfortunate circumstance, remember the accomplishments you are able to make in the day, no matter how small. Every task you complete while ill is something to feel good about, not to be compared to how much you usually get done in a day. Also, getting much needed rest while recovering from an illness or an injury, physically or mentally, is also an accomplishment and should be prioritized.

Do not wait until your body does not allow you to keep going before you start implementing breaks in your daily routine. Don’t judge yourself for not giving 110% when your body is functioning below 100%. Your family, friends, and your future self will appreciate the time you take care of yourself now.