5 Things for When You Need to Recharge

If you’ve ever had one of those days where you are in desperate need of a recharge, but know that there are still things that need to get done, this one is for you! Take a day to recharge your mental energy and reframe your thoughts to feel like you’re getting things done while doing far less.

Well, it happened already. Even though I knew the time would come sooner or later, I was hoping that it would be later. I have failed at keeping a blogging schedule.

A recent Sunday brought a much needed reprieve in the most unexpected of ways - the seasonal crud. I woke up with a nagging, dull headache, stuffy sinuses, and that annoyingly persistent urge to sneeze. My body ached and I was absolutely exhausted. It also just so happened on one of the very rare occasions that I had the house to myself.

If we are being honest, it was more than a cold. It was absolute run down. When I started this site in August, I did so with the best intentions, but this month has come with a lot of unexpected turns of events. There has been a constant, unavoidable heaviness. That is life and it can get out of hand easily. Sometimes, we just have to accept that’s how it is.

Feeling well or not, I have a hard time sitting still. My husband is always teasing about how I “can’t even watch a movie without doing something else.” Taking it easy is, ironically, not something that comes easy to me. Even worse, doing nothing, is practically impossible.

I tend to carry that feeling of failure when things aren’t getting done. Being sick doesn’t mean that it all stops. Groceries don’t buy themselves and my job and housework will just pile up into the next day. If I work hard to get into a routine, it’s almost a given that I won’t be able to pick up where I left off.

There are so many studies, podcasts, and self help books out there about the power of reframing your thoughts when things get tough -- taking them from overwhelmingly negative to find a positive side. Just maybe, getting things accomplished is less about completing a chore and more about how your outlook on what you’re getting done.

Guilt Free Reset - Permission Granted

Know the difference between resilience and recklessness when it comes to taking care of yourself

First thing I chose NOT to do on my self declared day off was to feel guilty that things weren’t getting done.

I reminded myself that when I first started this blog the one stipulation to myself was, “I won’t pressure the joy out of this.” I wanted to start writing again because, well, I love to write. However, when it comes to being successful with an online presence, it is well known that success is nearly impossible without a regular content routine and, essentially, making it a second job. While I agree with all of that, putting an unnecessary, overwhelming pressure on yourself to perform usually doesn’t get the end result you wanted. Would I love if this blog did well? YES! Would it be worth driving me past my breaking point? No.

Personally, and I know many others feel the same weight, this past year has been a difficult, trying one. I've made myself feel guilty for a lot - for not being better. I didn’t want to make myself feel bad for falling behind.

To be clear, what this DOESN’T mean that if you keep putting things off you will end up a happier, more fulfilled version of yourself. A legitimate break is meant to recharge you. Procrastination, under the guise of a pause, does nothing more than make you feel worse and fuel your stress.

Understand the difference, recognize the signs that your body and mind are sending to you, and forgive yourself for falling a little behind every now and then.

Brain Dump

When it doubt, dump it out.

My ADHD has me making lists that I know I will never look at again. Literally. Do you know how many pieces of paper I’ve pulled out of the bottomless pit I call my purse only to discover it has 3 random ingredients and a phone number of someone or somewhere that I don’t know?

That being said, there is definitely something about clearing your mind that takes the edge off of your stress level. When you have hit the point of being down and out, the last thing that should be on your mind is what you still need (or want) to do.

Grab a single sheet of paper, a journal with easily detachable pages, and a pen. (Pro Tip: I recommend not using your phone notes for this unless its something you have quick visual access to or look at regularly).

Set a timer for 10 minutes, then simply start writing. Everything. Write words that describe how you’re feeling. Write what you need to get from the grocery store. Write a couple of goals that you’ve had weighing on your mind, write a meal plan out for the week. Make a list of crafts you’d like to try. Write down that cool place you saw on TikTok that you want to visit. Literally anything that comes to mind.

The beautiful thing about a brain dump is that there is no need to organize at least, not yet. You are simply allowing all the thoughts tying up your mind to leave and taking their weight with them. This is the important part - PUT THIS LIST SOMEWHERE YOU WILL SEE IT LATER! As long as you know where your brain dump is, you can relax and will worry about organizing it when you’re feeling up to par.

Restore Order and Keep it Clean

Peace of mind starts with picking up the mess

This one may seem slightly counter productive at first and if it is not for you, obviously, that’s fine. However, nothing brings me more comfort than being able to spend a day lounging, surrounded by scented candles and a warm blanket that smells like laundry detergent. I can find solace in binge watching a feel good series or finishing that book I’ve been wanting to get through.

However, if the dishes are piled up, food is stuck to the countertops, the garbage is overflowing, and there are dried spills on the floor that need to be mopped up, there’s no way that I can nap.

But, here’s the recommendation - those dirty dishes, try doing them by hand. There have been actual studies done that show that washing dishes by hand can be meditative when the task is done mindfully. As a matter of fact, any form of cleaning could be a form of meditation. Think repetitive motion (i.e. vacuuming, dusting, folding) in a mindful manner.

Lighten Up

You are what you surround yourself with so make sure it’s good!

I enjoy a good thriller or murder mystery just as much as the next person. However, when it comes to a lazy Sunday afternoon, give me a feel good, light hearted, cheesy Rom Com to cozy in to. Either that or something so boring I have no choice but to take a nap.

I try to keep a few staple comfort books stocked in between my plethora of unread novels, just for these kinds of days. I even choose a softer, more calming playlist to get me through the day while making food or cleaning up.

Feeling overwhelmed, overly stressed, and overly emotional about the ways of this world is a sure way for you to get run down. While we are usually what we surround ourselves with, we also have the ability to change the environment we are in. Take at least one day to make it calmer, more fun loving, and peaceful.

Get Inspired

Sometimes, it’s not a break we’re desperately needing, it’s inspiration.

I'm always multi tasking, doodling, writing, cooking, or crafting, I’ve tried to break myself of it, I’ve worked on building better habits, and I’ve finally accepted that this is the way I was made. If you are legitimately one of those people who need to be fidgeting, try a calming hobby instead of doom scrolling videos about people you don’t even know.

I read somewhere once that the best way to get inspired to create, was to just start creating something. I personally love the feeling I get when I am proud of something that I made. The great thing is that there are so many ways to do this. Even brain dumping can bring something out of your mind that you didn’t even know was there.

I could spend hours on our patio in the warmer months, painting. Even if I don’t have a plan of what I should be painting. A few years ago, I purchased a lap table to put together jigsaw puzzles. In the winter, I could sit for ever sorting and connecting pieces. It is especially convenient to place to the side if someone needs you or if you get called away. I also found these nifty (and inexpensive) little needle point kits so I could try something new. I was fortunate enough that my mother was a armature knitter and taught me the basics. (I can’t knit you a sweater yet, but if you need a dish rag, I’m your girl!)

One year, I even spent so many hours making twine and yarn wrapped wine bottles. All it took was some good, old fashioned Elmer’s glue, the yarn of my choice, and an empty, washed bottle of wine. (Side note: I am so proud of these things. I made them 14 years ago and after surviving multiple moves, they are STILL holding up and being used in to decorate our home today!)

What to do When You Need a Recharge and Can’t Find Time

I am well aware that not everyone has the luxury getting the house to themselves. That we don’t have a access to full time, free babysitter. It’s very often that we need to fit in what we can, when we can.

It doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a recharge when you have stretched yourself to the max. Sometimes, it’s as simple as scheduling some down time for yourself like you do everything else. Sometimes, recharging is, “Hey kids! I know you want to spend time with me while I am making dinner. Would it be okay if I set you up to color quietly at the table for a few minutes while I wash these dishes first?” Sometimes it’s, “I am starting to feel really overwhelmed by everything I have on my mind. I am taking 10 minutes to brain dump so I can refocus on what’s important right now.”

Sometimes, recharging means setting boundaries or approaching tasks with a new frame of mind.