I talked about my trip down "postpartum depression lane" and one thing that helps me when the days get hard is to do things that recharge my batteries. And recharging my batteries was one of the best pieces of advice I received when I was in the throngs of babyhood. I'll never forget when a dear friend and fellow twins mama told me that I needed to take time every day for myself and do what was good for me! She went on to explain that for her, it was drinking a small glass of wine just to relax. She laughed and said she'd even had a glass of wine at eleven a.m. Judge all you want... but it helped her to face the day and relax. Actually, better that you don't judge, cause that's just a bad habit to develop, encourage and entangle yourself in.
Anyway, I love my friend and I loved her advice.
So I'd like to talk about things that can recharge our batteries and I'd like to hear from you; what recharges your batteries when you need them filled. I especially want to hear from you introverts. I feel like introverts will have some great insight into "unplugging" and "recharging"! So let me hear them. What are some ways you recharge?
For me... there are a couple things...
1. reading a good book. I always try to have several books around. When I expressed to my bestie Kelli that I always read my books too quickly she suggested that I check out several books at one time. Kelli's so smart. :) If you're stumped about what to read I suggest getting on this site Goodreads to see what your friends are reading, read through reviews and get suggestions as to what to read next. I currently have six books to read in the month of February. Everything from spiritual encouragements to raising chickens in your backyards. You can't go wrong with reading a good book!
2. a night out with friends. While I still have my flaming "extrovert" moments those are further and farther between. So even a night out with 1 friend is still a good and necessary recharge to my batteries.
3. doing something for someone else. I need to write down a list of things I want to do and budget for them because when I take time out of my day and think of someone beside myself it helps me remember that there are others out there besides me. Disclaimer: this is different than thinking of my Love Bugs. It's good for me to think of fun ways to love them, new stickers, trips to the park, spontaneous trips to the aquarium, etc. but I'm thinking of doing things for others who aren't in my every day schedule. :) This includes care packages for friends, crochet projects for new babies and sending a beloved piece of snail mail to someone I'm thinking of.
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| the small things in life make me so happy |
4. is to record at least one thing from the day. Something special from the day like something I saw, people I was with, things I did, moments. Trying to capture those moments help me to not get too focused on the upsets and frustrating times.
Finally for now,
5. taking 15 minutes every day to pamper myself. Some times I do a mask, sometimes a glass of wine, sometimes I literally make a cup of tea and STARE out the window. I don't talk to anyone, I don't get on my computer, I don't do anything but relax.
What do you do? How do you relax and recharge?
2 comments:
Love this, Joanna! Thanks for sharing! For me, I like reading and journaling as a way to recharge. Also, conversations with one or two close friends really helps me. Or sometimes I'll watch a favorite tv show to relax :)
Reading, journaling, walking around the track at the gym, and WINE AT 11am. :) No judgment or shame in it! Love you.
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