Sometimes when we meet a client, we see that they are frazzled, overwhelmed, and on their last nerve. Addressing their organizing needs is all the more difficult because their energy is maxed out.
The thing is, we need to relax to function, and it’s not as easy as it sounds. Recharging will help you maintain focus and energy – in other words, it is needed to be high-functioning and firing on all cylinders! But many type-A do’ers, although they are extremely productive people, have trouble leaving their responsibilities long enough to unwind.
We get it. We, too, are those people who feel more comfortable blasting through a to-do list than lazing away a Sunday afternoon. But we know how important it is to rejuvenate your body and brain and have quality down-time (if not quantity!). So in true Done & Done fashion, we have researched, practiced, and perfected the art of relaxing. Read on for our tips!
1. Unplug: While technology connects us every second of the day, being able to see the details of other people’s lives on Facebook and Instagram can make us feel lonely. Furthermore, the blue light emitted by computer and phone screens can cause insomnia and attention disorder effects.
Turning off your phone, putting away your laptop, and avoiding television during a shorter break can help you relax. Even if you only have a few hours to yourself in between work engagements and social or family responsibilities, taking a step away from technology can make that time much more restorative. If you are on vacation, try turning everything off (even music) until noon every day, and embrace the quiet in your home. It sounds weird, but it can help you appreciate the time off and relax with intention, which will mean you will actually reap the physical and psychological rewards.
2. Don’t sleep too much: Establishing a regular sleep schedule can do wonders for your productivity. But taking long naps or sleeping late during vacation can make you feel even more tired, or create symptoms of anxiety, low energy, or memory problems.
If you are sleep-deprived and looking forward to resting during your time off, try setting an alarm (even if it’s later than you would usually wake up) so you don’t sleep over the recommended 8 hours. If you feel the need to nap, 20 minutes can be infinitely more rejuvenating than a long, 2-hour sack out. Setting limits on your sleep will give you more energy to get outdoors, see your loved ones, and do all of the other wonderful things planned!
3. A Juicy Show: Find a great British murder mystery, but don’t overdo it. This one may be particular to the Done & Done team, but we abso-lutely love a fantastic BBC drama. Immerse yourself in grisly murder plot for the ultimate, escapist vacation. But make sure to avoid the physical pitfalls of binge-watching – save your show for after dinner so you aren’t tempted to remain couch-bound all day. I know – it’s so tempting, but too much lying around will leave you feeling lethargic and anti-social .
4. Get exercise. When it comes to being active, there are no rules. Take a long walk with the dog, hit a yoga class in your neighborhood, or go to the gym and pump some iron. Go dancing, or take a trapeze class. Getting your blood pumping will not only fill your body with pleasurable and relaxing endorphins, but it’ll make you really enjoy the time that you choose to just kick back and watch TV.
5. #TreatYoSelf: Think of ways to pamper your body and quiet your brain that don’t involve food or too many naps. Getting a pedicure with a 10 minute foot massage is a perfect way to get 30 minutes of quiet time while releasing built-up tension in your feet and calves.
Be sure to also read our blog post on dealing with mental clutter here.
