It's easy to get caught up in a crazy lifestyle. Waking up early and going to bed late is a daily routine. Getting food on homework is normal because when else would we find time to eat? I often find myself planning what I have to do next when I haven't even finished what I was still doing. Being constantly busy puts a lot of restraints on both our bodies and mind. While I do sometimes enjoy a busy lifestyle, I can't help but need a little break from my responsibilities.
Growing up, I always thought that if I wanted to make in the real world one day, then I had to push aside my indulges and focus only on my work. If I am not constantly working on things then I am not pushing myself forward. I never really found the power in taking breaks until I had no choice.
Taking breaks rejuvenates the body and gives the brain time to rest. Have you ever been so exhausted you start saying random words that make literally no sense at all? I refer to this as the “mumbo jumbo” stage. This is when your brain has become overrun and is literally running on fumes. Usually, at this stage, we become super giggly and slap happy. This is a red flag when trying to get things done! This is your body saying “hey, let's take a nap or maybe relax a bit”. Taking a day to yourself will not mean the end of all that you know. Some call this kind of day, a “lazy day”.
If things were up to me I would declare a national lazy day for everyone. A day where you are forced to do what your job or school would deem non-productive. Who wouldn't want to take a day off and do whatever they want? Whether it's shopping with the girlfriends, binge watching Stranger Things, or throwing a few beers back with the boys. Stepping away from your desk can sometimes help you accomplish more than if you sat there for countless hours, trying to pluck information out of your brain. If you're anything like me, the harder I try to get things done when I am exhausted, the fewer things I actually get done.
This might sound a little strange, but if you find yourself at a work block, just stop doing work entirely. Take a few hours or even a day to collect yourself. Take your friend up on that offer to get coffee and chat. Your homework won't run away. Even if you want it to. Working on fumes will not push you through the day and certainly not through your life.
Remember you need to be a little selfish sometimes. Taking care of yourself should not be on the back burner. Be kind to yourself. Push yourself, but not too hard. Everybody deserves a lazy day every once and awhile.
