5 Ways to Reset & Recharge
Especially when it's not what you do best
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I like being busy. Like really, really busy. I’ve had friends tell me that my schedule makes them dizzy, and my mom is always begging me to slow down. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to distinguish between the I’m-running-from-something brand of busy and the I-thrive-when-I’m-active-and-engaged busy. I’ve also learned that slowing down is not only important, but imperative - especially after slipping and breaking my foot while racing down a steep San Francisco hill hauling three bags of donations. Oops.
Lessons have been learned, but I still have to consciously prioritize moments of rest so I can avoid burnout - and injury. Here are 5 ways I’ve been learning to recharge and reset:
One: Get Serious About Sleep
One thing I’ve never skimped on is sleep. The primary reason being that I am not productive or pleasant without it. For this reason (with very minor exceptions) I am in bed every night by 10pm. I typically wake up around 7am, and yes that is nine hours of sleep.
Two: Solo Walks Are Your Friend
Three years ago, when the world shut down and I couldn’t go to my beloved Core Power Yoga classes, I started taking solo walks. Walking alone turned out to save my sanity when the girls couldn’t go to school and we were all on top of each other in a small home. Moving your body and getting some fresh air is one of the best ways I know to boost mental and physical health. Also, it’s free.
Three: Try Cafe Life
While I’ve never been a coffee or tea drinker, I’ve always found cafe life both charming and romantic. An engaging book, a fresh pastry, and some good old fashioned people watching can feel like a mini vacation.
Four: Unplug, Like Really
My career depends on being plugged in a lot. Texts and emails from clients, posting on social media, and even writing books means that I am constantly staring at screens. Sometimes the constant buzzing makes me feel unhinged, so I’ve learned to integrate digital detoxes into my week whenever possible. Often this means just unplugging at 5pm. Other times I take a full tech-free day to recharge and remember what real life feels like.
Five: Retreat to Recharge
Oh, how I love a retreat! A retreat provides an opportunity to take a break from the demands and pressures of daily life to focus on reflection, well-being, rest, and even self-discovery. I’ve been on many types of retreats - business, personal development, social, and solo. Each one has been truly transformative.
My formula for a good solo retreat is a beautiful, peaceful location I can drive to, a handful of good books, a journal, and some comfortable walking shoes. Even 24-hours away helps me completely recharge and come home to my family refreshed and inspired.
I’d love to know: what are your favorite go-to ways to recharge and reset? Please share in the chat, below.
Once or twice a year I spend a two-week stay at The Porches Writing Retreat in Norwood, Virginia. There I rest, read, write, walk, and listen to the sounds of trains and donkeys. Sitting on one of the massive white porches of the Civil War era house overlooking trees and hills lining the James River recharges me like no other. July 21st I'll be there again watching cardinals and humming birds and lots of weird country bugs. I love it.
So well said...slow is my intention for this year...in all aspects of my life; one way I am doing this is being mindful of my sabbath! A day to truly unplug, read, knit, take a nap (not really possible with littles but sitting with my legs up!) rest, recharge and have quality family time. Outside walks are another way I can relate too..we do this daily & it is life giving.