Let’s face it, we all find ourselves in a rut sometimes.
There seem to be many ways to arrive in burn out land.
Especially as we transition into the summer months and may
be trying to figure out how we are going to enjoy time with family,
friends, lots of activities, travel, visitors, planning a fab BBQ or two,
and perhaps some time to relax.
Here are a few that you may be able to identify with:
- not enough sleep
- too many commitments
- not staying true to yourself
- having grace with others, demanding perfection from ourselves
- wanting it all now
I am guilty of all of these, usually three or more at the same time
just to keep myself stressed out and distracted from what really matters.
Since different stuff matters to all of us, but most of us have some common
things that throw us off track I can think of three things that are rut-busters
we can implement as we move into summer.
Make a good night’s rest a priority
I find myself staying up too late, too many nights in a row and end up trudging
through my day, grumpy and on empty. I have created kind of a bedtime
routine that seems to help. By making good sleep #1 I seem to have way
more energy, deal better with conflict (three littles=conflict) and am able to
make it through the day sighing less and looking at the clock.
Just say no
Easier said that done, but we have to block out down time.
Like, schedule it in and don’t let expectations get in the way.
Down time is extremely important for kids and for us too. It’s
so easy to keep saying yes, but if we don’t have down time
intentionally scheduled in, we end up feeling it. And the last
thing we feel is rested or creative. That sounds terrible!
Stay true to yourself and your goals
If making other people happy is top of mind, we put how they
feel and what we think they want us to do in the focus. This is
way out of balance and is a sure fire way to feel burned out
and resentful. It’s ok to stand back and evaluate on a regular
basis and take the same advice that we would give a girlfriend.
Why will we people please all day but not let a friend do it?
Ugh! Redonk folks. It’s hard to use boundaries in this area,
and most of us feel like a jerk when we keep our truth in
focus, but it’s not selfish. We all have a certain amount of
time. Why spend it trying to make other people happy and
gain approval when God has given us gifts we can be
cultivating to serve and share?
Let’s say we can rock two of these this summer, make them
a priority and create a habit. That sounds relaxing, and
wonderful, and something I can sign up for like now!
What are some of the things you have found helpful to
maintain your sanity, feel rested and nurture creativity?
Have a blessed & wonderful day friends, love you SO!
9 Responses
Good thoughts…can you get my twins on the “needing sleep” bandwagon? 😉
I feel you Megan, however I have not had twins so we really do need to sit them down and let them know how important this is! You are a rock star, I have no idea how you do it. Naps until they sleep thru the night perhaps? 🙂
xo, Tanya
Yeah, I’m pretty much a mess in all of these areas right now. I do like your suggestions, and LOVE your family photos. I have a “frog fan” over here, too 🙂
They do love their frogs don’t they! You are amazing girl, I have no idea how you do it all 🙂 big hugs from up North- xo
Tanya
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