Full disclaimer: I absolutely adore Sundays. Sunday mornings in particular, when the only things on my to-do list are to sleep in, drink coffee, and read. But Sundays weren't always so peaceful. Even after a long week of work and a busy Saturday out and about, I used to try and make my Sundays (gah) productive. BUT NO MORE, I SAY.
Before we continue, *please* go listen to the most perfect Sunday morning song there ever was as your Required Background Music for this post.
I don't know if any of you are like this, but I used to...not let myself rest? I used to demand too much of myself in terms of both creativity and running, which in the end led to inevitable burnout. Saving Sundays for myself has been a way to actively nourish that quiet part of me that just wants to snuggle up in bed with coffee and reflect on the week. And read #AllTheThings.
Everyone's routine is different, but I think it's important that we each carve out time to rest. I look forward to my Sunday mornings more than just about any other time of the week, and it's because I'm consistently choosing to prioritize it for peace.
1. Pick the day where you have the least to do. Rest days work best on those days where you don't have a work shift to get ready for or classes to attend. You might still have some small priority tasks, but generally the best time to rest is when you know you're going to have less on your plate.
2. Get comfy. Pajama pants, slippers, blankets, beanies. IT'S ALL ABOUT OPTIMAL COMFORT HERE, PEOPLE.
4. Inspire yourself. Something I've been trying to do more of lately is actively assemble a list of videos, articles and other little links for me to enjoy on Sunday mornings with my coffee. Often these are thought pieces or song recommendations I didn't get to check out earlier in the week. I save them all up in a document (and rip pages out of my old magazines, shhhhh) and read them all on Sunday. It's my new favorite thing.
5. Go out. Or don't! But I typically find that venturing out into society on my rest day (even if it's just an hour for church or to grab yogurt), makes me feel more accomplished. No one even has to see you. You can just go for a drive. But do it! You'll be glad you did.
Now I have a whole day where I know going in that I'm not going to be doing much of anything. Just...breathing. Exhaling after a long week. Looking through blogs before church. Choosing caramel iced coffee instead of chaos.
Everyone's routine is different, but I think it's important that we each carve out time to rest. I look forward to my Sunday mornings more than just about any other time of the week, and it's because I'm consistently choosing to prioritize it for peace.
How to Cultivate a Rest Day in 5 Steps or Less or Your Money Back
1. Pick the day where you have the least to do. Rest days work best on those days where you don't have a work shift to get ready for or classes to attend. You might still have some small priority tasks, but generally the best time to rest is when you know you're going to have less on your plate.
2. Get comfy. Pajama pants, slippers, blankets, beanies. IT'S ALL ABOUT OPTIMAL COMFORT HERE, PEOPLE.
3. Grab a beverage of choice. I prefer coffee but you do you, boo.
4. Inspire yourself. Something I've been trying to do more of lately is actively assemble a list of videos, articles and other little links for me to enjoy on Sunday mornings with my coffee. Often these are thought pieces or song recommendations I didn't get to check out earlier in the week. I save them all up in a document (and rip pages out of my old magazines, shhhhh) and read them all on Sunday. It's my new favorite thing.
5. Go out. Or don't! But I typically find that venturing out into society on my rest day (even if it's just an hour for church or to grab yogurt), makes me feel more accomplished. No one even has to see you. You can just go for a drive. But do it! You'll be glad you did.
What about you?
Do you have a designated rest day that helps you recharge? Or do you carve out time for rest a little bit each day? I have now shared my Sunday morning hermit steps with you, my friends. And now, to crawl back into my cave....
I think I need to start doing this. I definitively do not rest enough.
ReplyDeleteLove the song!
Oh, I would definitely recommend it! Rest makes everything possible. Without it, I literally cease to be creative, and it's so sad. Glad you loved the tunes! :) Thanks so much for commenting, Skye! <3
DeleteI always try to set aside time to rest but can't stop thinking about all the things I need to do! Gotta try to keep these in mind! ♡
ReplyDeleteOH GOSH I am the same way! I make to do lists all the time even though I'm supposed to just be unplugging and letting go of that task-oriented mindset. But rest is often what I need, especially after a long day! I hope that the tips can be helpful for you. Thanks for commenting!! <3
DeleteI LOVE THIS! These tips are so helpful, I so get how important it is to get rest, yet rarely try to implement it into my life. Thank you for this xxxx
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much, Zoe! That means a lot!! <3 I totally feel you, for whatever reason, rest seems to be one of those things that falls by the wayside whenever life priorities and busy seasons crop up. So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! <3 :)
DeleteTHIS IS SUCH A GREAT POST ERIN. I definitely push myself too hard, and I've been in a state of constant burnout for over six months. The rare times I manage rest days, it's such a blessed and perfect time to recharge. But unfortunately, my current place in life makes it so I can't afford to have these often, if at all. I really wish I could, though.
ReplyDeleteEleanor | On the Other Side of Reality
Aw, thanks so much, Eleanor! I really appreciate it! :) I am the same way with pushing myself too hard. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been in perpetual burnout. :( That is the worst! Sometimes a hustle is necessary but for that situation I would recommend carving out an hour or two a day that is just for you. Or implementing small little forms of self care or things to look forward to, such as a favorite meal, or coffee, or a book to read when you get home. Hoping your week has been well!!
DeleteI've said it before and I'll say it again, your posts feel so calming and encouraging. <3
ReplyDeleteI've been sick for the past few days, so I've finally let myself not be productive all day, and it has felt really nice. I can see myself making a habit out of it. Intentionally resting seems like a big step for one's mental health, stress levels, etc. Wonderful post!!
GAH Evangeline you are too kind! Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. <3 :)
DeleteOh no! I hope you are feeling better now. I'm glad, though, that your sick days have allowed you to take a step back and just recharge and rest. Definitely make it a habit! We hustle so much in life, but there needs to be time to rest and reflect. :) I totally agree, it's crucial for mental health and keeping life's stress at a minimum. Thank you so much for reading! <3
My favorite day to rest is Sunday. It's the day that I use to gear up for the rest of week and recover from the previous one. Like today, I let go of the idea of homework and instead pursued my own desires. I took photos, cleaned, read, wrote, and spent time with my family. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of rest. <3
ReplyDeletexx Rosie | www.2pointpov.com
YAS repping that Sunday love! Sundays are my favorite days to rest, too. :) I love your strategy because I resonate! Sundays are like that perfect mix of rest and preparing for the work week. :D I love that you were able to take it easy and have fun!! That sounds like the best time. :) Thank you so much for commenting, Rosie! You are the jam.
Deletetowards the end of the craziest summer of my life, I finally told my boss I could no longer work on Sundays. because I dont have a set work schedule, I dont get consistent days off. so each week is a toss up. I needed one day I knew I would be able to rest and it would not change. as much as Ive struggled with my faith, I neede to go to church just to have one day to be around other humans that wasnt for work.
ReplyDeleteit was the best choice I ever made. it made me think about why the Sabbath is such a recurring theme in the bible. rest days are the most important day. I wish more people knew this.
thank you for the reminder. Im all too ready to run myself ragged. lol. I need to be told to rest
Oh my gosh, Faith, I love this! I am so proud of you for making that decision to take control of your rest and express that to your boss. Having that consistency is so key. There are times during the hectic work week where I just crave / look forward to that Sunday at the end of the week, knowing it will be full of the peace I need to keep pushing on.
DeleteAlso, I totally agree about going to church! I fell out of step with going to church earlier in 2018 and have recently been able to get back into it with a new body of believers. AND IT'S THE BEST! Also love your perspective about the Sabbath. I need to do a study on that more in depth soon!
Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I'm also in the same boat where I push myself too hard and would rather work then just let myself rest. I hope that you really take time to enjoy your upcoming Sunday this week!! :) <3
Yes I definitely have a rest day! Though lately it's been fulfilled with tea, pajamas, and lots of video games haha!
ReplyDeleteOh my word Victoria, that sounds like the BEST rest day! Pajamas are essential. Tea is essential. VIDEO GAMES = essential. I love this! Kinda wishing it was Sunday right now, lol. Thanks so much for commenting!! <3
DeleteI've always been inclined to not allow myself to rest, but I've really been working to be more intentional about taking care of myself and taking the time to unwind a bit. This post was a beautiful reminder for that. <3
ReplyDeleteI am the same way! I'm so glad that you're putting time and effort into taking care of yourself. It's super important! Thanks so much for your kind words as always, Grace Anne. I hope you enjoy your weekend! :) <3
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