How do you recharge your batteries?

As I continue my self-care journey, I am discovering how I constantly move from one thing to the next; attempting to multi-task, which in reality is never putting my best work forward. Just like my cell phone (that I am constantly connected to), I need a break and a moment to recharge.

Since working from home, I never shut down. From my corporate day job, to being a wife & mom, to the many side hustles I am working on, I. Never. Slow. Down.

During this pandemic time, it’s even easier to stay connected to my phone 24/7 and be available and accessible, but I am exhausted. Mentally, emotionally and physically. I find myself sitting and working at the kitchen table for 8 hours with very little movement throughout the day. In fact, I am typing this blog from my spot right now…

I try to be in the moment, at any given time. I get distracted, so easily. Pop-up email notifications, a text message that comes through, it is so easy to “do” so many things at once, but really not accomplish any. Lately, I have been putting my phone out of reach when we are watching TV, date night with Clay and playing with AJ.

I have become very intentional with recharging. I wake-up and work out HARD. A great sweat session always leads to a great morning. Whether I lift weights, spin on my Peloton or go for a power walk, I always find a way to move every day. Then it’s shower, get ready, school drop-off. During my time with AJ in the car, it’s all about him! He picks the music and conversation and I look forward to our laughs every morning.

On to my work day… after drop-off, I head back to my kitchen table for hours of back to back zoom calls, tasks to complete after those zoom calls, research, follow-up, the list goes on. Whenever I have a few minutes, I excitedly grab my keys and walk to the mailbox. A few steps and maybe some happy mail (not often but sometimes there is a surprise in our box) give me something to break up my day. There are a few bio breaks and some snacks throughout the day (I get hangry when I don’t eat, so I try to always have snacks nearby).

When I actually shut-down the computer (technology needs a break as well), I then find myself scrolling through my various social media platforms to check out the latest pics, news & updates. I spend intentional, scheduled time focusing on my side businesses and communities. I plug in my phone and find ways to plug into my mind (or unplug and take a mental break from reality). I enjoy some cuddle time on the couch while watching whatever our latest binge show of the week might be (Gilmore Girls is my latest obsession as I type this).

Whether it be a physical break to allow our bodies to rest, a deep breath (or 2) to clear our minds from stress or a quick dance party with a fun song to move after sitting all day, we all need a moment throughout the day to take a break. Writing has always been an outlet for me, so I also use this platform as a way to re-energize. A way to pause, a time to think & put my thoughts into words.

To borrow a quote from Sam Glenn, “sometimes the best solution is to REST, RELAX and RECHARGE. It’s hard to be your best on empty.”