Recharge Your Life with a Time-Out!

Every six weeks or so I begin to feel antsy, a little drained and notice myself less energized than normal.  Things that would normally excite me or create new ideas for me start to feel bland. 

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

Nikki Anderson

I used to think this was a sign that I was doing something wrong or that I wasn’t in the right profession.

I’ve since come to realize that what I’m really craving is some time off –time away with a new routine and a change of scenery.    It doesn’t necessarily need to be a long vacation or even for several days – a day or two often will do the trick! 

Recharge Your Life

There are 5 main things I notice that happen for me when I take ‘time out’ from my day-to-day life. Increased reflection, relaxation, creativity, refueling and desire…which bring me back to a deep appreciation for my life.

1. Reflection 

When I get away I have time to reflect on my life.   I can think about my relationships, my work, my health, hobbies, etc….  this is an optimal time for me to take stock of how my life has been going and whether there’s anything I want to shift.  

It’s also an optimal time to notice the great things that have been happening as I find it so seductive to get caught up in the ‘what’s next cycle’. 

2.  Relaxation 

I don’t even realize how tense I am and how fast I move through my days until I have some distance from my regular routine.   When I take breaks I am able to catch this. I can then reign it back in to moving slower, being more deliberate in my actions and feeling more centered.  

3.  Creativity 

When I take time off I’m giving my mind a break.  I have less clutter spinning through my head and more space is available for day dreaming.    When I allow myself the space to dream, new ideas are generated and I’m once again re-energized and inspired.  

4.  Refueling  

In the daily grind it’s easy to get caught up in all the ways I need to give of my time and energy – forgetting to take deliberate time to replenish.   Having time away is a great way to put concentrated energy toward doing the things that refuel my tank – such as:  taking a nap (without setting an alarm),  taking a bath, going for a hike in nature (with no place I ‘have’ to get to).   

Refueling is necessary for me to be of service to others in my life and work without feeling tapped out.  

5. Desire  

After a “time-out”, I’m more able to clearly see all the great things about life.  Because I’m no longer running on empty…my desire for my life – my work, my relationships and my routine all return with new vigor.   I now have a new appreciation and feeling of gratitude for my life.

You don’t need a lot of money to ‘get away’ – a day trip or even one over night will do the trick!   Don’t let excuses stop you from taking a break and recharging ….  You may just wind up with a whole new appreciation for you life!    Try it!  

Love,

Nikki

Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.

Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

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Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by SFWJ in Work/Life Balance

Tags: Inspiration, Know Yourself, motivation, My Time, Wellness, work/life balance