We all need to hit our off button sometimes.
Completely disconnect from the world. Turn off those emails and social media notifications, better yet turn off your phone completely.
That’s the message we get told isn’t it? And I do totally agree. Our always on culture isn’t helpful for our mental health or for our creativity. How can you have truly innovative or interesting thoughts if you never allow yourself to be bored?
How can you truly unwind if you’re always thinking about the next thing on the to do list?
I’m a huge advocate for self care, it’s one of the key reasons I started blogging. But I’m not always good at practicing what I preach.
I made the decision just over three months ago to leave my job. I was no longer feeling fulfilled and having recently got married, I felt I had a solid foundation and security to make such a bold move. I resigned without having anything to go to. That was the most unlike me think I’ve ever done. But it was essential as I wanted to prioritise my mental health and happiness.
Over the 3 month notice period I found another role which I start in next week. I felt it was essential to give myself some time off between jobs, so I’m currently enjoying two weeks off.
Have I been good at switching off? No.
Have I built in moments in each day for self care? Sometimes.
In truth, I’ve taken what is meant to be a very chilled, restorative period in my life and I have yet again filled it with stuff.
I’ve thrown myself into blogging (which has been a long-term passion and ambition of mine so you could argue not completely bad) but so much so, it’s become another job. So in my time off when I am supposed to be resting between jobs I have given myself another full-time one.
But this week, having realised that I am still pretty much as tired as I was when I was working full time, I am forcing myself to slow down.
As I write this, it’s 11.10 and I’M STILL IN BED. Alright I’m doing something productive, but the fact I’m still in bed on a Monday gone 11 is making me feel conflicted. I keep eyeing up the washing basket telling myself I should put a wash on. Pathetic.
Why are we so bad at being kind to ourselves?
This is turning into a bit of a rant so I’ll wrap it up, but my point is I am pushing a message of self care and I know I’m not great at it, but I know I MUST get better. For my mental health, for my marriage and other relationships around me, I must switch off and detach myself from the humdrum and incessant speed of every day life.
Being on all the time leads to so many negative things: unhelpful comparisons to others, constant striving for perfection, focusing on the future therefore missing out on the now.
So please, push that off button and you’ll feel so much better for it
themarriedmillennial 