Sweaty Days, Quiet Moments, and Why Rest Matters
Have you noticed? The world pulls us in a thousand directions—endless to-do lists, nagging errands, and those work calls that really should’ve just been emails. We rush, we hustle, we forget how to do… nothing. But let’s be honest, without moments of stillness, how do we expect to breathe? Relaxation isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Ignore it, and burnout comes knocking. They say an idle mind is the devil’s playground, but truth be told, without a bit of idleness, we might just lose our way entirely.
A poem I learned in school, “Leisure” by W. H. Davies, pops into my head: “What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare…” It wasn’t until recently that I fully grasped those words. We miss out on the joy of life when we let ourselves get overwhelmed by distractions.
So, how do you carve out some leisure time for your well-being? Here are a few tips, along with practical alternatives you can consider:
1. Prioritize and Schedule: Treat your leisure time like a crucial appointment. Block out some hours each week for relaxation or activities you love—be it reading, exercising, or just chilling with friends and family. To help stick to it, set an alarm to remind yourself and consider shutting off your phone during this time to eliminate distractions. I usually block out my Saturdays and Sundays for baking—no social media, just me and my recipes. I don’t always hit the mark, but I try to keep a 70% success rate!
2. Set Boundaries: The 2020 lockdown blurred the lines between work and relaxation, right? Set clear boundaries for yourself. Limit work-related tasks after hours, especially in the evenings or on weekends. Carving out time for yourself is essential. And if notifications are too distracting, turn them off!
3. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate activities like meditation, deep breathing, or quiet walks into your routine. If unplugging feels tough, try swapping screen time with journaling or simply sitting in silence with a cup of tea. These practices can help center your mind and melt away stress.
4. Engage in Hobbies: Reconnect with old hobbies or dive into new ones that ignite your interest. Whether it’s painting, cooking, gardening, or picking up an instrument, these activities can uplift your mood and enhance your overall well-being. Recently, I took up tennis lessons, and after just one session, I felt amazing—sweaty and all, but still feeling bonita! Engaging in hobbies in a bustling city like Lagos can feel like an uphill battle sometimes, but if we don’t try, we miss out on those small joys that keep us going. It’s all about finding what sparks joy, no matter the environment.
5. Unplug: Step away from screens and social media for a bit. Think about what you can do with that time instead. Go for a nature walk, read a physical book, or catch up with a friend in person. Use this time to unwind, reflect, or enjoy face-to-face interactions with loved ones.
6. Learn to Say No: Don’t feel obligated to overcommit. Protect your free time by saying no to activities that drain your energy. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.
Challenge Yourself: To kickstart your journey towards more leisure and mindfulness, I challenge you to sit in silence for one hour this week. Just you, your thoughts, and a cup of tea—no distractions. Alternatively, aim to walk 6,000 steps daily. Both activities can help clear your mind and recharge your spirit.
Now, here’s what I personally do: I set aside a few hours each week to engage in activities that inspire me, whether it’s reading a book, baking something new, or simply enjoying a good podcast. This time not only rejuvenates me but also sparks creativity that seeps into my work. Once you start making time for yourself, you’ll notice a shift—not just in your mood but in your work too. Creativity and productivity thrive in a space that’s allowed to recharge, so give yourself permission to take a break.
Life is a journey, and we should savor every moment of it.
With love,
Dear Ketandu HQ