R & R Day

I was spent yesterday -- body, mind and soul.  Those are hard days for me because EVERYTHING is on empty.  I can't take a long walk to clear my head because my body needs rest.  I can't read a spiritual (self help) book to fill my "soul" because my mind needs rest.  You get the picture.

What do you do when it all needs a break?

First, I'll try not to get so depleted again.  I knew I was pushing, but I thought I could out run it.  I also didn't realize the extent that the election was battering on all fronts until I could stand down a little from that stress.

Usually, this complete trifecta of empty tanks would lead me to sofa surfing and stuffing my face to relax because what else is left?!?  I tried a different way yesterday -- you know, think outside the box on my pandemic life experiment.  

Easy stretch, barely arms workout.  Long meditation without any visualizations.  A few chores to help my week go smoothly (Trader Joe's, load of laundry, dog walks, etc) and easy cooking.  Then nothing else.  I didn't read because I didn't feel like it.  I didn't watch anything new on TV (reruns of baking shows instead).  I didn't talk on the phone.  I sat by myself petting dogs on the sofa in-between easy chores.  Basically staring off into space, blank mind (and taking selfies -- see below LOL).

It seems to have worked.  I woke up this morning feeling more myself.  I still need to do some replenishing, but I have something in the tanks now.

I reminded myself of Brook Castillo's thoughts on false desires vs true desires.  Eating junk food on the sofa is a false desire that accomplishes fast relaxation, but is totally followed by crap everything.  Taking a SLOW ROLL to feel better isn't as immediate, but the long game results are all good.

I want to do THIS kind of processing.  It's not my usual, so I need to be deliberate about it and deliberate requires effort and energy.  It's a tricky balance and a fight against what feels easier.

I'll leave with a couple of selfies.  One was for hubby to show him I was wearing my new Steelers shirt he gave me.  The other is my new PJs that I never wore this summer because they didn't fit (from Ellen's line).  It's warm again and I needed lighter sleepwear and the message is a good reminder for me.  Why I took the picture ... I don't know.  I was on the mindlessly sitting on the sofa and I wondered what the PJs looked like.  It downloaded off my phone with the book pictures so ... ta-da.

Happy Monday.  Stay well.  Later gators.