Take a Rubber Band Vacation   

Do you fall into bed exhausted but can’t turn off your brain? Feel like life keeps getting faster and busier? Wonder just how much more you can s-t-r-e-t-c-h?

 

Last week I lost a rubber band to over-stretching. It had been too tight for too long. And it snapped!

 

Gazing at a new, relaxed rubber band, it hit me. If rubber bands need a little vacation, how much more do we!

 

Several years ago I bottomed out, battling for my life for over a year. All due to a perfect storm of multiple factors, one of which was pushing too hard for too long.

 

Just power through! I thought. It worked for a while. Until I snapped.

 

My adrenaline-charged overactive brain was a harsh taskmaster, and I didn’t know any differently. It took a total collapse (doctors didn’t think I’d make it) until I was able to slowly start turning my ship around.

 

A key to my recovery has been learning to take routine “mini vacations,” and retraining my brain and body to cherish stillness. This about-face totally saved — and changed — my life. I‘m happier, calmer, and sleeping better than ever! I never knew how good it could feel to relax. Recharge. Rest.

 

3 TAKEaways that make a difference

 

1 TAKE Heed of Warning Signs

Could be any number of things, including headache, indigestion, difficulty sleeping, irritability, feeling driven or overwhelmed, a sense of urgency or hurry, shallow breathing, etc. Often, I don’t realize how wound up I am until I stop, sit down, breathe, and be still.

 

2 TAKE a Mini Vacay — Every Day 

If this seems impossible, try it anyway. You’ll be amazed how making time for something does

two things: it helps you realize the time was indeed there for the takin’, and two, it fortifies in a way that, when you resume your day, you’re often twice as efficient, grounded, and at ease.

 

How to do it? Find a safe, quiet space alone. Get comfy. I love my cozy recliner, but even a parked car will do. This consciously retrains the brain and body to slow down, and operate in rest and digest mode, rather than fight or flight.

 

Let yourself just be in a favorite place (real or imagined): maybe basking on a sunny beach, lounging by a peaceful pool, or stargazing on a summer night. Just be. Take pleasure in the fresh air and warm sun, soft sand and gentle waves, cheery birds or calming crickets. Breathe slowly and deeply. Take comfort in your faith. Let thankfulness flow freely. Savor the stillness. Rest.

 

If your mind starts hitting you with things to do right now! — just smile and return to your place of peace.

 

You might start to notice some belly gurgles, which is a sign that your brain has successfully transitioned to rest and digest (parasympathetic). Yay! That’s a victory! When you do decide to get back to your tasks, you’ll feel more energized, yet calm. Just like a relaxed rubber band 🙂

I do this for 15-30 minutes, usually morning and evening. The evening exercise is a peaceful preparation for bedtime.

 

3 TAKE an All-Day Vacation — Every Week

Perhaps a big commitment, but you’ll never regret it! A friend calls it her “protected day.” Choose a day of the week to set aside for self-care. Figure out what you need to do — or not do — to help you be totally relaxed, peaceful, and happy all day.

 

For me it’s closing the laptop. No emails, no texts. No appointments or obligations. I just make it up as I go along! Sleep, eat, take walks, watch a movie, read a book, gaze out the window, call a friend.

 

Don’t wait until you snap. Let go often, treasure the stillness, and tap into gratitude. It’s amazing how refreshed you’ll feel.

 

Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline. Just ask a rubber band 🙂

 

From the book Hope for the Wobbly by Welby O’Brien. On Amazon and welbyo.com.