Spontaneous Rest
In another Sunday post, I talk about how scheduling rest can help us make sure we actually give ourselves the time to step back and do it. A lot of us struggle with resting simply because we don’t give ourselves the time to do it, but scheduling it in provides that time a week or so in advance. However, there is benefit to spontaneous rest too, and it can actually make for some pretty good memories.
Last week, my friend and I were at a coffee shop studying together. I got distracted for a second looking at pictures of plants. Sighing, I told her I wished we could shop for plants instead of sending emails and working on projects. She looked up, and said, “Let’s do it.” We packed our things and left. For the next 30 minutes, we walked around the plant shop, pointing out all the ones we liked and talking about what they were. This was a “happy place” for us, and a much needed break from our busy week.
I find that I end up moving my “rest” night around quite a bit. Sometimes, I need rest earlier in the week than I anticipated or an opportunity comes up on a different night, and it moves. Sometimes, I do things that I typically wouldn’t consider rest and end up feeling rejuvenated because of it. For example, I’m not typically into sports, they just don’t captivate my attention. Recently, my friends were going to a local baseball game, and I won’t lie, I really had to force myself to leave the house and go. But I had so much fun! It was exactly what we all needed, even if not everyone was a baseball fan. I left feeling refreshed and energized - this is what I consider spontaneous resting.
Spontaneity of any kind can be really difficult for some of us. Rigid schedules can make us feel like there’s no room for anything else in our lives. One more person asking us to do something, even if it’s a fun activity, may leave us feeling overwhelmed. First I asked you to block off a time every week to rest, and now I’m asking you to say “yes” to unexpected moments to take a break?? Yes. Do it and see if you actually regret it. I’m not saying to say “yes” to everything that comes up or spend all your nights being spontaneous. Just every once in a while, give yourself the space to do something that’s not on your schedule (but still something that you want to do).
Rest comes in all shapes, sizes, types, lengths, etc. Typically, we can find what works for us and stick with that, but sometimes, boredom steeps into routine. Painting every Wednesday may not always feel restful. If you’re finding that even your rest time is feeling stagnant, try some spontaneous rest. See how you feel after and the fun memories you make!
Challenges/Points:
There is value in scheduling time to rest so that you truly take that time; however, we may have the opportunity for spontaneous moments of rest and we can/should take them.
Rest is imperative, no matter what way you choose to do so.
The next time you have the opportunity to say “yes” to a spontaneous break or rest period, do so and see what happens.
Questions:
Do you find yourself to be more of a planner or spontaneous person?
What feels most restful to you?
When’s the last time you did something spontaneous and felt rejuvenated after?
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