7 Ways to Recover From a Busy Season

I’ve been in total recovery mode the past few days.  Preparing and selling the eBook bundle (it’s over now!) totally wiped any excess creativity and energy I had.  Let’s not even get to the daily life and work life that can zap your energy in a heartbeat. 

Not all of us are wired the same so we won’t recover the same but I thought I’d share some of the ways I recover from a busy season.

iPhone scenes from the weekend

Take a Nap

I know this  is a no-brainer that you should take a nap when you’re tired.  However, busy moms have a really hard time actually doing the thing. 

I often get massive mommy guilt that I’m taking hours away from my kids for purely selfish reasons.  But listen, resting up is the very best thing you can do for your kids.  You’re less irritable, more energetic and make a better mommy when you can rest. 

I napped last Sunday while Scott and the kids were home and then took an hour to lie down at my Mom’s this Sunday.  I’m better for it.

Take Time Off

I took the afternoon off from work this past Friday.  No big plans, just a much-needed break from expectations and more brain power.  I shirked any great expectations to clean or organize this weekend.  Sure, we did the basics, but it wasn’t the time to conquer that to-do list.

I also let go of making dinners this weekend.  We either ate leftovers, sandwiches or went out.

Get Outside

While there’s a time to stay in and sleep, there’s a time to get out too!  Friday afternoon we went strawberry picking with the kids. 

Friday evening I got out for some coffee with my friend Dani. 

Saturday we got out a bit for our town’s spring festival.  While it was chilly, it was good even for a few minutes to just get out and see some people.

Fresh air and happy people will do wonders.

Meet a Friend

I mentioned getting out for coffee Friday night.  I’ve talked about it so many times on this site, but talking with a friend is one of the number 1 ways I de-stress and relax.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to talk to someone when you’re feeling down or stressed.

The coffee doesn’t hurt either.

Read Some Fiction

I don’t know about you, but reading fiction is one of the most relaxing ways to rest.  Reading requires zero physical effort (ok, you have turn the page somehow) and your mind can wander to a different world.

I’m currently reading through Glamorous Illusions.

Learn Something New

While I don’t recommend learning something new before you’ve had that nap and taken time off, I would recommend finding something new to learn once you’re on the up-swing. 

I enrolled in Shoot Fly Shoot’s Photography 102 this weekend and spent some time lounging around watching the videos (photo above of me watching the videos on my iPad while playing with Bella).  The rest was good but it was energizing to learn something new.

For those that bought the eBook bundle, you have a whole library from which to learn!

Renew Your Spirit

God gives us the ultimate rest.  His yoke is light.  Give your cares to him and fill yourself with his word.  Even when our bodies are rested, our souls can be at war and this step is a must if we truly want to feel energized again.

One of my favorite parts of my week each week is attending church and it feels me to full every time worshipping and learning with my church family.

 

After a few days of relaxation, I’m feeling energized and ready to tackle my week.  I hope you had a restful weekend yourself!

What do YOU do to unwind? Tell me in the comments.