So many of my clients haven’t taken a day of vacation in 2020.
Some feel nervous about scheduling time off in case their jobs are on the line. Others figure there’s simply nowhere to go. All are burned out, overwhelmed, and at a breaking point.
This year has taken a big bite out of self-care. And as I was listening to Brene Brown’s podcast recently, she said something relevant to this that I loved.
“The opposite of play isn’t work. It’s depression.”
I know this to be true. My daughter, Dorothy, has me playing a new game called Mr. Fox in our yard every night. As we do, I feel myself smile bigger, laugh louder, breathe easier. The stressors of the day begin to fade.
That’s why we need more play in our lives.
When we truly play, we become immersed in our activity. It’s an act of mindfulness, a way to promote creativity. We give ourselves a much-needed break, which feels exceptionally important as we balance the stressors of a pandemic with the demands of the holidays.
Play is also innate. I love to watch my girls get up in the morning and get straight to playing. When I follow their lead, either by joining them or taking up my own form of play (meditation, exercise, making breakfast), I notice a difference. It stands in stark contrast to the days I wake up and jump right into “doing.”
How you play is up to you—it could be reading a good book, playing a board game, going for a walk, or trying a new recipe. Think about the last time you lost yourself in something low stakes. The goal is uninterrupted time for amusement.
However you choose to play, do your best to make it a regular thing. I bet you’ll be better for it.
Rooting for you,
Regan
P.S. If you’re at a breaking point, let’s talk. My next group coaching program kicks off in January, and there’s room for you.
