Sometimes we can get so entrenched in our life that we lose the proper context or perspective we should be living in. From a designated quiet time where everyone reads to a
romantic getaway for a couple of weeks, we all need to prioritize breaks in our
life. It’s easy to make excuses because,
well, life. There could be several
reasons why temporarily changing your normal seems out of reach. Money, babysitters, work requirements, school
requirements, and responsibilities of all kinds absolutely make it challenging,
but no matter what the obstacle is, finding a way is worth it. Teaching our children and future generations
the importance of balancing work and rest is worth it.
Anxiety, depression and suicide seem to be at an all time
high. Kids and teenagers are mountains of pressure (and not handling it well) despite our culture
of convenience. The internet and social
media have created problems we weren’t really ready for. Well-meaning parents everywhere are looking
for an easy solution, but avoiding lifestyle changes like the plague. Just like the person who complains about
weight-gain, but continues a fast food, lethargic way of life, nothing will
change for the better unless you insist upon it. Taking breaks – physical, emotional, and spiritual
– gives life to our motivation and purpose.
Stopping the regular flow of life allows us to see it differently, often
more clearly. Distance away from the
people in your life, even just 20 feet for an hour’s time can spark joy and
clarity.
Kids, like adults, have varying rhythms and paces. Now that my 3rd baby is almost 3,
I can say with conviction that every kid is sooooo different and that includes
what kind of distance and downtime they require for optimal mental health. Knowing them and how they really function
best takes time and study, but it’s the only way we can truly give them these
tools in the future.
After a very eventful Winter Break, I learned a few things
about breaks.
You don’t know what life would be like with less until
you’ve tried it. Less obligations,
less outings, less distractions, less busy.
Until soccer season is over or that side job goes on hiatus, you can’t
really understand what’s important to you or how your family might function
(better).
The complaints you have about your job/family/house/life are
often just the result of crankiness. When we’re hungry/tired/sick/stressed/overstimulated/neglected
everything feels worse. Taking a time
out to remedy one or more of those needs can eliminate the bulk of those
complaints very quickly. Like a child who
needs a nap, we have a tendency to overextend and get shocked at our inability
to live life calmly.
A break is worth just as much whether it’s on a tropical beach
somewhere or on your back porch with the kids banned inside. Every season of life has its limits and
struggles, but breaks are still needed.
If you can afford to take a vacation – DO IT! If you have amazing
babysitters – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM! If
you have the chance to not commit to as much – DON’T FEEL GUILTY! If you are bound up right now in life, then
make the porch or the bathroom this amazing space where no one is allowed to interrupt
for 15 minutes!
Honor those in your family by teaching them the value of
breaks.
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