TBD 029: 😴 Restless or Rest List?
Are you a scroller? A binge-watcher? An over shopper?
Hello friends,
Are you a scroller? A binge-watcher? An over shopper? Maybe you keep "working" long after you're productive. Just...clicking. Then, you look up and see that hours have flown by.
Why is it so hard to find the off switch?
Today I want unpack being Restless and making yourself an alternative....a Rest List.
We're in a weird spot. The pandemic continues, we're living a brew of exhaustion, overwhelm, sprinkled with depression or anxiety and a dash of boredom. Our previously "normal" life events, friend gatherings, dinners out, trips, and adventures may be on hold or drastically reduced.
Capitalism hates a vacuum and work can slosh into those open spaces.
How do we redirect the restless energy that comes from being so wired and tired for so long? Can we make time for meaningful rest? And what the heck are you supposed to do during this time?
Start a Rest List.
What's a Rest List? It's a list of the rather boring but specific things that I truly find restorative. Now that I've named these things, I can resort to them easily and prefer them over other choices. This list is going to be different for everyone. It can be fun making your list. Think of it as an easy scavenger hunt.
Rest List requirements:
It's easy, you already know how to do this.
It feels satisfying and returns some energy (you aren't exhausted or numb afterwards)
You probably already have it or are near it (requires no additional materials)
You can "get your fill". You don't have a desire to binge it.
Probably uniquely "you" and not appealing to others (see my examples 😹)
When I'm tired, my go-to unproductive and unrestful move is social media. Not participating, but scrolling away forever. TikTok is kryptonite and floods my little ADHD brain. These are very accessible since they are on my phone (hmmm...) but they leave me feeling numb or more tired and distracted.
So, strap yourselves in. Here is my exhilarating and thrilling Rest List of the things I find slightly engaging and also boring (but not too boring!) to help me recharge:
My List:
Brush our cat, but just the easy parts
Sort stamps with my son for his stamp collection (Yes, he has a postage stamp collection with a little magnifying glass I like to use. Highly recommend.)
Wander in my garden and NOT work (Alternative: Look at cookbooks and NOT cook)
Lie down for 15-20 minutes with an eye mask over my eyes
Watch nature documentaries with calm narrators (other exceptionally boring documentaries also work)
Play a specific video game with my son (which isn't called Swampy Acres but that's what I call it that because I can never remember the name). It's super boring with calming music. Maybe you know that one?
Misting and watering houseplants
So, this isn't earth-shattering stuff but it does restore my ground.
What gives you a moment of peace?
Maybe yours involves submerging yourself in water. Or baking. Or doing a crossword puzzle. Or clutter clearing one satisfying little drawer. Or wiping down the inside of your car with a dustcloth. Or painting your nails badly. Or....?
I offer this today because there are always more tasks, projects, work. We're good at staying busy, however, we aren't practiced in resting. We aren't even sure how.
Don't take it from me, try it. Think of two or three things that you find restorative. The more obvious, the better. The more poorly executed the better. Our rest standards are low. 💅🏼
I'd be curious to know what is on your Rest List and how you feel after you try Rest List when you're restless.
With curiosity and courage,
XO, Courtney
Registration is now open!
I’m back! I'm teaching workshops at RETHINK in 2022. I'd love to see you there.
Join me and a great community to unpack the keys to better leadership and communication → Learn More
More Inspiration:
Martha Beck offers a few simple exercises to help you rest and relax: LINK