Reset, Renew & Recharge

Sometimes I find that after the business of the holiday season or after the slowdown of a vacation I need to reset.  It becomes hard for me to feel and be motivated or to fall back into the flow of things.  My momentum does not return to me immediately and the excitement of a new year or a vacation wears off leaving me feeling sluggish.  

During those times it is important to take the time out to recharge.  We need to unplug from the world, including social media at times and nourish our minds, spirits and bodies. When I need to set time aside to renew myself I love to sit with God in prayer, read the word, and do some self care.  That may look  differently for different people.  Maybe it is taking a quiet moment to pray or to have some coffee and write in a prayer journal.  Maybe that is waking up early and exercising in the morning.  However it looks to you, you need to take the time to separate yourself from the world and make time for YOU.

I enjoy writing in a prayer journal, reading a bible plan over coffee.  I enjoy listening to worship music on a solo walk.  I like to read my kindle in a bubble bath, or even just take the time to wash and style my hair, wash my face and do a face mask for 20 mins to just revitalize my skin and my hair.  It helps me to feel refreshed, beautiful and put my best self forward.  

Notwithstanding whatever selfcare routine you have, and what your quiet time with the Lord looks like, it is important to unplug from technology.  Stop texting, scrolling on social media, or checking emails.  Even if it is for 5 mins to start.  Take some time to just focus on you without technology.  Don't know how? Focus on your breathing.  Be present with yourself in that very moment and just concentrate on your inhales and exhales.  It can calm a racing mind, an anxious heart, and just realign you with yourself.  It will leave you clear headed and allow for you to embark on your day.  

I can't stress enough how important it is to renew your mind and recharge your battery.  If not for you than for who? If you're anything like me you often like to run on "E" often forgetting to have timely meals or to hydrate yourself sufficiently.  At times you're so focused doing things for everyone else that you'd rather prioritize them so as not to let them down rather than to focus on you.  While serving others is a virtue in and of itself, doing so at one's own expense is unsustainable. It will leave you drained and feeling empty.  Once you are drained and empty then you will have nothing of quality to give.  

So if you're a giver of time and resources like me, please please please remember resetting, renewing and recharging is necessary!

Reset your schedule and expectations of yourself. 

Renew your mindframe regarding the goals for the day/of the week (remember to include selfcare on your agenda).

Recharge your strength and energy levels by doing your favorite things. Selfcare is essential!