James and I recently started going to a young adult bible study, and it’s been really fun but it’s also called me out on my lifestyle like….a lot. What am I being called out for? Well I tend to overdo it sometimes with scheduling our social lives. I always have something planned whether it be friends coming over, going out, or planning a trip. We’re always doing something! And that’s not always a bad thing, but recently it’s become a bit overwhelming. I found out the other day that James feels that he has little to no control over his free time because I’m always filling it and that made me feel so bad! But he’s right, I think since the summer began there’s been few weeks where we’ve had more than 1 evening off and we’re starting to get burned out. I’ve always known life is a balancing act but I didn’t realize how much our schedules related to our mental health. But boy does it.
I’ve always been a busy person. As a kid I always had an after school activity whether it be dance classes, cheer practice, hanging out with friends, I was always on the go and being an adult hasn’t changed that. Only being an adult with a busy schedule is a lot different than being a kid. I don’t have the same energy that I used to have, and that can make accomplishing all my plans/responsibilities difficult. Heck, even in college I could sleep for 3 hours and be perfectly fine and now I get less than 7 and I’m a freaking train wreck. I’m over scheduling myself and I think it’s because I don’t want to be seen as lazy in the eyes of others or more importantly I don’t want to be alone with my thoughts…Being busy has kept my mind distracted from the things that are going on in the world such as COVID and from thinking about my more personal things that I’m battling.
So starting next month (I already booked us full every weekend until the 31st, sorry James XD) I have decided that we are going to hunker down for the winter and take it slow. I think it will be easier as we won’t be able to get outdoors as much with the famous east coast weather headed our way (aka snow and lot’s of it). To be honest, our home is so cozy during the winter that it’s hard to not want to snuggle in my chair in the living room and read a book with a roaring fire going. It’s time to get our schedule under control again and balance it out a little more. I know it won’t be easy, cuz like I said, I always want to be doing something but it’s important that I take this time to listen to my body and mind and respect James’ schedule as well.
To combat the desire to stay busy, I think I’m going to continue learning projects. I’ve been getting into sewing and would really like to finish some projects and move onto new ones. I also want to take up embroidery or cross stitch and maybe even try my hand at baking bread and trying out new recipes. These are easy things that I can do around the house and most importantly won’t make James feel like he’s obligated to be involved in something he doesn’t want to be. I didn’t realize it but I guess I’m looking forward to the winter here a little or maybe just over-romanticizing the idea of squirreling myself away from the cold and cozying up with family. Either way, it’s time for a break!
Sarah’s Treat Yo’Self list:
1. Here are some quick things you can do to take a moment for yourself!
2. Pour a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the walls of your shower, put on some soothing spa music, light a few candles, and take a hot shower.
3. Take a break from social media and get into a good book! You can choose something you’ve read before that you like or give something new a try
4. Bake a quick treat! Nothing soothes the soul like a couple cookies or some cake. It’s even better when you get to share it with the ones you love.
5. Go for a walk! Really take in your environment and appreciate all that God has created for us. Remember to breathe deeply and set some positive intentions in your head.
6. Stop what you’re doing, put on some music and just jam out! Dance, sing, laugh. Get out those wiggles!
7. Have something you’ve been wanting to learn how to do? Put aside some time in your day to gather the materials you need and go for it! Don’t doubt, just do!
8. Take a 20 minute power nap. This is scientifically proven to give you a little energy boost and refresh you for the rest of the day.
I know that in today’s day and age we think that we have to be busy but it’s important to take a step back and acknowledge that you’re overwhelmed and need a little break. We have one body in this life and it is important that we take care of it. So my challenge to you today is to do one thing that makes you feel good and ready to take on the day. Cuz you got this friend, carpe the frick out of this diem!
A Field Guide to Marrying Young 