The 5 R’s for Renewal
One of the biggest challenges I encounter is fatigue. This is when I know I need to step back and assess the situation.
These five actions help me get back on track and feel energized enough to meet the demands of my life and continue to actively pursue my goals.
- Retreat: Taking a step back does not always mean admitting defeat. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is seek distance from your stressor. Give yourself the space you need to decompress. This can be physical — like changing our immediate environment by going for a walk or taking a trip to a new destination — or it can be a mental treat like training our minds to think of something else.
- Rest: How many times have we forced ourselves to keep going even though our bodies protested? Always remember, it is okay to rest! Sleep. Sit down. Relax. In the world of productivity life, we often feel like we need to be doing something at every minute. The fact is, we are not machines. And even if we were, might I remind you that our machines often work better after we power them down and then turn them back on. So take that siesta, binge watch that show, or do whatever it is that allows you to relax. You deserve it, and you can always start again.
- Recharge: Have you ever noticed that some things or people in your life can feel like they’re draining your energy? The needy friend who always has some kind of drama going on in their life [usually self-inflicted]? The annoying coworker that always has two put in their very unnecessary two cents drawing meetings even longer? We’ve all experienced those instances before, but did you also know there are positive sparks too? That conversation with a friend that leaves you motivated and pumped to do your next task. The exercise class that energizes you and makes you feel ready to take on your day? Pay attention to those things! Call that friend or partake in that hobby that gets you motivated. Recharging your energy with a positive spark can put you in the right mindset to resume your projects and accomplish your goals!
- Refocus. Shift to a different priority. When we hit a roadblock in one area in life, we can pivot to handle other tasks on our list. Sometimes, our brains grow fatigued when focusing on one area for a long time. Changing the stimuli and focusing on a new task can revive our creativity. As we accomplish one task, we can revisit others that were challenges for us with a new frame of mind. We can see our old problem with a fresh perspective.
- Resume. Just begin again. That phrase can be easier said than done, but we’ll never move forward if we don’t move. Whether you do some or all of the steps listed, the most important task is to resume. Take a break, get remotivated, and resume.