Not sure about you, but I have a difficult time taking a break from reality and relaxing. I’m the type of person that always has multiple to-do lists going at any point in time. I’m your classic type-A/OCD/anxious/perfectionist/over-achiever/multi-tasker– the kind of person that drives most people crazy, because they never just sit down and shut up. If I don’t have something on my to-do list, I’ll dream up something to add to it. Of course, I’ve read a million articles, studies, blogs, etc, about how unhealthy that is. So this summer, I’m going to try something wild and crazy: I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and put the to-do list away. In fact, writing this blog is the last thing on it.
Stop and smell the flowers…
Now, obviously there are limitations here. I still have to go to the grocery store, go to work and keep my life in order. But for the next six weeks, I’m going to clear my plate of any non-essential tasks. I’m going to make a concerted effort to unplug whenever possible. I’m going to stop and smell the roses. I’m going to try to sit back and enjoy the world around me, instead of going in search of flaws that need fixing.
Of course, being type-A, it’s my hope that this will actually be a productive experiment. Here are a couple articles (one and two) about how taking a break can lead to higher productivity and more success in the long run. I’ll report back to you on whether I find any truth to their theories.
As I start out on this endeavor, I’ll take any advice I can get. How do you unplug? What’s your strategy for taking a break from the daily grind? I appreciate any suggestions. Wish me luck!