The Power of Rest
By Shazad
“The mind must be given relaxation,…it will rise improved and sharper after a good break.
Just as rich fields must not be forced… so constant work on the anvil will fracture the force of the mind.”
Seneca
It’s winter time in the Northern Hemisphere, and that means many people are about to enjoy holiday time. You probably slow down a bit this month, especially at the end of December. Schools are on winter break, and office activity tends to decrease. Many businesses see less traffic (except retailers), and people generally get a chance to breathe a little easier before January 1st. That’s a good thing!
Like most people, you have probably been going full throttle for most of the year, and you're really feeling it. Truly feeling it in your bones! Where has the time gone? What have you accomplished?! It’s time to schedule some breaks into your days and take stock. Slow down a bit each day and reflect on what you’ve achieved this year compared to what you hoped to achieve. How is your progress, and what about this year makes you happy as it winds down?
Where do you feel regret, pain, and opportunities for growth? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Approach these feelings with genuine curiosity, and support your efforts when listing them. Don’t worry if you haven’t accomplished everything — nearly no one achieves all their plans in a year! Talk to a trusted friend about your journey this year, and share your wins and shortcomings with them. Don’t keep everything inside. Celebrate your successes and seek feedback on what you could improve.
During some quiet time with a cup of tea or while walking in nature, think about how you want to feel a year from now. Stay relaxed and present as you consider what would be ideal for you in the next 12 months. Would you continue at the same hectic pace, or would you be more intentional and strategic with your time? What would you cut out or do less of next year? Imagine this happening right now as you visualize the future. See yourself moving through the days of 2026 with purpose, excitement, and joy. Identify all the things you want to do next year. What do you want to become, and who do you want to help? Choose 1-3 goals in each category: What to achieve, what to become, and who to help. Visualize yourself accomplishing these goals when you wake up each morning in December. Make the experience vivid and immersive in your mind. Program your mind for successful outcomes before the new year begins, and wake up eager to work on improving yourself a little every day.
It’s important to pause and reflect at the end of the year, but you should also use that downtime to plan something better. Take deep breaths, do some gentle yoga, and go for a short walk outside every day to rejuvenate yourself. When January 1st arrives, you’ll feel energized, prepared, and grateful for the year that passed. Look forward to brighter times and positive experiences, and you will naturally move toward them, one day at a time.
Have An Awesome Day!
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