Intentional Recharging: iPhones Need it, and So Do You

I see you.

Trying to be all things to all people.

A good mother, daughter, friend.

A good employee, manager or business owner.

And most days feeling like you’re failing at all of it.

Balancing work, parenting, and personal challenges leaves little room for self-care. This relentless pursuit of meeting everyone's needs often leads to exhaustion and burnout.

To recharge and function optimally, intentional rest is crucial.

And by “intentional rest”, I don’t mean just stepping off the hamster wheel for an hour or two…

Think of yourself as a rechargeable battery or an iPhone.

You wouldn't expect your phone to be usable if its battery is dead unless you plug it in to recharge.  Just setting it down and not using your phone for a few hours is not going to make it usable.  

Similarly, you need to be intentional about your rest to truly recharge and continue to be your best self.

Understanding the Importance of Rest

Rest is not merely the absence of work.

Rest a state where the body and mind are allowed to recover and rejuvenate. 

The Oxford Dictionary defines the verb "rest" as "cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength."

For people like us, rest is often an elusive concept. The demands of career, children, and household responsibilities leave little room for downtime.

Yet, just like any electronic device, our bodies and minds need regular recharging to function optimally.

Imagine trying to use your phone when the battery is dead. It’s impossible. The same principle applies to us. Without proper rest, we become less efficient, less patient, and more prone to stress and burnout.

Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

The Difference Between Stopping and Recharging

One of the common mistakes I see many of my clients making is to equate simply stopping for resting.

While stopping certain activities might provide a temporary respite, it is not the same as intentional recharging. Stopping might look like sitting down for a few minutes, mindlessly scrolling through social media, or watching TV. These activities might provide a brief distraction, but they don’t necessarily replenish your energy reserves.

Intentional recharging involves engaging in activities that truly rejuvenate the body and mind. It means identifying what activities bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment. It’s about making a conscious effort to engage in restorative practices that genuinely replenish your energy.

Identifying Your Recharge Activities

When is the last time you asked yourself:  "What activities make me feel recharged?"

This can vary greatly from person to person.

For some, it might be a quiet walk in nature, a good book, a hobby, or quality time with loved ones. For others, it might be exercise, meditation, or creative pursuits. The key is to identify what activities fill you up and make you feel reenergized and make them a regular part of your routine.

Take a moment to reflect on the last time you felt truly recharged.

What were you doing? How did you feel afterward?

Make a list of the activities that fill you up and allow you to feel reenergized, and keep it somewhere you can turn to when you need to recharge. 

Practical Steps to Creating a Restful Routine

Once you’ve identified your recharge activities, the next step is to create a routine that incorporates these activities into your daily life. This requires intentional planning and a commitment to self-care.

1.Schedule Rest: Just as you schedule work meetings and appointments, schedule time for rest. Block out time in your calendar for activities that recharge you and treat these appointments as non-negotiable.

1. Set Boundaries: Protect your rest time by setting boundaries. This might mean saying no to certain commitments, delegating tasks, or creating a quiet space in your home where you can retreat. 
2. Mindful Rest: Practice mindfulness during your rest periods. Be fully present in the moment and focus on the restorative activity. Avoid multitasking or letting your mind wander to your to-do list.
3. Regular Check-ins: Regularly check in with yourself to assess your energy levels and adjust your routine as needed. Be flexible and willing to make changes to ensure you are getting the rest you need.

Overcoming Guilt

By now I suspect you’re feeling guilty just thinking about taking time for yourself.

Am I right?  

I meant it when I said, “I see you”.

This is where I remind you that self-care is not selfish.

By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of others.

Just as you wouldn’t expect your phone to function without charging it, you shouldn’t expect yourself to function at your best without proper rest.

Overcoming guilt involves shifting your mindset. Recognize that rest is a vital part of your overall well-being and productivity. It’s not about doing less; it’s about doing what you do more effectively and joyfully.

The Ripple Effect of Rest

Intentional rest has a ripple effect on all areas of your life.

When you are well-rested, you are more patient, focused, and resilient. Your relationships improve, your work performance increases, and you are better able to handle the challenges that come your way.

If you are in the midst of navigating separation and divorce, this is particularly important.

The emotional and physical demands of this transition require you to be at your best. By prioritizing intentional rest, you are investing in your well-being and the well-being of those around you.

The Irony of Stressful Transitions

Separation and divorce are among the most stressful and demanding life transitions.

Ironically, this period is likely to have you at your worst, yet it's also the time when your children need you at your best.

By being intentional about recharging, you can better manage this challenging time, providing the stability and support your children need. Your ability to be present and resilient during this period can make a significant difference in their emotional well-being, as well as your own.

Bonus Points for Identifying Energy Drainers

In addition to identifying activities that recharge you, give yourself bonus points for pinpointing activities that drain your energy.

Being intentional about eliminating or limiting these draining activities is equally important for maintaining your overall well-being. Whether it's avoiding unnecessary stressors, cutting back on time spent with negative influences, or delegating tasks that overwhelm you, taking these steps will help ensure your energy is preserved for what truly matters. 

Conclusion

In our fast-paced world, rest often takes a backseat to the many demands of daily life.

However, just as a phone cannot function without being recharged, neither can you. At least not very well, and not very long.

By being intentional about your rest and engaging in activities that truly recharge you, you can navigate the challenges of separation and divorce with greater resilience and grace. Prioritize your self-care, create a restful routine, and overcome the guilt associated with taking time for yourself.

Remember, a well-rested you is a more effective, joyful, and present you. Recharge your energy and watch the positive effects ripple through every aspect of your life. xo

P.S. If you'd like to learn more about HOW to implement self-care strategies into your life, request a copy of my free Divorce Survival Kit here.  It walks you through 7 essential tools for navigating the toughest days.

Let's connect to explore how working with me as your Coach will allow you to navigate every stage of divorce with intention. Book Your Discovery Call here.