At the end of an enforced two-week break due to a health issue, I sit back and think about how I coped during this period, and the answer is: not well.
Being the type of person who is always on the go, always having something to do or somewhere to be, it was a real struggle to stop and do nothing.
Each year, it feels like there are more and more things demanding my attention, leaving little time to breathe. Usually, I would say, “Well, that’s the life of a small business owner.” If you aren’t physically working in the business, you’re thinking about it 24/7.
The first few days of my enforced rest were a whirlwind, and my anxiety levels were high. I needed to be doing something; I should have been somewhere. There were plenty of what-ifs going on. My head was full to the brim. It took the whole first week to settle down.
Ironically, this was when my back started to hurt! Honestly, I’m told to rest, so I lie around and watch TV, then my back says, “Haha, I’ll pay you back for doing nothing!”
What I did notice was that, as the week progressed, I became more and more comfortable with doing nothing. Thoughts about the business started to lessen. What could I do anyway?! My head didn’t feel so full. I actually started reading again.
When I was younger, I loved reading, but when I started my business, I deemed it a waste of time. How sad.
By the middle of last week, I could feel that my body and mind had relaxed. I felt clearer. I even put some time into planning and was able to think clearly and logically about where I want to go and what I want to do.
So, with this new perspective, does it mean I’m a new person, have changed my ways, and will no longer push myself so hard that I need an enforced rest again?
Mmm, it remains to be seen, but I can honestly say I feel so much better for the rest.
You should try it.