I find that the moments where you don’t want to sit still are exactly the moments you should. I love all the things you did instead of reaching for your phone. For me, I try to grab a book, play with my dogs in the yard, or go for a walk 😌
I always dream of having a backyard in the house that I'll own someday. Something about it just makes me feel at peace deep down. What kind of books do you read?
I hope you have that someday soon 🏡❤️ I love mysteries/thrillers and the occasional rom com or personal development book. ☺️ What do you enjoy reading?
Wow that is soo lovely (love that you enjoy reading multiple genres)! I think books are the most wonderful thing in the planet. I am currently in the process of building my personal library which my friends and family can visit anytime they like. My vision is that they find atleast one book they resonate with, no matter what stage of life they are in, so they are mostly non-fiction.
Don't think I'll forget your words next time I'm feeling resistance about resting Rachel: "I find that the moments where you don’t want to sit still are exactly the moments you should." thank you for this mindset shift 🫶🏼
Great read! Actually I have stopped scrolling my phone unnecessary in my free time and instead I prefer journalling, reading books, having coffee at ease, going for a walk, just being alone with my thoughts and cleaning my room.
Most of our time during the day should be spent in the real world that exists outside of gadgets. I also take time to be alone with my thoughts, it heals me a lot!✨
This is my intention this week too! Yesterday my screen time was down 50% and I felt like I had so much more for myself, had a productive day at work and felt so much calmer! I think phones and their apps can be great but having a limit feels so much kinder to the mind
Phone has certainly made everything convenient but there can be disadvantages too. I'm so glad you decided to channel your energy towards mindful habits. 💛
Well, acknowledgement is the first step Raveen! Kudos to you for taking that first step. I'm sure you'll go a long way in improving your relationship with rest. I am also learning to slow down and not feel guilty about it. It's a slow process but extremely rewarding!
Took today off and worked on some coloring pages. This has been my activity of choice for forced rest for the last few years. Chatted with my sister who unknowingly also took today off.
I have also been more intentional with my time online vs offline this week. I started a puzzle that turned out to be too difficult for me, so now I'm looking for something easier. I also received a "reverse colouring book" in the mail yesterday, which I really like. I also recommend going for a walk or enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on your porch or balcony if possible. Thanks for sharing, Mansi.
Adjusting the tasks to fit your pace rather than adjusting your pace based on complexity of tasks- that is such a great thing to do when incorporating rest in your life.
This is lovely Elisabeth! Thank you for being here, I appreciate your words of wisdom so much!✨
That is very relatable! With all the things happening in life taking a pause and reflecting back on where you want to go can offer a lot of clarity and release anxious thoughts. I maintain a weekly planner/journal where I document everything. Yesterday I tried my hands on a used Fuji camera I bought and it brought me immense pleasure.
I absolutely love that! I think maintaining a journal is so much more than just writing your thoughts down on a piece of paper. It's a way to make room for creativity in life. I love that you're using this tool for your wellbeing!
One thing I did this week was dance! I am for sure not a good dancer and am always worried that the people across the street watch me dance around my living room. But wow, the effect that dancing has on me! It completely takes my mind off things as I am panting and trying to follow a routine. The ultimate reset for me.
I used to dance in school, but had to leave it because of the studies and work (adulting☹️). But I recently started dance workouts and it’s soo lovely. One thing I am learning in this season of my life is how to keep my inner child alive. I relate so much to what you said!
Its not so much my phone that's an issue for me but all the other "wellbeing enhancing activities" that I've been trying to squeeze it and (oh the irony) that's been stressing me out. Slowing down us such good advice for someone who struggles with the idea of rest. I'm certainly trying to incorporate more rest into my days.
I agree! We don’t have to schedule a time for rest everyday otherwise it feels like a chore (which it isn’t) Instead it’s better to have days where we listen to our body when it wants to rest. It’s all about figuring out the best way to feel rejuvenated, which I believe is different for everyone ✨
Journalling rather than scrolling is so powerful. I made a similar shift a while back and it's brought so much mental clarity to me - glad you are finding the same!
Surprised you don't find puzzles frustrating? I do...
"For me, resting does not equate to stillness. It means that I continue to do my tasks, just at a slower pace." YES -- love this mindset shift, and I'm trying to adopt it, as well. I've also been enjoying journaling more, especially right before bed and first thing in the morning when my mind feels more restless. It's been therapeutic! Still working on making other non-scrolling activities a habit. Thanks for the inspo, Mansi!
I am so glad you relate to this post. It makes me appreciate the fact that I am building a beautiful community of like-minded folks here. I also journal right before I go to bed, it's the best time in my opinion!
I decided to take a sabbatical from Substack a couple of weeks ago, I was finding it hard to keep up with reading all the stacks I follow, it was a bit of overwhelm. It fitted in well with travel to Germany to assist on my sister's knitting retreat. I have come back refreshed, with a head full of ideas and ready to embrace everything again.
Your writing resonates this, it is so very important to stop - breathe - and take a moment or two from time to time.
I am glad you managed to do all those lovely things instead of phone scrolling. xx
Mansi, your honesty about feeling nervous is truly commendable. It's a journey we're all on, learning to accept that slowing down isn't a setback but a necessary part of progress. Your words resonate deeply because even I struggle with the same thing. & when I feel these feelings I like to remind myself that every step forward, no matter how slow, is still a step in the right direction. Keep shining!!
I think it's difficult to slow down in life because there's SO many things trying to steal our attention every second these days. But I find that periods of rest allow me to show up with more energy. Maybe life was never about winning a 'race'!✨
Appreciated everything you said in this piece and cane completely relate. From being in a rather chaotic season of life to not knowing what to do with myself when I do get an unexpected afternoon of no plans and still feeling like I need to 'keep busy' because that's been the default for so many years now. It's like something in my mind just doesn't feel safe to 'fully relax' yet in this busy season of life. Hoping to slowly shift to a place where I can feel like that 🤍
Hannah, I have no shame in admitting that I relate to you on so many levels here. I always believed that resting is bad and have struggled so hard to make myself value slowing down. I still struggle with it sometimes, and it's totally okay! We will figure it out as we go, I truly believe that✨
I find that the moments where you don’t want to sit still are exactly the moments you should. I love all the things you did instead of reaching for your phone. For me, I try to grab a book, play with my dogs in the yard, or go for a walk 😌
I love that Rachel. Thank you for being here!
I always dream of having a backyard in the house that I'll own someday. Something about it just makes me feel at peace deep down. What kind of books do you read?
✨
I hope you have that someday soon 🏡❤️ I love mysteries/thrillers and the occasional rom com or personal development book. ☺️ What do you enjoy reading?
Wow that is soo lovely (love that you enjoy reading multiple genres)! I think books are the most wonderful thing in the planet. I am currently in the process of building my personal library which my friends and family can visit anytime they like. My vision is that they find atleast one book they resonate with, no matter what stage of life they are in, so they are mostly non-fiction.
I love that!! 📚 Would love to hear any of your top recommendations.
Don't think I'll forget your words next time I'm feeling resistance about resting Rachel: "I find that the moments where you don’t want to sit still are exactly the moments you should." thank you for this mindset shift 🫶🏼
Great read! Actually I have stopped scrolling my phone unnecessary in my free time and instead I prefer journalling, reading books, having coffee at ease, going for a walk, just being alone with my thoughts and cleaning my room.
You are certainly on the right path Himanshu!
Most of our time during the day should be spent in the real world that exists outside of gadgets. I also take time to be alone with my thoughts, it heals me a lot!✨
This is my intention this week too! Yesterday my screen time was down 50% and I felt like I had so much more for myself, had a productive day at work and felt so much calmer! I think phones and their apps can be great but having a limit feels so much kinder to the mind
Absolutely true Francesca!
Phone has certainly made everything convenient but there can be disadvantages too. I'm so glad you decided to channel your energy towards mindful habits. 💛
'...slowing down does not mean that I am falling behind.'
Yeah, I've been having this negative mindset for a very long time now due to my deep insecurity as well as my ADHD.
I'm also trying to overcome it and be more relaxed and content.
Well, acknowledgement is the first step Raveen! Kudos to you for taking that first step. I'm sure you'll go a long way in improving your relationship with rest. I am also learning to slow down and not feel guilty about it. It's a slow process but extremely rewarding!
Thanks.
Took today off and worked on some coloring pages. This has been my activity of choice for forced rest for the last few years. Chatted with my sister who unknowingly also took today off.
Wow, I can imagine the excitement on your face when you and your sister must've realised that both of you took an off on the same day!!
That is so lovely. I took a day off from work in March this year to just be, and honestly it was one of the best days of 2024 so far.
Thank you for sparing a few moments from your day off to read my newsletter Heather. It means a lot!✨
I have also been more intentional with my time online vs offline this week. I started a puzzle that turned out to be too difficult for me, so now I'm looking for something easier. I also received a "reverse colouring book" in the mail yesterday, which I really like. I also recommend going for a walk or enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on your porch or balcony if possible. Thanks for sharing, Mansi.
Adjusting the tasks to fit your pace rather than adjusting your pace based on complexity of tasks- that is such a great thing to do when incorporating rest in your life.
This is lovely Elisabeth! Thank you for being here, I appreciate your words of wisdom so much!✨
That is very relatable! With all the things happening in life taking a pause and reflecting back on where you want to go can offer a lot of clarity and release anxious thoughts. I maintain a weekly planner/journal where I document everything. Yesterday I tried my hands on a used Fuji camera I bought and it brought me immense pleasure.
I absolutely love that! I think maintaining a journal is so much more than just writing your thoughts down on a piece of paper. It's a way to make room for creativity in life. I love that you're using this tool for your wellbeing!
One thing I did this week was dance! I am for sure not a good dancer and am always worried that the people across the street watch me dance around my living room. But wow, the effect that dancing has on me! It completely takes my mind off things as I am panting and trying to follow a routine. The ultimate reset for me.
Ohh I love that Katharina!
I used to dance in school, but had to leave it because of the studies and work (adulting☹️). But I recently started dance workouts and it’s soo lovely. One thing I am learning in this season of my life is how to keep my inner child alive. I relate so much to what you said!
Yes!! Keeping that inner child alive and looking at things with childlike wonder. I try to do that more in everyday life.
I love that! So proud of you for choosing to prioritise what most people usually overlook in this fast-paced world💕
Its not so much my phone that's an issue for me but all the other "wellbeing enhancing activities" that I've been trying to squeeze it and (oh the irony) that's been stressing me out. Slowing down us such good advice for someone who struggles with the idea of rest. I'm certainly trying to incorporate more rest into my days.
I agree! We don’t have to schedule a time for rest everyday otherwise it feels like a chore (which it isn’t) Instead it’s better to have days where we listen to our body when it wants to rest. It’s all about figuring out the best way to feel rejuvenated, which I believe is different for everyone ✨
Lovely! I really enjoyed that read. Not to long and very positive, simple and uplifting.
Thank you Emma!✨
Sending so much love and positivity your way
Journalling rather than scrolling is so powerful. I made a similar shift a while back and it's brought so much mental clarity to me - glad you are finding the same!
Surprised you don't find puzzles frustrating? I do...
I tend to go for small puzzles when I’m alone. Bigger ones are usually for spending quality time with friends and family.
There was a time when I did not enjoy solving puzzles but I just love the way it slows me down now, 💛
Ah that's such a refreshing way of looking at it - slowing you down - I'll need to dust off my old puzzles and revisit them 😂
"For me, resting does not equate to stillness. It means that I continue to do my tasks, just at a slower pace." YES -- love this mindset shift, and I'm trying to adopt it, as well. I've also been enjoying journaling more, especially right before bed and first thing in the morning when my mind feels more restless. It's been therapeutic! Still working on making other non-scrolling activities a habit. Thanks for the inspo, Mansi!
Thank you for being here Brina!
I am so glad you relate to this post. It makes me appreciate the fact that I am building a beautiful community of like-minded folks here. I also journal right before I go to bed, it's the best time in my opinion!
I decided to take a sabbatical from Substack a couple of weeks ago, I was finding it hard to keep up with reading all the stacks I follow, it was a bit of overwhelm. It fitted in well with travel to Germany to assist on my sister's knitting retreat. I have come back refreshed, with a head full of ideas and ready to embrace everything again.
Your writing resonates this, it is so very important to stop - breathe - and take a moment or two from time to time.
I am glad you managed to do all those lovely things instead of phone scrolling. xx
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I love that you were able to take a short break to let your thoughts flow for a bit, it's so crucial! ✨
Mansi, your honesty about feeling nervous is truly commendable. It's a journey we're all on, learning to accept that slowing down isn't a setback but a necessary part of progress. Your words resonate deeply because even I struggle with the same thing. & when I feel these feelings I like to remind myself that every step forward, no matter how slow, is still a step in the right direction. Keep shining!!
So well said Mohika!
I think it's difficult to slow down in life because there's SO many things trying to steal our attention every second these days. But I find that periods of rest allow me to show up with more energy. Maybe life was never about winning a 'race'!✨
Appreciated everything you said in this piece and cane completely relate. From being in a rather chaotic season of life to not knowing what to do with myself when I do get an unexpected afternoon of no plans and still feeling like I need to 'keep busy' because that's been the default for so many years now. It's like something in my mind just doesn't feel safe to 'fully relax' yet in this busy season of life. Hoping to slowly shift to a place where I can feel like that 🤍
Hannah, I have no shame in admitting that I relate to you on so many levels here. I always believed that resting is bad and have struggled so hard to make myself value slowing down. I still struggle with it sometimes, and it's totally okay! We will figure it out as we go, I truly believe that✨
I love puzzles! And lucky for me my niece does too so I’m able to slow down and spend quality time with her!
oh that is so beautiful Leanna! ✨