Rest and Reset: Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World
We live in a very high-paced, fast world and sometimes we just need to know when to rest and reset. If not for you, then do it for your family.
We live in a fast-paced world. A world that values accomplishments. We get likes, we check off lists, we gamify things to get more done. Even my meditation app tells me my stats—which oddly makes me proud. Some of you might say, “I’ve stepped away from this and live on a farm where I grow chickens and poppies.” (Poppies, not puppies.) Yes, you may have been able to step away from some of the hustle and bustle, but there are still things to be done. You’ve still got a list of chores that need to be done to keep your farm going.
The Satisfaction of Accomplishment
We feel good when we’ve accomplished something. Checking off our to-do list feels pretty great. Sometimes I add things that I’ve already done just so I can check them off. I love checklists. (I love them for kids as well.)
Having a structure to our day and accomplishing things gives us purpose. It helps give us direction. But I have a little challenge for you. Try doing a backward checklist. At the end of the day, write down all the things you did—even the things you didn’t mean to do (like social media scrolling, going back to the grocery store for the one item you forgot, or running your child’s lunch to them at school). I bet the page is full. Are there things you could have skipped that would have given your day a little more rest?
The Impact on Our Children
Our kids see us busy. They see us flustered and frustrated with traffic, with their homework, with getting the laundry done, with the extra things that came up at work. They see us exasperated by social engagements that should be fun. They see us stressed about things that haven’t happened yet.
When do they get to see us really relaxed? Maybe on vacation? Maybe for a few minutes before bed while reading together? I’m going to guess it’s not that often. And what are we teaching our kids? (“Resting” while scrolling through social media or playing Candy Crush does not count here.)
Reflect for a moment with me about what we want our kids to learn from us. Reflect on what they will learn by watching us. Reflect on what our kids will learn from our actions and attitudes. If you are the most amazing volunteer at your kid's school, you are proud that you can give that time and honestly, you hope that your kids see it and benefit from your countless hours. But if you are stressed to the hilt, if you resent the time you’ve spent, if it doesn’t bring you joy…your kids will see that and likely take more from that than the hours you put in.
Teaching the Value of Rest
Make sure that what you want them to learn is what you are actually doing. Show them that you can step away and rest. Make inaction be a part of your daily actions. Show them how important taking a few minutes of calm is. Likely, you will take on that volunteer work, grocery shopping, or work project with a little less stress.
This is going to be imperative as our kids start taking on more and more activities, harder classes in school, and more social activities. They need to know that sometimes, in order to enjoy themselves and to really find focus, there has to be time to rest. There has to be time that they do something that just brings joy and peace.
If your child is a toddler, this is perfect—because you can just follow them around for a bit. They are not going to do anything that doesn’t bring them joy—unless you tell them otherwise. Let their freedom from agenda and timeline remind you how to let go a bit.
A Challenge for You
To truly embrace the rest and reset mindset, try these simple steps:
Backward Checklist: At the end of the day, write down everything you did, including unplanned activities. Reflect on what could have been left undone to create more space for rest.
Daily Downtime: Schedule at least 10-15 minutes of relaxation into your day. Use this time to unwind without any distractions.
Mindful Moments: Practice mindfulness or meditation, even if it's just for a few minutes. This can help center your thoughts and reduce stress.
In our high-paced world, it’s crucial to find moments to rest and reset. By doing so, we not only improve our own well-being but also set a powerful example for our children. Showing them the importance of balance will help them navigate their own busy lives with greater ease and joy. Remember, sometimes the most productive thing we can do is take a break.
