Today is Labor Day in the United States, one of the 11 federal holidays (12 when the year has an Inaugural Day), which for most people means: Don’t you dare do anything resembling work, unless it’s laboring over a grill in your backyard.
Labor Day was established as a federal holiday in 1894 by President Grover Cleveland in recognition of workers’ rights. Which I’m sure was a great idea at the time. However, it has since evolved into a recognition of the right not to work that day.
In the interest of accuracy, I’m thinking it really should be renamed Rest Day.
Which isn’t a bad idea. (Resting, I mean, not renaming the day.) Especially for all you creatives out there.
Let’s be honest. If you’re a contractor / freelancer, chances are you tend to have a mindset something like this:
I want to achieve … so I need to stay productive … which means I need to keep working … so I can be in constant motion … to achieve all I want to get done.
You know what the problem is with that mindset?
We’re not Energizer bunnies; we can’t keep going and going and going, even if we do have a cute little drum to beat on as we go merrily along.
Besides, perpetual motion doesn’t work with humans. That whole concept is hypothetical anyway, because a machine that can work indefinitely without an external energy source would violate the first and second law of thermodynamics. And I know that only because I have befriended Google.
Think about it: Even God rested from His labors on the seventh day. Trust me, you’re not going to one-up God. Don’t even try.
So let’s get real, creatives. If you want to keep going, you need to rest now and then – or better yet, on a regular basis.
Take a break before you break is what I’m saying.
Here are a few ideas for embracing the noble concept of rest:
Physical Rest
- Get proper sleep, by which I mean: Turn the TV off and go to bed on time.
- Fashion your bedroom into a total comfy zone. You can do this without expensive redecorating. Yes you can. Spray lavender (known for its relaxation properties) on the mattress and pillows when you change the sheets. I spray my pillows every day. The smell of it (let’s call it by its name: aromatherapy) helps me get into a deep sleep.
- Do whatever you can to work in nap time during the day. Kindergarten teachers know what they’re doing: Naps are good for you. Plus, if your high energy is first thing in the morning, if you take a nap midday, you get two mornings out of one day. Win!
Mental/Sensory Rest
- Unplug from sensory overload. Leave the TV off for a day (or several days). Ignore the news for a while (trust me, it’ll be there when you get back).
- Write in a journal to get any negative thoughts out of your head. Or start a gratitude journal so you’re focusing on good things. Or both.
- Try some relaxation exercises, like deep breathing, yoga, qi gong, or t’ai chi.
- Take up a hobby that uses other parts of your brain (thereby giving the parts you’re pushing hard all the time a break), like jigsaw puzzles, painting, knitting, or needlework.
Emotional/Social Rest
- Put deliberate boundaries around social media – i.e., no screen time at least an hour before bed and no peeking at Facebook if you wake up during the night.
- Know your introvert or extrovert leanings – are you energized by being in a crowd or by pondering alone? – and adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Be authentic in your relational contacts: Don’t be afraid to say no (it can be done gracefully), let your friends know if you’re in need, and put a moratorium on unhealthy relationships.
Creative/Spiritual Rest
- As much as possible, set boundaries around work. (It’s ok to not be available 24/7.)
- Connect with your spiritual nature – e.g., read an inspiring Bible passage every morning and meditate on it, join a church group, listen to inspiring music that reminds you that you are a child of God.
- Fill your soul with nature. Take a walk through a park. Hike through mountain trails. Walk on the beach.
The benefits of rest are so much worth any cost of taking up any of these suggestions: a better immune system, improved mental health, and an increase in creativity. Worth a try, isn’t it?
Go Write Right Now 