It might not technically be a syndrome, but I go through periods where I'm too productive. Sounds, weird, I know, but it's true.
I get so wrapped up in meeting goals that my mind is pinging off in sixty directions. I love cooking, but I'll forget to savor the joy of making a good meal. The thought of reading an entire novel in one sitting seems ludicrous. Putter around, listening to music? Who has time for that? And let's not go into the ungroomed eyebrow situation I became aware of in an unfortunate glance in the passenger mirror of my car.
*Sigh*
Sometimes I'm too busy. And it's all my fault.
Sure, my kids are in sports. My nights truly are NOT my own. But I could reduce my word goals. I could schedule half an hour a day for nothing. Nothing? Hmm...
Truth is, I feel icky when I'm too busy and too productive. I might be meeting goals, but I have no time or energy for simple things.
Last week I spent thirty minutes every morning just straightening up and doing basic cleaning. It renewed my love for my home. Twice I brought the novel I'm reading to baseball and I read before the game started. Reminded me I can find time for things I love. Yesterday I spent fifteen minutes planning meals and forty-five more reading a magazine. Ahhh....
If you are in that icky too-productive cycle, hop off for a few minutes each day. Get renewed!
What little things do you do to relax?
Have a wonderful day!!
Yes! When I'm too productive, it usually means I haven't spent enough time in the floor playing with my four-year-old. When taking him to the park feels like a chore, I know I'm too focused on my to-do list, and I need to focus more on relationships.
ReplyDeleteI hear you! I always have time for a ten-minute walk with my dog or fifteen minutes playing catch with my youngest. If I don't? Something's not right!
DeleteI get a little crazed when I become too productive. I can become not too nice in my overwhelmedness...:) I've started to learn to take that time to withOUT feeling guilty. It's hard to not be as productive, but then I remember when I'm all crazy like that I'm missing God-moments too. So I'm trying to find that balance. Love the idea of reading before the game. Is it bad if I read while the other kids bat too?;)
ReplyDeleteI'm always trying to find that balance! Ugh! It's hard! But I'm getting better. No, it's not wrong to read while the other kids are at bat! Not at all. :)
DeleteIt's so hard trying to find the perfect balance of getting stuff done and smelling the roses before they wither and die.
ReplyDeleteMy roses do tend to wither and die--I don't have that green thumb gene! Ha!! :)
DeleteI like to take the first 30 minutes I get home from taking the kids to school cranking up music I love and doing chores around the house. I enjoy writing more when I know my house is at least straight. Dust may still linger, but things are in order. I also try to soak in the tub every night. Sometimes I only get about 3-4 days in, but it's soothing and I can simply enjoy a book or the radio. I agree, too much productivity for the sake of getting it done can suck the joy out of everything else. Been there. :)
ReplyDeleteOoo, crank that music! I'm big on having a tidy house. It doesn't have to be super clean, but I can't take clutter! Baths are the best. hope you can get one tonight!
DeleteHa! That is true! When I meeting all my goals, I'm not always my happiest. Probably because I'm tired!
ReplyDeleteWhen I have "those weeks" I do try to carve out some me time in the mornings.
Yes, exactly! It's exhausting! I carve out me-time in the morning too. My dog hops on my lap and I savor my coffee... :)
DeleteSo true, Jill! And then the worst part is when you have no energy because you've kept yourself so busy...but you haven't quite achieved all your goals, so relaxing feels like laziness. When really, it's necessary.
ReplyDeleteI love to read or watch a TV show/movie to relax.
Uh, yeah! That happens to me all the time. Like relaxing is really laziness--why do we do this to ourselves??
DeleteI'm glad you're taking time to recharge your batteries, Jill. Those mini-vacations help prevent burnout.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keli! They certainly do. I really want to get to The Great Gatsby soon. Now we're talking recharging!!
DeleteThanks for this, Jill. I'm trying to find that balance between over productive and just-right-productive. I am a much nicer mom when I'm not striving to meet MY goals, and instead am spending some time focused on my boys. And of course my hubby. I like the idea of taking breaks to do nothing. So hard for this achieving-oriented woman.
ReplyDeleteGood words today.
It's hard for me too. Really hard. :( Good luck!!
DeleteFirst, Congrats on your semi-final!!!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I read. I sit in the sun, play with my dog, go on a walk, or paint something--anything.
Thanks so much, Wendy!! I like your list--it looks the same as mine, except for the paint part! :)
DeleteI had to learn to relax. Now, with some chronic health issues, I try to pace myself and do what I can. We don't rearrange furniture here. I do need to get the house cleaned. Our son is coming for a visit the end of this month. I am contemplating a period where I do nothing until I have gotten some cleaning done.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're dealing with health issues. How wonderful you'll see your son later this month! I hear you on getting the house clean. It's always a chore!
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