Day: a measure of time consisting of 24 hours, 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds.
Autopilot
The daily grind is simple when you are proficient in your rote activities. Chores take time, but rarely do they require an excess of conscious thought.
Do you find yourself cleaning when you are upset? There is a reason. By cleaning the crud off of belongings in your abode, you are exercising control. You may not be able to scrape the barnacles from the underbelly of your situation, but you can wax the hull above the water until it shines.
There is only one downfall to autopilot: Credit. No, not plastic or the time left nonsalaried in pursuit of K time.
With your brain in neutral, you run the risk of worrying. The only purpose of worrying is to burn Vitamin C. Do you have extra vitamins to burn? That is what I thought!
Lieutenant, engage.
If you absolutely cannot eradicate thoughts entirely, engage it in something constructive.
- Mentally plan some scheduled free time. (oxymoron explained below)
- Make a mental checklist of what you can accomplish tomorrow. (establish hope)
- Consider what you can do with your children or grandchildren. (celebration of life)
- Plan a favorite meal. (health consciousness)
- Think about all the jobs already checked off your list. (accomplishment)
Military Intelligence
Long the standing oxymoron to explain behavior which is expedited far in advance of the need for completion: Hurry up and wait.
Scheduling free time is just as poignant an oxymoron. Plan what you want to do during the quiet time. If you had an hour where no menial demands would intrude, what would you do?
In your own best mental health interest, do something you enjoy, even if it consists of nothing more than television watching you (napping with the dog and a snuggly blanket on the couch).
Consider meditating or exercising. Your brain will produce endorphins to raise your mood.
Are you up for a telephone free, no interruptions, locked door, candle lit, aromatherapy Epsom salts soak in a hot tub of water?
Do you know where the last book you bought, but never have had time to read, is?
These are great free time activities to banish the blues, worry and stress from your brain and heart without leaving your patient.
Company, dismissed.
If you can use your time to leave, go. Build up some Vitamin D by getting sunshine on your face. Even your backyard is away from the worry.
- Plant some flowers, vegetables or trees. (celebrate life)
- Take a ball or Frisbee to the dog. (fellowship)
- Sip tea on the swing. (relax)
Are you able to leave the premises?
- Go buy something for a project you have not finished. (foster accomplishment)
- Visit someone who needs adult interaction. (perspective)
- Visit a gym. (more endorphins)
- Bring your laptop to the coffee shop, and let someone serve you. (relax)
This free time is paramount to your sanity, which you may have noticed being AWOL on a more regular basis.
Lead by Example
Yesterday, I went to the hardware store for chicken wire to impede my dogs escape from the yard. When I came home, I shoveled, raked, wired and began leveling and repairing my back porch.
The endorphin rush led directly into a trip to the dump. How absolutely satisfying! Taking my recyclables (long neglected) to the solid waste facility allowed me to make a major dent in a project long on hold: My laundry room.
I brought my little man out to use his miniature shovel to help. Just some time with my son's excitement and satisfaction made me more buoyant.
And the best part of all of it? I slept like a rock. Rested this morning, I am content to work inside the house...but I am planning my next outdoor adventure: Exchanging my dandelions for zinnias; moving a crepe myrtle out of harm's (school bus') way and spreading more allysum to compliment the wild purple lantana in my yard.
New Orders
The next post will address the other better places you can go without leaving home and why it is vital to your success.
Forward, march!
Ann Marie
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