It seems like ages since I posted something here on Naked on the Tundra. It was not because there was nothing happening, but because so much was happening. Every night I fell into bed more exhausted than the night before!
I have all kinds of stories to share and of course, there are a lot of new things that I’ve been thinking about. I can’t say enough positive things about the healing powers of a week of vacation.
Last summer I started a new trend – I didn’t check email or voicemail at all while I was on vacation. I clearly stated on my out of office message that I would not be checking email and you know what? It was all just fine. True, I did miss some things and there was a lot to catch up on when I got back, but I’ve learned that it’s not necessary or beneficial to be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
The thing I like best about taking a real break from work, is that when I go back I feel not just refreshed, but I have a new perspective. I’m not as easily irritated, problems don’t feel as overwhelming, and solutions to complex problems seem to come more easily.
Randy and Roxanne Frazee wrote a great book about the importance of having a balance between work and home. It’s called Real Simplicity, the expanded version of Making Room for Life. The Frazee’s introduced me to the Hebrew Day Planner, which I do my best to adhere to. After reading it, I realized that while I could go, go, go all day every day, that I shouldn’t, and in fact, I can actually do a better job in every area of my life when I take some time to rest. Since reading the book, I’ve made a point to keep the Sabbath, resting and relaxing after church, eating simple meals, taking naps, reading a book outside, playing with Hannah in the yard and talking to and visiting with loved ones.
I’m pretty sure this is how we were designed to live – to be productive but also to take time to rest. It’s not complicated, but it is hard to practice. How do you keep a good balance between work and rest? I’d love to hear from you!