Are You Tired Too?
Photo by Lua Valentia on Unsplash
Whew, I’m tired!
It’s been a “full” three months and I’m ready for a break. In fact, it’s perfect timing that I feel this way because next weekend I go on my solo retreat.
My husband and I take turns booking a long weekend away every three months, which gives both of us a solo break. It’s something that we both need – to switch off and give our brains a well-earned rest.
Why am I telling you this?
I realized a few years ago that, as an Innovation Consultant, I needed to take my own advice.
How many times have you read me saying that in order to be creative, you have to give your mind a break? I’ve witnessed time and time again how true this is.
Think of a time…
Think of a time, probably recently, when you felt burned out – working overtime to finish a project, or multi-tasking because of conflicting priorities, or trying to figure out how to solve a problem on your own (which may have also involved a few sleepless nights). These are examples of times when the best approach is to slow down, not speed up. Just as muscles in the body need rest after a workout, so do your creative thinking muscles need time to repair themselves. Short rests – a walk around the block, playing with the kids, working on a puzzle, physical activity, painting, meditating – are all good.
Ideas in the attic
I’m a firm believer that we also need longer rests. Not just family holidays – don’t get me wrong, these are great fun. I believe we also need a reset from the world and other people; time and space for ideas boarded up in the attic of our mind to seep down through the floorboards into our consciousness.
I take a notebook and walking shoes – solo walking is a form of meditation for me. I eat when I’m hungry and don’t eat when I’m not; I sleep when I’m tired, and sometimes do my best thinking and journaling at 3am. There are no rules when I’m in my solo retreat, other than to really rest, and really listen to myself.
Your challenge
I challenge you to try this and notice what’s different when you’re back in the office (wherever that may be). I’d love to hear your experience!
I believe that, with the right support anyone can learn creative ways to solve problems. If you’d like to see what tapping into creative potential could look like at your place of work, contact me at Ellia@ThePotentialCenter.com to arrange a call.