Time Out



Jim and I have a pet parrot named Kozmo.  He is still young and because of his age, I believe he is going through puberty.  Kozmo is full of himself.  He can be a little bully and he acts like he runs the house.  Many birds will demand attention, and to be a part of everything that is going on in the home.  Kozmo chases our two big Doberman Pinchers and has no fear.  He is free to roam the house and go where he would like but, because of his personality, he is getting into trouble now and then.  He has a stubborn streak and will continue no matter how often you move him away or tell him not to do what he is doing.  This is when he gets a “time-out.” I can compare Kozmo’s time-outs to a reset button.  He spends a short while in his cage and within five minutes he has forgotten whatever he was doing and starts new.
We all need a time-out.  We are continually working towards or trying to accomplish something.  Some of these activities are often work or household responsibilities.  They can be goals you are trying to accomplish or dreams you wish to achieve.  But occasionally you need to take a break from it all and regroup.

When was the last time you took a rest?  I am speaking of getting away from the phone, television, computer, work, and daily responsibilities?   I am talking about resting your body and your brain.  You may not realize how much you put your body and mind through daily.  Your mind is on all the time.  To function at your best, you need to turn it off occasionally and give yourself the power to recharge. 

When was the last time you turned off the world and relaxed without a plan?  Do you let your mind wander and just take in the surrounding sounds?  I have found it’s easier to relax when I'm out in nature.  If you can focus on a scene and listen to the sounds, your mind can turn off the world and relax.  

You may assume you don’t have time but taking a time-out can bring great benefits to you in the long run. Your performance, mood, and productivity can improve with a mental break. Most people don’t realize how much they are engaging their brain with outside stimuli.  We have habits of turning to our phones, social media, television, and other types of distractions preventing us from giving our brain downtime.

Getting away from the daily routines can give your brain a break.  A vacation, a trip to a park, or a nap may be just what your brain needs. For some people the answer may be a mindless activity such as doodling or other type of repetitive movement.  Each person will find different ways to relax and enjoy their down time.  Experiment to see what may work best for you.  The idea is to find a comfortable place.   

I just got back from a trip that helped me rest my brain.  I left only for a few days, but the trip let my world stop for that short time to allow my brain to recharge.  When I can’t get away, I look for other ways to get a time-out.  The benefit is to return more focused and ready to create and conquer.  Try it and see if you feel better for it. 

“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” William S. Burroughs

Robin has spent a life time building relationships that has included working with a variety of personalities and business organizations. She is a published author and writes for a variety of blogs and publications. As a certified master coach and ACE personal trainer, Robin specializes in helping people who are on a journey for change. Her work includes helping women though life transitions for self-improvement and to create personal balance physically and mentally.

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