“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” Etty Hillesum
You know those times where you have had a lot going on? Maybe you were working through some challenges or maybe for one reason or another you’ve just had to turn up the intensity and handle a bunch of stuff that needed your attention.
Isn’t it easy to get caught up in everything we are doing and trying our best to handle?
I know I have been so caught up lately in writing my next book and trying to handle all my other responsibilities. I decided last month I was going to dial up my intensity a little and make some significant process. I have really been trying to push day after day and put in the time, but yesterday — guess what? I decided to take the day off and take a “Time In”.
A “Time In” is when you take 3- 5 hours out of the day and just do “you” time. You do something that is completely relaxing and that you totally enjoy. You don’t allow any distractions and you forget about all the things you still need to do. It’s all about focusing on recharging and enjoying every single moment in front of you. My “Time In” yesterday was great. I spent it hanging out with a friend and we just sat outside, relaxed and chatted about life.
Taking A Time In
“Time Ins” are something new that I have integrated into my routine because I just used to get a little way too sucked into everything I was doing. I let the weight of my work and everything else I needed to do take over and convince me that my only option was to “go, go, go”. I had a never ending “to do” list. I would charge through the day trying to handle it all and then at the end of the day, regardless of what I accomplished, I would end up feeling badly about all the things I didn’t get to.
But, after 30+ years of doing it that way, I finally realized there is a better way. I am so done with letting my day and all the things I have to do suck me in too much and weigh on me. And, of course, I want you to join me.
“Time Ins” have been a life changer for me. I would have thought that taking off time was the last thing that would get me ahead, but as I am sure you already know, when you are refocused and recharged, you are 10 times more effective and productive. “Time Ins” just get you to that centered place and when you return to work and handling all your responsibilities, you are recharged, productive and ready to go. Most importantly, a “Time In” gives you a great peace of mind and helps you keep all of the things that are continually coming at you in perspective.
So, if you’ve had a lot too handle and a lot going on;
if you have been working really hard and going at turbo speed;
if you have just been through a lot lately; or
even if things have been going relatively smoothly, but you feel a little “blah” or drained
It is so time for a “Time in.”
The Possibility of Today:
1. Schedule Your “Time In” Today. Take a look at what you have going on the next two weeks and figure out a good day that you can take your “Time In”. When can you block out 3-5 hours and just have “me” time? Literally put it on your calendar today so that you will definitely take it. Are you all out of vacation days? Do it on a day you are off. Are you too busy to take a “Time In”? No way. It’s something you deserve and need. Make sure you figure out today when you are going to take your “Time In”.
2. Determine What You Will Do. Really think about what you want to do that will absolutely relax and recharge you. It’s important that you choose something that you really love doing. Don’t forget this is your “me” time so it should be all about you and things you enjoy.
3. Focus on Recharging and Recentering. Use your Time In to really just relax and recharge. Don’t use it as a time to think about all the things you are worried about or all the things you need to handle. Really focus on relaxing and enjoying every single moment in front of you.
Live Today Better than Yesterday.
Did you like this article? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. Also, if you need to contact me for anything, feel free to use the contact form or e-mail me at sibylchavis@gmail.com. I always love hearing from you.
Hello Sibyl, I’ve never heard the term “time-in” before…but I love it. In two short words, you’ve managed to capture what, I believe, is the essence of life. Good thing you don’t charge by the word. Thanks for the post. I enjoyed it. Bill
So glad you enjoyed it Bill. Thanks so much for dropping by and I totally agree with you that it really is the essence of life:)
Hear, hear! I am a HUGE advocate of “time in,” or what I like to call an at-home retreat. Whether the retreat is a “rest between two deep breaths,” a 45 minute lunch-time retreat, or at 3-5 hour “time in,” short periods of retreat are essential. The more you think “I don’t have time to take a retreat,” the more you need a retreat, and the more you will benefit from a retreat – and save time in the long run. Here are some concrete ideas for making the time for a short retreat: http://onehourretreat.blogspot.com/2010/07/at-your-wits-end-retreat.html
Thanks for this Sibyl. The sun just came out, and I’m going to head outside for a 10 minute retreat right now!
Nice:) I am sure that time in the sun was amazing for you:) Thanks so much Cheryl for dropping by and sharing that link. I love your term of an at-home retreat. That’s perfect:)
…a wonderful friend to be with Sibyl my friend…my friend
My work has been really intense this past week with long hours into the late night and early morning. I was a ground rigger setting up for the largest general session that I have ever been part of yesterday (Cisco). The ‘old bod’ is a bit tired… so being off today I am taking *Time In* the form of giving *Vigoro* to my peace garden…I’ll fold my work clothes just laundered for more intense work coming starting mañana…then load up the kayak onto the truck…drive down to the bay and catch that halibut that got away by breaking my line last week.
I like this *Time In*
…it’s time to go!
I love that Rand. I am sure you had an amazing time. There really is nothing better. Thanks for dropping by and thanks so much for the comment:)
Sibyl,
I *love* Bill’s comment–*grin* the most succinct advice: take a time-in.
It was wonderful to connect..sharing transparently opened some internal doors for me, and then prompted a wonderful, very unexpected *time-in*..
Thank you for all that you reflect
Joy: So nice to see your wisdom here:) Thanks for dropping by and thanks for spending Wednesday with me:) I had a great time.
I certainly can’t argue with any of this Sibyl, and it’s something I probably need to start thinking about doing, as I’m bad at relaxing. It’d probably be a good idea to step away from the computer for a few hours just to relax; I’ll wait for a weekend day though.
Hey Mitch – As long as you do it, I think you’re all good. Weekends count:) So glad you are going to try it though. Actually, I think I am due for another one myself already:)