Intentional, Constructive Rest

Topic of the week at Full Circle.......post menopausal women in their 60s, 70s and 80s
working hard, busy harvesting in this agricultural valley and frustrated! 
In pain! 
Pushing too hard! 
Not coping, not sleeping, not restoring.

This blog is a loving reminder that after our bodies are no longer supported by estrogen, we aren't as physically strong as we once were BUT even moreso, our endurance will have waned somewhat. 

There are some habits that will bring us joy in doing those meaningful work, rest and play. 

Here are my suggestions:

1.  Jot down your list in pencil, then prioritize.  What 3 job actually need doing today?  Which ones could wait until tomorrow or tomorrow's tomorrow?

2.  Know when you have the most physical, emotional and relational energy.  Match the job to the time with some cleverness.

3.  Stay ahead of your endurance dips.  Plan a wise, intentional, constructive 15 minute rest mid or late morning and repeat that in the afternoon.  Don't wait until you're at the over and out stage!  You'll know that you're    becoming brilliant at this when you feel pretty lively in the early evening and have the energy to enjoy some fresh activities when the sun is going down.

4.  Support your sleep.  Get boringly attentive to the same time, the same place, the same room, fresh air, warm bed, comfortable sleeping duds, no tech in the room (use a non-cellphone alarm)......think of when you were desperately trying to get your babes to bed and treat yourself with the same brilliant sleep support.

5.  If you enjoy a daily glass of wine, have it at lunch rather than dinner or evening.  Wine can create a pancreas-induced awakening in the wee hours. 

6.  Awaken with energy......you'll know that you're doing all of the above well when you awaken with energy, not ache and pain and dread.

7.  Go for a walk.  Those big muscles that move you through space (your gluts) are made for the job.  Enjoy a walk daily.  Breathe in deeply and stand tall at each telephone pole that you pass, letting your arms swing with each step.  Enjoy the freedom of movement, the place that we get to live and the beauty of the onset of autumn.

8.  Make time for something that you truly enjoy.  Knitting?  Reading?  T'ai Chi?  A phonecall with someone that you miss?  An email or an old fashioned letter?

9.  Most Importantly - Know your priorities, moderate your expectations and have respect for your age and stage.  You're one of the lucky ones who is here with all the wisdom that the years have brought.  Some self-compassion and self-care (not just self-soothing.....a pedicure and manicure are wonderful, but self care is the practice of employing daily habits that provide you with optimum health and joy) go a long way. 

Take care of yourself.