I see you, a woman of valor. You are a dreamer, a go-getter, a woman with a vision. You roll up your sleeve and get the job done. You work so hard for those you love and are willing to do anything to take care of everyone and everything, even when you’re tired.

In fact, you look for every second to be productive. Sometimes taking work to bed.

I want you to know that you are enough! When you lie your head on the pillow thinking about everything you did and everything you didn’t cross of your list. I want to tell you to give yourself grace. Give yourself permission to rest and reset.

One of the biggest reasons our organizing journey goes haywire is because we get burned out.

In this post, I want to remind you that downtime does not equal static. In fact, downtime propels you further than you think.

The bible says in Psalm 127:2:

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

and Matthew 11:29 says:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Perhaps this is where we need to start…….by seeking Him for rest and guidance.

3 Things Downtime Will Do For You

Downtime is essential as a business owner and as a mom. Rest can do your mind, body, and soul wonders if you allow it to. Here are 4 things downtime will do for you:

1. Promotes Healing

When you rest, your breathing and heart rate becomes slower informing the brain that you are sleeping. The brain then tends to other areas in your body and is triggered to release hormones that can help heal and restore tissue and muscle fibers.

2. Renews Your Attitude

Resting is a reset button for your brain and for your attitude. The kids have been fighting all day, your presentation didn’t go as well as you’d hoped and your husband is still at work. You are allowed to have a crappy attitude, but you shouldn’t wake up with one. Sleeping is a mental reset or recharge for your attitude. After a good power nap, you should wake up feeling less defeated!

3. Boosts Energy

If you have been feeling exhausted and stretched out try resting. Your body will reset and you will notice a huge energy boost!

4. Ideas on How to Replenish

Just because you are taking a mommy time out doesn’t mean you are being unproductive. Here are 4 things that you can do in your downtime to help you replenish!

1. Read

Reading takes your focus off of the busy day and plunges you into a different world. It challenges your mind to think and draws all of your attention. 

2. Go For A Walk

There are times in the day where I feel burnt out and can’t focus. I notice that going for a brisk walk around the neighborhood helps and when I return I feel 100 times better. Getting your heart rate up produces endorphins in the body which trigger the feeling of happiness. A quick 5-minute walk can do you a world of good!

3. Play

The hardest thing for me, I’ll admit, is stepping away to play. I feel like it will take too long and keep me from tending to the things pending on my desk that need my attention. I have to remind myself that I am in control. Jumping up and down or playing ball with the kids for 5 -10 minutes is a reward.

Not just for me but, for them and for everyone else I serve because when we are at our best, we do better. I remind myself that all provision comes from above, not from working long hours to a means of no end. There will always be another mountain. I will always want to be better and do better. To seek a completed to-do list is vanity. We need to enjoy life and this journey TODAY. Sometimes that means rest, play, take a break and bask in how far you’ve come.

4. Meditate or Pray

When you are feeling clouded by the day to day stresses…stop. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Allow your breathing and heart rate to sync up. This will replenish your mind and your spirit. I once saw a quote that said, “Praying is how God hears us, Meditation is how we hear God.” It is in the silence of your mind that you can allow God to replenish your spirit.

I personally will pray and meditate on His love and talk to Him about what is going on, when I need to replenish my spirit and mind. It allows me to focus on something higher than myself, making all of my problems seem so small.

When you are resting or replenishing, you are being productive. In order for you and your family to receive the best of you, you must take care of yourself as well. Taking a break or giving yourself a time out is not being unproductive, mama. You need to listen to your body. If you feel weak, rest. If you feel stressed, pray. Your heart and your family will thank you.