Sometimes you just need to shut your computer, scarf down a bowl of Indian food, and then sweat it all out. All of this followed by a piping hot shower and wool socks will do ya extra good.
By 5pm today I was in a foul mood, and I had no idea why. I turned off the lights and hid under blankets, where my mind finally began to find peace.
I stopped thinking, strategizing, planning, worrying, hustling. I finally let my brain rest, and I told myself it was okay if I didn't go back to the computer today.
There will always be more to do, and I'm quickly learning as an entrepreneur, you're always going to feel that way. You cannot get everything you want done today. And you won’t tomorrow.
So when you’ve hit a wall and can no longer create the way you want to, be done. For the night, or even just an hour. Go do something that requires your muscles to work, your hands to move, your eyes to do anything but stare at a screen.
Some ways to give your mind a break:
- Go pick up some fresh food at the grocery store and cook a homemade dinner. Let the aroma of sautéed butter and onion and garlic fill your kitchen and light up your senses.
- Pack a bag and hit the road, trail, or sidewalk.
- Talk to strangers and take photos.
- Buy a fizzy drink.
- Draw.
- Open a good book at a bakery or coffee shop and enjoy a treat while you sink into a story.
- Volunteer or do a random act of kindness. (I guarantee this will pop you out of ANY funk.)
- Get physical. With humans or animals. Never underestimate the power of a nice long hug + snuggle.
My favorite way to get over that mid-to-late day slump is to climb. It’s one of the only times my mind is totally clear. And when that space in my brain is created, I find fresh ideas show up almost instantly. (That's actually where this post idea came from.)
// A S S I G N M E N T Here's something for you to try during your next work day.
When you get to that point where you aren’t working efficiently, give yourself permission to quit for as long as you need, and don’t feel guilty about it. Quit for the day, dude. Seriously. (All this pending if you work for yourself/if your boss agrees.)
Only one catch: Do not use this time for mind-numbing stuff like binging on Netflix. Try your best to stay away from screens.
Get out of your mind and into your body.
Allow your mind time to rest and play, and do both often.