Being Tired Isn’t a Badge of Honor
Today is the first day of the Ultimate Blog Challenge for the Month of May. I have chosen to post about Ways to Generate Energy in Your Life for this month.
Follow along each day for more tips…
“It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol”- Brené Brown
On any given day, the laundry list of things to do is generally longer than there are hours you have to do them. Managing a hectic schedule is common. So much so, that it’s also quite common to answer the question “how are you?” with the simple phrase- “really busy!”
Being So Busy — Not Good
Being busy is exhausting, but as Brené Brown points out, being exhausted is somehow seen as a status symbol. The messages are loud and clear-
- Hustle
- Grind
- Sleep when you’re dead
- No rest for the weary
- The early bird gets the worm
Sure, it’s good to be eager, willing, and able to be all things to all people and do everything possible to be a success. No one is being critical for people having drive but driving too hard and being exhausted all the time isn’t a badge of honor.
It’s foolish.
Being run down and worn out makes people susceptible to illnesses and injuries which can really sideline their plans and take them out of the game. It’s important to determine if your energy levels can manage the expectations you…and others, put on your time. Making sure that you are doing all you can to-
- Create a realistic schedule
- Also create realistic expectations
- Create realistic levels of energy
What Can your Schedule Allow?
You may not have 100% control of your schedule, but you can manage the aspects that are within your control. Creating a realistic schedule that works for you and your family helps set boundaries when you’ve reached your limit. Saying yes to every invitation and ask won’t leave room for generating the energy you need for what matters most. Create a realistic schedule that takes into account the unique needs you and your family have.
What are the Realistic Expectations?
Your unique life doesn’t look like your neighbor’s, co-workers, or other family member’s. Your life is unique to you and the expectations placed on you and your family. Based on your family dynamic, what are the expectations coming in and how realistic are they? If you are working full time, juggling kids and sports, it may not be an option for volunteering for a community event. It’s ok to set limits on what you say yes to in order to preserve your energy. Just because someone else has room in their schedule for something, it doesn’t mean you do too. Don’t feel pressured to take on more when you’ve reached your limit.
What is your Energy Level Like?
Everyone has a current level of energy that comes from a variety of sources. Eating right, getting enough rest, and staying fit all help create more energy. The energy you have is directly tied to how well you are taking care of yourself. Be sure that you are doing all you can to stay healthy and generate more energy.
Conclusion
Being tired isn’t a necessity. Controlling your schedule and doing what you can to create and maintain a healthy amount of energy helps keep clear boundaries so you can check everything off your to-do list with ease.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
24 Comments
Alice Gerard
Ever since I started on my fitness program, my energy level has improved and I’m not anywhere near as tired as I used to be. I am feeling better, happier, and more confident. Of course, I don’t always get everything on my to-do list done but that is another story!
Jeanine Byers
It’s so good to see you again, Dominique! And I completely agree with what you’re saying here. We must take time to pause and to rest. Our culture seems to honor busyness but we can’t let that unfluence us or we will pay for it and the price tag might be much higher than we can afford. Having said that, though, I must confess that I am still learning this lesson myself. I have a chronic illness and still sometimes push myself too hard in my determination to get things done. Working on it, though!
Aimee amala
I always lmake sure. I have lots of chill time incorporated into my day as I work 6 days a week atm. Great post to remind people the importance of self care.
Brianne
Preach! Running yourself into the ground isn’t the mark of commitment or toughness. It’s just plain harmful, and it’s not sustainable.
Kerri
Every mom – every person, really – needs to read this and really soak it in. Being tired is NOT some kind of great thing you’re doing. It only hurts you.
Gervin Khan
Love this! Let’s spread productive life style! Balancing your schedule is the key!
Kuntala
It’s shocking to me that so many people still view pushing themselves ridiculously hard as something that is wonderful. It only runs you down and makes it harder and harder to do the things you need to do.
Heather
I’ve been known to work myself to the point of exhaustion. This year, I vowed not to take on more than I can handle.
Alexis
100% true! Chronic tiredness needs to be addressed as a helath issue. We aren’t meant to live life always tired.
Emily Fata
Setting realistic expectations for yourself is a definite must! It helps you get through these things with greater ease.
Marysa
This makes so much sense! Same as being too busy all the time! I feel like I have learned to slow down a little bit because of the pandemic. It was nice to step back and not overload our schedule.
Romy
Your post is so timely because lately, I have been sharing that one of the blessings of the pandemic is that it allowed me to have better work life balance 🙂
angela
I am always tired and this post just made for me!ThNks for sharing with us.
Erik the Hungry Traveller
I tend to overthink and expect to cover a lot in one day but only get to be dissapointed when i could not so I always write down a list of priorties that I need to do for the day for me to zone in on what are the most important!
Melanie williams
LOVE this and I could not agree with you more. It is about pace and trying to not take on too much – which I often do xx
Lyanna Soria
Very true and totally agree with you on this. This is something we needed to address sooner or later. Our health is important and we need to set some aside to rest.
Ebony
There are so many great tips here and I need this post today! I especially loved your point on creating a realistic schedule! Saving this for days I feel over stressed.
anas
You hit the nail right on the head. It’s def helpd being on schedule and ticking off everything on the list.
anas
You put forward such a great topic! Thanks for all the tips on here.
Amila
You are absolutely right! Being tired or being so busy is not a necessity.But,unfortunately most of us are in that category. Our health is really important. I found this article as helpful.
Lily
I am so happy you addressed this. The whole sleep when you are dead saying is horrible and being exhausted is not a sign that you are productive it can age you and add additional stress. Team Get Some Rest is Best!
Ntensibe Edgar
You are so right about all this! Not so long ago, I liked being quite busy. Little did I know that I was literally surviving and not living! I left all that behind me and I am better now!
Scott
YES! It’s equally as important to take care of yourself as your work and dreams. Probably more so! Of course you must work toward your goals, but you also have to be healthy enough to enjoy them once you’ve arrived.
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