The Urban Dictionary defines it as someone who is chronically tense, unable to relax, highly reactive.
Does that describe you?
It describes me. But this past weekend I made a concerted effort to relax and do things I normally don't do.
But first, I had to get in a little workout. I created my own exercise routine, jumping rope and cleaning the back yard. Here's what I did to get my heart rate up: jumped 50 times and picked up leaves, jumped 50 times and gathered them, jumped 50 times and stuffed them in a bag, jumped 50 times and deposited the bag in the big grey trash can. I got in a 30-minute cardio workout and the backyard looks so much better!
Mission accomplished.
I don't usually sit down to watch TV. I'm a busy body and like to cook or clean while the TV is on in the background. After my workout, I made myself sit on the couch with a cup of hot tea in one hand and TV remote in the other. It was time to channel surf. I binge-watched several thought-provoking shows. I gave myself permission to unwind with laughter and tears.
Mission accomplished.
The next task to unwind took me to the computer. I spent a couple of hours looking over the editing suggestions from my publisher. The team is preparing a title and layout for my memoir. I'm nervously excited about creating and designing a cover, back page and inserts. It was cathartic.
Mission accomplished.
It's healthy and important to relax. It's hard to let go, but you've heard the saying Let go and Let God. I was wound up so tightly - like a rubber band - that I eventually broke. I believe the stress triggered the cancer to grow inside my body. I had to work harder to rebuild physically and emotionally post-cancer. Cancer taught me to put things into perspective.
Aren't we all a work in progress?
I remind myself that I shouldn't feel guilty about taking time to take care of our physical and mental wellbeing by exercising, laughing, crying, reading or doing something positive that feeds my heart and soul. We need to stop being so hard on ourselves and give ourselves permission to unwind.
Work to be be kind to yourself, more often.
Don't break! I don't want to break again.
I have scheduled a massage.