Mine is this picture.
In a cosy chair, in a lovely cafe, with a delicious coffee and some spaciousness - to write, to read, to reflect - to pause before I get back to work and life.
It’s also yin yoga, and a great book, or a jigsaw puzzle, or walk in the fresh air with a podcast, a dog, and/or a companion.
In the last couple of years, it’s even been a night away just for me - to be in my own space, to follow my energy, without being in charge of anyone except me.
It’s useful to know that these things help restore my energy levels, so I can have them as a menu to choose from when I need them.
Otherwise, when I’m tired, it’s too easy to slip into activities that feel like a break but don’t actually do me any good.
(Of course, sometimes I still do this anyway, we’re all a work in progress!).
And I know I’m not alone.
It’s especially important at this time of year.
Many of us take a break from the working part of our lives, but the other parts roll on, and even ramp up - in our house we also have double teenage birthdays at the start of January (!).
It’s easy for the other parts to expand to fill the gaps left by work, and in so many ways that’s lovely - we want them to.
However, it’s also a good time to pause and do things that are restorative - rather than simply stopping working.
And the first step is to know what they are.
What’s your prescription for a restorative break?
And can you find a way to give yourself the gift of it - even in a small dose - this season?
Wishing you all a restorative and energy filled few weeks,
