Parents At Thier Best Get Energy By Inserting TABs

Want to have more energy? Try inserting a few TABs into your day. TAB stands for Take A Break. You see these words ... take a break ... and what comes to mind for you?

For me, being a mother of four children age 8-13, at home with my children this summer, what comes to mind for me is – Yeah, right – a break, what’s that? I had a friend say … “ I never sit down during the day or just sit and relax on purpose. I’m always in motion doing something. Why can't I just sit?" Have you ever thought about how often you "just sit" during the day? Even if you are sitting or you aren't physically in motion, I bet your mind is thinking about what’s next and running through the never ending “to do” list. When do we let our mind just “sit” and do nothing?

Do you feel like that? Are you someone who is always doing something? Is your mind always thinking about the next “to do”? Here are a few questions to think about:

1. Why don’t we allow ourselves the opportunity to take a break (TAB)?

2. How important is it for us to TAB?

3. What does TAB look like? Feel like?

Yesterday was day 3 of the kids being home from school (but whose counting) and I already noticed a shift into low gear (thankfully). I “took a break” (TABed) yesterday at several times during the day. Of course, I didn’t think of it as a break until just now, as I reflect on this topic and write this blog. Here were my TABs:

• Meditating and writing in the early a.m.
• Watching old home movies on DVD in the afternoon
• Walking with a friend before dinner
• Writing website content while waiting for my son at batting practice.

So what defines a break? Even though I was doing something (i.e. writing, walking, watching) I defined that as a break, because it represented “me time” … time spent rejuvenating me. I wonder then, if you are the type of person who is constantly doing something …

Is doing something you enjoy, something that fills you up, considered a TAB?

It depends on what you want and what’s important to you! It helps me to see some of the times during the day that I am doing what I enjoy as a TAB. It may not be a sit-down-and-be-quiet type of break, but it is still a break from parenting, being a mother, housecleaning, and my normal day-to-day responsibilities.

What will your TABs be today? What is best for you? Will you notice when you TAB? Please email me at rayannecoy@mac.com and I'll post your ideas.

This article was inspired by:
Today's Daily Word - Wednesday, June 17, 2009
MY BREAK
In this very moment, I claim my health and wholeness.
Taking a break from the activities of the day, I am renewed with energy. In a quiet, reflective time, I am stress-free and prepared for God's healing power within to build up my stamina.
I sustain my health and energy by taking several breaks during the day from whatever is happening in the outer. Whether for a few minutes in the midst of planning or carrying out plans, or for a few weeks between semesters, job searches, or life-changing moments--I take time to focus on and discern what is best for me. Such times for regeneration support the health of every cell and function of my body.
During meditative prayer, concerns dissipate, answers come, and healing flows freely.
"Because you have asked ... for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind."--1 Kings 3:11-12