Good Morning everyone... here we are for the last few days of March,
A busy time for many, many of us...children home for the holidays,, the first sunshine get-away of the year, visitors or other time consuming activities.
This then, may be time, to just consider, taking some time out. Time out from your normal exercise routine. Time, just for YOU..
It can feel really difficult to even think about stopping your chosen exercise, and indeed you may feel that this choice is not for you... but, taking a break from exercise can benefit your body and your mind; this includes helping with recovery, and gives you time to focus on other important areas of taking care of yourself.
Here are some examples that I gleaned, of the benefits... you may have more!
* Lose some stress...
Our exercise, takes time. Time out of our working or family life. This may cause some issues which result in us feeling stressed. Take the time out to focus just, on those other things, family, friends or just time for you. Getting outside, practising some mindfulness, could help too.
* Sleep :
Try to fit in another hour... time to make time to sleep a tad more or certainly rest a tad more.
* Strengthen up:
Your body need time to rest and recover. The rest will impact the strength and your resolve too. The saying, a change is as good as a rest, may just have some truth in it,
* Focus on the niggly bits:
Take time to think about what ails you, or has ailed you. Is there one area that gives you a niggle or twinge, regularly. Get some help with that maybe... GP, Sports Physio' could be useful? Look at your eating regime, your hydration levels and your general well being. Look at your normal routine... is it still working, is there anything you need or would like to tweak! I love a good , tweak!
* Time to just think;
Relax, recharge and re-assess. Just relax and think... is it all working for you, are you getting the exercise and support from supplementary exercise in... and more importantly... are you enjoying it.
And, last but not least.
* Treat Yourself:
Yes. You did read that, right. A spot of self indulgence...new socks, a new lightweight back pack, a new cycle accessory, a sassy cap, or some new running leggings. You work hard and you are totally worth it!
So... there we are. Resting up... could be one of the best exercises we ever do!
I am sitting back now and relaxing... and I shall be taking some time out from exercise ( apart from sightseeing and walking), over the next two weeks, as Mr OF and I are taking a few days holiday to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary, which was last year, but had to be out on hod as Mr OF had a heart attack!
I shall make an exception on Sunday 7th though as I am meeting up with some HU forum buddies at the Monsal Trail Half Marathon and 10K... that will be a joy... I shall see you all , here in the changing room on the 17th !
Looking forward to seeing some of you here shortly, and to hear your thoughts on this, and what tips you may have for taking time out... and relaxing!
Oldfloss xxx
Photo...
Me, asleep on a ledge on Tryfan... many years ago,
The full quotation..
"Adopt the pace of Nature, her way is Patience,"
Written by
Oldfloss
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You are much too young Oldfloss to be having a Golden Wedding Anniversary but hearty congratulations all the same. In sickness and in health eh? Tick and tick.
I am planning my last class in a restorative yoga programme... with a notion of moving smoothly-ish into a yin programme for April, but yes, working hard on the keyboard to sort out a bit of a break too... just MrGM and me, or adding in YoungGM2 and/or my Mum. We'll see! I want to be reasonably confident we'll be able to do a bit of walking (I am not talking Tryfan type efforts!)
Lovely! I'm waiting for a recording of the next play I'm working on; I've formatted the script, but can do no more until I get a recording. I have one for a big show I'm (re)doing in May, so I could work on that. But I have had a very busy couple of months so I could also take it easy.
In fact, I could write.
Coffee is already on. Mahler is on the stereo.
So - I am going to meditate for just five minutes. Then I'm going to pick a 15 minute exercise routine; something to ease my back after the vacuuming and floor washing at 6am!
Then I'm going to have my coffee. I'll put on Vaughan Williams or Elgar when Mahler's has his say.
And I'm going to take some 'me' time ... and write.
I hope you had a lovely relaxed time today...it sounds blissful! writing and music... I have been watercolour painting... no music though... I have to listen to the story my paining is telling me..
Your writing sounds so exciting... and the plays... !
Did you get the short exercise routine in too... or simply write?
Love this post! And thanks for such a well timed instruction to have a treat. I’ve found a new cafe and these beauties were on the counter…
Rest is so important. I tried running every day (which I know suits some people) and got burnt out. I need my recovery days! Sometimes I like some active rest with yoga or a walk. This morning I’ve done a yoga class and it was stretchy and wonderful. I nearly fell asleep at the end!
I’ve learned to listen better to my body so I know what’s the sort of tiredness that perks up with a workout and what is better suited to a bath and a chill out. I don’t always get that right! After a recommendation on Women’s Running podcast, I’ve started using magnesium flakes in my bath after long runs or hard gym sessions. It might be psychological but I’ve noticed a difference. I’m also much more diligent at using a foam roller and spiky ball to keep my glutes, quads and hamstrings less tight-i think that’s helped keep my ITB problems at bay.
The thing that’s made the most difference is just being a bit nicer to myself. I’ve had some minor knee grumbles after long car journeys, and again after spending two days on the sofa with migraine followed by a day on a laptop catching up. Acknowledge, accept, adapt… instead of feeling grumbly about not running, I’m embracing a rest day with some Oldfloss prescribed treats, yoga, a walk and a bath later! Happy days!
Yumsters! You do seem to have got the whole balance just right!
Your lovely relaxed sessions, and what seems like a really successful , take care of you, routine... although that spiky ball still worries me!!!
So, so important to listen to our body... it is our very best guide... and you have got that of to a fine art... HUGE well done to you... you really deserve those treats... you have worked for them... time to enjoy!
here I am secretly pleased it is pouring down so I can't squeeze another run in today....but yes! Just kicking back and resting will also be so beneficial. Also taking a few days away before our event, I will be in full on nannie mode while we are away, so resting the mind and body beforehand, staying calm and not over worrying will be my purpose this weekend.
If I get chance I will get that run done, to squish some gremlins....
Great idea to take a few days away to celebrate your Golden Wedding Anniversery properly, with some walking and sightseeing and change of routine.
I've been doing a walk 70 miles in march challenge for the Samaritans. Passed my target, almost at 100 miles. Determined to get to it. My fitness time I class as my time for me, I can do parkrun, go to the gym or just for a walk and concentrate on me, not work, not family, just me. Last Sunday I got a coffee from the cafe near our park and just sat on a bench enjoying it for a while. Relaxing me time.
I've signed up to a walking challenge for charity every month till June so far. April is 14km in 14 days for Mind and 100 miles for the stroke association. I just love it. I need my me time, it calms me.
Fabulous post as ever Oldfloss and the responses have been a great read seems like you have hit the spot.
Sometimes we need to just take a break and be kinder to ourselves, I am popping out shortly for a small run as I have taken it upon myself to take a picture of a certain tree once a month to see the changes over a year, crazy I know but it’s all about appreciating nature.
Once home I’m definitely going to take it easy after lots of looking after a little person who is now on her way to wales for a holiday, lots of gardening and decorating my body is just screaming rest rest rest 😂
Have a super time and congratulations on the anniversary definitely needs to be celebrated even if a bit later than anticipated 💛🧡
Hello. I am so sorry for the late reply! You are right, a few folk here with their own ways and ideas about down time and time out. And those who use their choice of exercise as a rest time too.
Your words really resonate... being kinder to ourselves. Why is it that can be so hard to do? I love your idea of taking that photograph once a month... what a wonderful thing to do, and a great record of the year and its changes. Just lovely... !
What a busy time... these small ones do make us see the need to keep our body and our minds fit and strong don't they... ! Rest too... you know how important that is. I am quite glad sometimes that the weather is too inclement for me to garden. It gives me an excuse.
Thank you so much... we are looking forward to our treat and are going to just relax and enjoy x
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My exercise session this afternoon. 
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