Stress Free days




Each day begins in quiet and slow purposeful movements and somewhere during the day the speed hastens and I wonder where has the day gone?  More importantly, I question "what have I achieved today".  This week has revealed to me the many pockets of time that I waste.

So I turned off notifications on my phone, I was checking and rechecking the notifications then clicking the links and then time was siphoned away from me.  Just turning off the notifications gave me some peace.



You know I love the internet and wouldn't live without it, but too much of anything isn't healthy.  I've commented before on my unplugged weekends and my time away from the computer leads to joy and  happiness.  These days that have past have been stressful and busy and capturing the peace and quiet that my essence requires was important. Living a life intently gives me the happiness that I crave.  I don't want one specific hobby defining my entire day.



Last night as I readied for bed I thought "what have I achieved today" and I was happy with my answers.  I read some of my book, I was mindful of my meals as I ate them, I knit on all three projects and enjoyed an overall relaxed day.  My day was not stressful or hurried and that was the result I was seeking.

May you all have a relaxing stress free weekend!!

Comments

  1. DiannaJuly 18, 2014 at 7:04 AM

    If only you truly knew what an inspiration you are to me, Karen! Thank you for sharing this today...a day when I needed to hear it most. Gentle hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 18, 2014 at 7:45 AM

    You just wrote about the same exact things I wrote in my journal this morning! This week was blah. And I think a big part of that is 1) I slept in late too many mornings and didn't get my quiet, prayer, reading, writing time in before the baby was up 2) I've been spending way too much time on-line again (and this after just writing about it on my blog a few weeks ago!) it's time to re-commit to unplugged weekends and finding the balance again during the week! I hope you have a wonderful weekend :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tracey ~ CloverJuly 18, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    Stress free is working for me here too Karen. Enjoy a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. fjord girlJuly 18, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Thanks for the reminder- I will try too to be more mindful of my days- starting now I will slow down and see where it will takes me. Have a most enjoyable weekend.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. DonnaJuly 18, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    I too find I can get swallowed up by social media. I was spinning last night and kept stopping to check on stuff and talk to people online. I finally said "enough". May you have a stress free, fun, relaxing weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. stephJuly 18, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    sounds like your 'chi' was in perfect harmony!!! hoping it follows you all weekend long!!! (wish you were here---i'm off to the library booksale in a few minutes!!!!)

    ReplyDelete
  7. debby emadianJuly 18, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    It sounds like you had a lovely stress free day and your images reflect that calm. I hope that the weekend will continue in the same vein.
    Have a good one.
    debx

    ReplyDelete
  8. JanetJuly 18, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    When Internet becomes too demanding, I know it's time to step back. Sounds like you're finding a balance. I hope you're able to enjoy a relaxing weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnkeJuly 18, 2014 at 11:39 AM

    Turning of the notifications on your phone sounds like a really good idea. Up until September of last year I only had a "dumb" phone and I've come to realize I used to spend a lot more time "connected" now than I did then. Maybe I need to turn mine of... Have a wonderful, stress free weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  10. LeanneJuly 18, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    ahh a perfect day! - I have computer at a set time in the morning for blogs, facebook & email. Its a little routine I enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. kathy bJuly 18, 2014 at 12:49 PM

    un plugging is a perfect way to settle me down

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yanic A.July 18, 2014 at 1:56 PM

    I feel the same way. We've already cut out TV, but internet remains a constant pull away from what matters most. I don't have a cell phone, but my laptop is always open. I've found that muting the volume is enough to not hear the notifications. But still, if I don't close it, I'm drawn to the refresh button.

    Wishing you a very stress free week-end as well! xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. michelle gdJuly 18, 2014 at 2:58 PM

    beautiful!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. the habit of beingJuly 18, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    good on you! hoping your weekend is stress free and productive, too!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Melissa Marie July 18, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    What a great post! Recently I have been pondering about un plugging from the internet too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kim July 18, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    I love my unplugged time, I make a habit of on a regular basis. Hoping your weekend is a stress free and productive one. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lowcarb team memberJuly 18, 2014 at 4:43 PM

    Great post. Think of positive things achieved even if it's only a small one makes such good sense.

    Have a good weekend

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  18. AndiJuly 19, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    Nothing feels better than rethinking your day and knowing it was a good one. Well done you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownJuly 20, 2014 at 6:47 AM

    I think unplugging from technology and taking the time to appreciate things is very soothing

    ReplyDelete
  20. amyJuly 20, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    I deleted Twitter from my phone for precisely that reason! I can't read blogs on my phone, or twitter, or anything much besides email at this point. So when the computer is off, I am, too.

    Every evening before bed I jot down a few lines about the day. This is how I make sure I am paying attention to what I've accomplished. And then I often write a "hope to do" list for the next day, and this isn't just drudgery tasks, although I do put down chores. It includes things like working on specific projects, doing certain things with or for the kids (such as requests they've made that they need my help for), and spending time taking care of myself and watching a show or otherwise spending time with my husband. ALL of these things are important and so they all get my attention. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. LisaJuly 21, 2014 at 4:02 AM

    I have the same exact salad spinner and love it. :) Enjoying fresh salads every day as well as time unplugged. Refreshing!

    ReplyDelete
  22. margeneJuly 21, 2014 at 5:52 PM

    With my new smart phone I've noticed my desire to constantly check it, but also recognize how unhealthy the habit could become. I don't want to be "that person" who can never lift their head or say hello. Quiet, unconnected time is essential to good living. Thanks for the reminder, Karen.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment


Your comments are welcome as long as they are relevant to the post and spread joy, thank you for visiting and sharing your ideas.

Popular posts from this blog

Weekends

Image
My weekend happily contained: -wearing the above woolens all at the same time without being hot -so many walks and taking in the changing leaves. -a leaf shower on Saturday-the wind swirled the leaves off the trees up in the air to float down -changing screen savers to autumn themes! -a craft fair where my husband and I say "we could make that", but we don't. -french fries at the craft fair -scrambled eggs and toast for dinner because we were lazy. -football season has descended in my house. he was in the front room watching whatever is on today -I sat in the family room and watched A Tree Grows in Brooklyn .   Now I want to read it again. -Oh! I finished the socks!! So I wound up about six skeins of yarn and have three projects ready -started a cowl for me in fall colors (I hope to finish before fall ends) -enjoying Spirits of Joy .  Hannah graciously had a one day free sign up for her birthday at the end of September which I luckily saw on Twitter.  Than
Read more

Hopefulness

Image
  Good morning! This week has been busy with classes and routine doctor appointments. The arthritis doctor has a few tricks up her sleeve for some of my dry mouth issues (from my autoimmune disease - Sjorgren's Syndrome) that make me feel hopeful. What was the most important thing during that doctor visit is that I felt seen and heard. I am thankful for her and her team. Speaking of hopefulness, look at my daffodils sprouting up! Some of the daffodils are just starting and some already have a head start. I love winter, but I'm looking forward to spring. The crocuses seem to be taking their time this year, as well as the snowdrops (unless those pesky deer have eaten them, grr). Even though I am still knitting my baby blanket, I have gathered four skeins of potential socks to be and am dreaming of a wonderful sock frenzy cast on. 
Read more

New Year

Image
  Good morning! How are you? Happy New Year, may this year be full of blessings to all of you. Well now, I finally have an empty home after having our son, daughter in law, grandson and granddaughter here for six nights.  I am still experiencing fatigue and symptoms from the virus even though I am feeling better. It was a challenge hosting family while recovering. Also we babysat the kids overnight (!!) while my son and daughter in law went for little getaway. I am thankful and grateful my Aunt came over both days to help out with the granddaughter who never sleeps during the day. (snack-naps do not count!). They all left early in the morning, and while I was tired, sleep deprived and fatigued, I put away Christmas plus all the toys and doodads you need for babies. Today I am looking at a squeaky clean house. I am planning on reading books and falling asleep while doing so! My exercise routine is on hold as I slowly get better. Maybe next week I can muster up some energy for some yoga
Read more