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Nataly's Blog

Doing the unthinkable .... going back to bed

I just had to write this down to commemorate this occasion: This morning, after getting my daughter ready for school, making breakfast and lunch and answering a few urgent emails I did the unthinkable.... I went back to bed.

I don't think I've done anything this crazy in years. Seriously.

I've been ridiculously sick for the past 2 days, probably the result of not getting much sleep or breaks while juggling work and moving into a new house, with the usual packing/unpacking/cleaning/organizing nightmare that that brings with it. I woke up yesterday and literally tried to stay awake all day, filling up with EmergenC, tea, and coffee.

This morning I realized that I had to take a break. And for the workaholic like me, this is a breakthrough, so I am glowing with pride right now. It's guilty pride, because my day is scheduled to the hour and I am now 2 hours behind, but still, I am proud. I don't feel 100% better, or even 20%, but I'm not a mumbling mess from yesterday.

So here's my lesson -- when your body says take a break, sometimes (just sometimes), listen:)

22 comments so far...

YEA!! A nap is possible some day!?!? I have a very active little boy (19 months) work full time away from home & run an online business the rest of the day. Not complaining, I love my life!! But when I take that "leap of faith" to do my web design & online mall full time from home, I am putting a nap on my to do list! Good for you! How encouraging it is to see other women able to manage successful businesses from home!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Shabby Lane Shops on 28th August 2008
Doesn't it make you wonder how this is the unthinkable for us yet in some cultures a nap is the normal part of the daily routine for all working adults? Good for you for setting a healthy standard. You sound very busy and should work it into your schedule on a regular basis. I just took a two week vacation with my family and left the cell phone, blackberry and laptop at home. It was the best vacation ever and I can't believe I sacrificed so many past vacations for work. Hope you feel better!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by InstantMom on 11th August 2008
Wonderful. GOOD FOR YOU! I hope you feel better.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mimi on 11th August 2008
Good for you. Sounds like you need the rest. I have a terrible cold today, and I wish I'd had the courage to go back to bed. I'm hoping to cut out early -- but that really never happens.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Gina on 11th August 2008
Good for you!!! From one workaholic to another -- I'm grabbing a book for pleasure!
Smiles - Stacey

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Stacey Kannenberg on 9th August 2008
Hi Nataly,
I'm so glad that you listened to your body. As wives, moms, and business owners sometimes we choose to look the other way when our bodies stop to say hello. My family and I are on the West Coast vacationing. So I've been working my butt off in the meantime. On this past Sunday night, I worked all night until about 4:30 am. I went to bed and got back up at 8:00 am. I felt like mud all day, but girl I got so much done. I'm still behind as usual though. Need to pull another all nighter soon. Did I mention that I'm a strong advocate of naps?

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Karen D. on 9th August 2008
To me there is nothing better than a nap in the afternoon. Even 15 mins makes you feel better.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by barbarar25 on 9th August 2008
I believe naps really help. The last few years I have not been able to take naps and it takes over in stress related problems. Yesterday and the day before I took a nap and got more things done afterwards.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by sew4heaven on 8th August 2008
Good for you! Sometimes realizing you need to stop and give yourself a break is so hard, but so important!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Petra a.k.a Wise Young Mommy on 8th August 2008
Not you're getting it! You have to take care of yourself to take care of everybody else! That's why the first chapter (rule) of my Mean Mom's Club: The Mom's Rule Book, is called "I'm going to be the perfect mom...yeah right." We all for some reason think that means we need to be everything to everybody every minute of every day. It takes some of us a little while & lot of exhaustion to realize that's all wrong! Go get some sleep!!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by MeanMom President on 8th August 2008
It is SO important to get enough sleep! What I've found over the years is that no matter how much work I have to do (or want to do), in the long run, it's worth it to always go to sleep at night at about the same time, and always get enough hours of sleep before getting up. I've heard doctors call this "sleep hygine": being careful to be regular about sleep. It's so tempting sometimes to stay up way late or skip sleep, but time after time I've found that it just ends up meaning you'll get LESS done, because you end up drowsy or otherwise ineffective. It's good to hear that you're taking care of yourself!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by dlweinreb on 8th August 2008
GOOD FOR YOU for listening! I hope you're feeling better today. :)

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mir Kamin on 8th August 2008