In the whirlwind of our modern lives, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking a break. I can’t remember the last time I had a vacation, and it’s all because of my hyperthyroid condition, which constantly makes me feel like I have to be doing something urgent. Sleep eludes me, and I find myself working more than I should. In this article, I want to explore the idea that our brains, much like computers, need regular maintenance and breaks to function optimally. I used to believe that sleep was the only remedy for brain fatigue, but I’ve come to realize that some free time and a day off once in a while can work wonders.
The human brain is a complex organ, and it requires periodic breaks and relaxation to function at its best. It’s as if our brains accumulate clutter, much like a computer’s cache, and if we don’t clear it regularly, the system can crash. However, unlike computer caches, our mental clutter is not as straightforward to clean. It’s not just about sleep; it’s about giving ourselves permission to relax and unwind.
I must admit, the idea of taking a day off and doing nothing used to terrify me. I couldn’t fathom just staring at the ceiling or watching a movie or simply sitting in a cafe with a view. My hyperthyroid condition had turned me into a workaholic, always feeling the need to be productive. But as time passed, I began to understand that this constant state of busyness was taking a toll on my well-being.
One drastic step I considered was getting rid of my phone and computer altogether. In today’s hyper-connected world, these devices often keep us tethered to work and responsibilities. But I knew I couldn’t go completely off the grid. Instead, I decided to keep an old phone with no Wi-Fi for emergencies only. If I found myself complaining about my situation, I even told a friend to remind me to take a break by hitting me on the head with something hard (figuratively, of course!).
The root of my stress was this never-ending cycle of work and the constant chatter in my mind. It was taking a toll on my health and relationships. I had to find a way to relax and stop the endless stream of tasks that never seemed to end. In case you’re wondering, here’s a glimpse of my daily routine: I wake up at 6:30 AM, pray, and have breakfast. Then, I head off to my day job, which involves farming. During my lunch break, I squeeze in some computer work. I return home at 7 PM, spend a little time with my family, and then dive back into my computer until midnight. It’s a grueling routine, and it’s challenging to sleep when you’ve been working so intensely. This pattern repeats day after day.
I began to notice a change in myself – I was becoming an unbearable, hard-to-talk-to person. My wife, who loves me dearly, was undoubtedly feeling the strain of my constant busyness. I realized that something had to change.
I started contemplating the idea of taking a food supplement for stress, thinking it might help alleviate some of my tension. However, deep down, I knew that what I truly needed was time off. I yearned for days when I could step away from farming, website building, and chasing online traffic. I wanted moments when it was just me, perhaps watching a movie, enjoying a leisurely walk in the park with a friend, or simply sitting in a cafe, savoring the view.
As I write this, I haven’t yet determined what will work best for me – the stress supplement or the much-needed time off. But I’ve come to realize the critical importance of finding balance in life. We must take breaks, recharge, and give our minds the respite they deserve.
I’ll keep you updated on my journey towards relaxation and stress relief. Until then, I encourage you to reflect on your own life and consider whether you, too, might benefit from taking a step back and finding moments of calm in the chaos. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day!