And thanks for sharing this. I used the basic audio on my laptop, so I appreciate the feedback. However directly recording on Substack was worse! Lots of clicking and weird noises. I know that you include audio too, what do you use to record yours?
I have a microphone (it was maybe $20, not expensive, that originally was for the hubby, but now I use it), but before that, I used my phone and that’s what he does.
I experimented with Substack and didn’t have that problem you described. But I know Substack can be glitchy.
As a teacher, I know exactly what you mean about bathroom breaks. 😭And somewhere down the line, I decided, F-it, I'm going to go and not suffer and cause some sort of health damage for this. 😂
But yeah, I TOTALLY can relate to this because I do like to be productive. Not busy, mind you, but productive, use my time wisely, etc, etc, and REST did not seem like a good use of my free time. But I have since learned that I really need those breaks. So now, I schedule in rest times, like this weekend needs to be a big one because I am b-u-r-n-i-n-g out from work, and I've got like a 12-day streak coming up, too. 😭
So, yes, to breaks, do it, and please don't hurt yourself! It's not worth it! xxoo
Ah, so familiar! I was terribly overtrained years ago to the point where I couldn't walk stairs without being absolutely exhausted. All my inactive colleagues would be outpacing me and looking at me like, huh?? I prided myself with willpower when I was younger, but like you, now I'm more proud of myself when I allow myself to take a break!
Sarah, you speak to my heart! This last year/summer has been such a reckoning for me regarding my writing practice and creative process. I’ve experienced burnout and, more recently, those same “blah” feelings you describe about my work. I think I’m finally learning it’s not so much the work, which I love, but that I simply don’t have the energy or will to override signs of stress (former teacher here, I know exactly the go-go-go work style you mention). If I pay attention, my body and mind signal loud and clear when the balance tips. It’s mostly me adopting a new mindset to heed these warning signs and giving myself permission to rest. I actually have come to see resting and refueling as a crucial part of the creative process, not break from it. Thanks for spotlighting this very important topic ❤️
That’s great to hear, Maria! I’m glad that you (and me) are paying more attention to what our body and mind’s are saying. As you say, when we are go-go-going all of the time, we don’t have the space to think with clarity, and so we often keep going!
I loved listening to this (listened whilst pegging out washing 😂). The part about teachers not being used to breaks made me laugh. You’re so right. I still have that on my teaching days; it’s a constant mad dash at break time to attempt to go to the loo, fill up my water bottle and sometimes also go to a meeting. All in 20 mins! Ridiculous!
Great post and you make so many good points about the value of rest. I hope your elbow recovers soon and it’s good to have you back!
Sarah first let me say I love the audio. You have a great voice. I agree, creative breaks help us rejuvenate our creativity! I am saying this in connection with photography especially because I feel that one can just become a routine “clicker” and that’s why time off/ break is good. Loved the post.
Thanks Shital! I appreciate your words and for sharing the post.
And I totally agree with you 💯 about breaks helping to rejuvenate our creativity. Really appreciate that you share your own experience too about becoming a ‘clicker’ with photography. I’m curious - do you know when that happens? Do you have a sense of something changing?
That makes a lot of sense. I guess for me I know when something is 'off' (photography, writing, actually anything from a creative sense) is when I am not involved/engaged in what I am doing. It's as though a switch has been turned off, or hasn't been turned on... or something like that anyway!
OH, and the audio. I love hearing your voice, but it's too quiet, I had to plug in my speakers and turn the volume all the way up.
And thanks for sharing this. I used the basic audio on my laptop, so I appreciate the feedback. However directly recording on Substack was worse! Lots of clicking and weird noises. I know that you include audio too, what do you use to record yours?
I have a microphone (it was maybe $20, not expensive, that originally was for the hubby, but now I use it), but before that, I used my phone and that’s what he does.
I experimented with Substack and didn’t have that problem you described. But I know Substack can be glitchy.
Thanks for the tip - I may go and have a look at a mic from my local tech shop!
As a teacher, I know exactly what you mean about bathroom breaks. 😭And somewhere down the line, I decided, F-it, I'm going to go and not suffer and cause some sort of health damage for this. 😂
But yeah, I TOTALLY can relate to this because I do like to be productive. Not busy, mind you, but productive, use my time wisely, etc, etc, and REST did not seem like a good use of my free time. But I have since learned that I really need those breaks. So now, I schedule in rest times, like this weekend needs to be a big one because I am b-u-r-n-i-n-g out from work, and I've got like a 12-day streak coming up, too. 😭
So, yes, to breaks, do it, and please don't hurt yourself! It's not worth it! xxoo
Good to know that you are taking breaks when you know you need them. And a 12-day streak? Wow! That’s intense. Sending you positivity!
Ah, so familiar! I was terribly overtrained years ago to the point where I couldn't walk stairs without being absolutely exhausted. All my inactive colleagues would be outpacing me and looking at me like, huh?? I prided myself with willpower when I was younger, but like you, now I'm more proud of myself when I allow myself to take a break!
It feels crazy how we may know deep down that we are overtraining, but kinda brush it off as we are still exercising?! Or at least that’s how I felt!
I’m glad that you now feel able to take rest when you want to.
Sarah, you speak to my heart! This last year/summer has been such a reckoning for me regarding my writing practice and creative process. I’ve experienced burnout and, more recently, those same “blah” feelings you describe about my work. I think I’m finally learning it’s not so much the work, which I love, but that I simply don’t have the energy or will to override signs of stress (former teacher here, I know exactly the go-go-go work style you mention). If I pay attention, my body and mind signal loud and clear when the balance tips. It’s mostly me adopting a new mindset to heed these warning signs and giving myself permission to rest. I actually have come to see resting and refueling as a crucial part of the creative process, not break from it. Thanks for spotlighting this very important topic ❤️
That’s great to hear, Maria! I’m glad that you (and me) are paying more attention to what our body and mind’s are saying. As you say, when we are go-go-going all of the time, we don’t have the space to think with clarity, and so we often keep going!
I loved listening to this (listened whilst pegging out washing 😂). The part about teachers not being used to breaks made me laugh. You’re so right. I still have that on my teaching days; it’s a constant mad dash at break time to attempt to go to the loo, fill up my water bottle and sometimes also go to a meeting. All in 20 mins! Ridiculous!
Great post and you make so many good points about the value of rest. I hope your elbow recovers soon and it’s good to have you back!
Glad you enjoyed the audio - you inspired me to try it ☺️
And thank you both elbows are feeling better 😂
Sarah first let me say I love the audio. You have a great voice. I agree, creative breaks help us rejuvenate our creativity! I am saying this in connection with photography especially because I feel that one can just become a routine “clicker” and that’s why time off/ break is good. Loved the post.
Thanks Shital! I appreciate your words and for sharing the post.
And I totally agree with you 💯 about breaks helping to rejuvenate our creativity. Really appreciate that you share your own experience too about becoming a ‘clicker’ with photography. I’m curious - do you know when that happens? Do you have a sense of something changing?
Yes! You end up taking almost the same kind of pictures.And when this happens one needs to step back a bit.
That makes a lot of sense. I guess for me I know when something is 'off' (photography, writing, actually anything from a creative sense) is when I am not involved/engaged in what I am doing. It's as though a switch has been turned off, or hasn't been turned on... or something like that anyway!