I've been exhausted a lot lately. Sometimes it's all day, sometimes it's just that particular time of night or morning that makes you feel listless and tired. We all find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and worn out at some point. Here are some things you can do to rest or recharge, especially when you
1. Take a nap.
2. Spend a couple of hours reading. Don't look at your phone. Just curl up and read until you finish a book or until it's two in the morning. Whatever it takes to refresh yourself.
3. Look at art. I'm not exactly the greatest at finding new artists, so I usually use Pinterest for this one. (Here's my art board, in case you desperately want to see a compilation of art I think is beautiful and insightful.)
4. Exist in the same space as other people. Don't stay isolated. This can look like going to an event, even if it's by yourself, or writing that blog post in the library instead of at home, or sitting in the living room, or even just leaving the door of your bedroom open so you aren't completely closed off. (I do that one a lot.)
5. Listen to some favorite music. This doesn't always work for me, because often music makes me really emotional and that just exhausts me more. But sometimes it's the perfect thing. A few suggestions, depending on how you're feeling: Coldplay, Switchfoot, the Moana soundtrack, Paramore, "Breathe" from In The Heights
6. Take a shower with the lights dimmed. For some reason when I'm feeling really worn out and used up, I breathe easier when everything isn't so bright. And showers are relaxing.
7. Hug something. Cry into your pillow. Maybe fall asleep doing it. Pray. Pray less in a formal, distant way and more in a raw, "God, this is my pain and I am angry and I am worn out and I'm not sure all this is worth it," kind of way.
8. Read the book of scripture that works for you. I really like reading accounts of Jesus healing people, especially when I'm overwhelmed. I have a friend who loves the Psalms. Find out what's best for you.
9. Play with kids, if they're around. There's something really refreshing and calming about just being around kids. I did this one a lot when I lived at home.
10. Say the names of the people who care about you out loud.
It's easy to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, especially right now. Just remember that this won't last forever. You'll be all right. We'll be all right.
