In Praise of Downtime
By Becky Salato, Superintendent, Konocti Unified School District
I cannot believe the holidays are upon us. It feels like the school year just started with all the planning and organizing that comes with it, and now I’m preparing for Thanksgiving and the school events that celebrate this season–pumpkin patch visits, winter concert performances, and so much more.
From November to January, the hustle and bustle to decorate, celebrate, and show our loved ones how much we care can spin us into a crazy state of mind, leaving us completely worn out.
Although I am usually the first to jump on the holiday roller coaster, I am feeling different this year. Maybe it’s the result of the unprecedented challenges during the last three years. My colleagues and I in education are already worn out and we have hardly started thinking about the holidays. Maybe it’s the personal challenges my family has had this year. I’m not sure, but something has made me stop and say it’s time to slow down, reevaluate what really matters, and seek balance.
I know that the only way I can support others is if I have something to give. This means I need to take care of myself and recharge my own battery.
Last week, some close friends were scheduled to visit. Initially, I was so excited, but as their arrival date approached, I considered canceling–not because I didn’t want to see them but because I had done what I often do. I had over scheduled myself with full days and overlapping evening events. I felt like I had no more to give; I couldn’t possibly entertain.
But when they arrived, I quickly remembered how great it is to just sit and talk with a good friend. We didn’t need to be going every minute. Just in talking and being together lifted both of our spirits. It reminded me of the importance of spending quality time with good friends and loved ones. It’s not about doing something special, it’s truly just about being together. More than ever, in this crazy, busy world, we need to spend time with those who bring us joy and lift us up.
So, I encourage you to give yourself permission to focus on what nourishes you and leave the rest behind. If you enjoy cooking but decorating seems like a dreadful chore, just cook. You don’t have to decorate. If you like to decorate but cooking stresses you out, spend your time hanging ornaments and lighting candles–and do a potluck.
Also, you don’t have to attend every event. Choose those that matter the most to you and to those you love. Decline the rest, or take a rain check–plan time to get together in the new year.
When was the last time you had time for quiet contemplation, time to recenter? This looks different for different people, but it’s important for all of us. A walk in nature, a moment of meditation or prayer, time to write a journal entry–these can all help us focus on what matters most.
When we think about money, we know there is a limited amount and we budget accordingly. The truth is, we also have a limited amount of time and energy. We need to budget accordingly in these areas, too. If you push yourself past a certain point, you will become exhausted and your mind and body will let you know you’ve gone too far.
We all have limits, so pretending we don’t is just silly. I encourage you to take a breath. Think about what brings you joy, peace, and calmness. Take some downtime.