The benefits of simple drawings for tired professionals
Why a pen, a piece of paper and a few Sharpies can help you de-stress
Trust me, I know how challenging it is to switch off from work and relax. Simply twisting the fingers and stepping out of one role into the other one does not come easy. I know it on my own skin, I live it every single day. Although we close down our laptops, put the phone in the bag and head to the metro, car, bus or find our way home in other ways our brain is still in the “working mode” answering to various emails, debating topics with our colleagues, quarrelling with the boss, stressed about deadlines and so on.
Our brains can stay in work mode long after we leave the office, making it hard to unwind and fully recharge. I am on a journey, a journey to find ways to detox, come back to myself, increase my levels of energy and do the things I love with more presence, with more mental, physical and energy.
I know myself and you know yourself as well. Always full of new ideas, always burning the candle at both sides and even the idea of coming up with … relaxing ideas can trigger me into creating a plan, putting together a mind map, stressing about the lack of fab ideas and so much more.
Yep I am my biggest critic and Simon the gremlin is a constant presence on my shoulder. But this is another story for another time. In order to avoid approaching this “task” in my normal way I will start with bite size moments. Starting to claim peace of mind and safety. Coming up with big plans for the “after work” relaxation is too much for me so I will start with … lunch break ideas. That’s more realistic.
Here we go .. how about, drawing, doodling, colouring for 10-15 minutes during the lunch break while munching on a sandwich (oh dear … bread again … another thing to sort out - healthy lunch ideas), sipping on a coffee or tea (hopefully herbal ones in the near future - says she .. more things to change oh dear).
How about switching off the laptop, hiding the phone in a drawer, taking the journal from the bag, a black Sharpie and just starting .. with a dot.
To be continued
This is beautiful, Karina! You are taking us on a journey of simple growth and self-care, and I appreciate it!