Down Time is Important
Preppers and survivalists often get caught up in the “embrace the suck” concept, which is very important, don’t get me wrong. But, it is just as critical to allow yourself some down time, some time when things don’t suck.
Nobody, I don’t care who they are, can go pedal to the metal forever without a break. At some point, burnout is going to occur. Caffeine and rage will get you a long way, but even they will run out at some point..
Take a break
Give yourself permission to take a break every now and then. It is perfectly acceptable to take a “mental health day.” Lately, it isn’t just recommended but probably a requirement for sanity, given all the doom and gloom.
Of course, with many people not working, budgets are tight. And it isn’t like you can just go see a movie or concert at the moment, at least in most areas. But, you could:
–Go for a walk, ideally in a park if they’re open in your area. Anywhere that you can get some fresh air and sunshine should work, though.
–Spend some time playing games with your family. Whether your favorite is Monopoly or Cards Against Humanity, laughter is great medicine.
–I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: When it seems all hope is lost and you have nowhere else to turn, hug your dog. Seriously, this is a rule to live by.
–One of our family traditions is that Saturday is Movie Night. We’ve been doing this for at least 10 years. Every week, we find a movie (sometimes a double feature) on Netflix, Prime, or just among the DVD collection that appeals to everyone, pop some popcorn, grab something to drink, and relax for the evening.
Even at the height of the s**t storm that was my life for most of last year, we used this as forced down time for me and it helped greatly.
The takeaway this week is simple – allow yourself to relax on a regular basis. It is healthy for mind, body, and spirit.
About the author
Jim Cobb is a well known freelance author on survival and other topics.
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