Day 8: Break

When you struggle with a condition that limits your ability to do there are a few important rules to remember:

First, do a little each day to help you feel dignified and productive.
Next, celebrate any and all accomplishments.
Finally, embrace the fact that you are in control of your attitude, not always your ability. Make room for days when you lack the ability you long for by preparing your attitude.

That's what day eight is all about. Day eight is about preparing yourself for bad days, for days when things don't go as planned. By planning breaks into your cleaning schedule, you give yourself permission to handle life as needed.

Taking a break can look different, depending on your needs. Let's look at some examples.

Today, I'm currently feeling quiet weak. I'm not able to do a load of dishes, or get laundry in at the moment. Mentally however, I'm feeling just fine. I don't feel emotionally burned out, which is great for me as well. Today, taking a break may mean forgoing doing the cleaning items I normally do to re-evaluate my approach. I'm thinking I'll look at maybe changing up when I do dishes and only worry about getting a load of laundry in in the morning, since I've had a few rough mornings lately. Then maybe I'll take time to read a digital book or my favorite fun blog.

Perhaps you may be having a day where everything just seems to be falling in, maybe physically you are struggling more than usual and that is making it hard to handle the emotional and mental stress. Maybe today, re-evaluating just sounds too hard and depressing. Maybe today's break needs to include some healthy pampering with your favorite movie or snack, or calling in a friend or family member to chat or to take you out for a bit. If so, take the break you need!!

Here are a few tips in taking breaks that will set you up for future success:

1. Give yourself permission, maybe even aloud if need be.
2. Take breaks that build you up. (Binge eating a chocolate cake may taste good in the moment, but may leave you with feelings of self-disgust or other unhealthy feelings. Let yourself indulge a bit in a healthy, moderate way. Maybe order in from a favorite sandwich shop if it's in your budget, or ask a friend to pick you up a favorite beverage to sip on.)
3. Use breaks as building opportunities. I love to spend time reading inspirational quotes and committing my favorite to memory. You may have your own loves that help you feel like you can do what needs to be done, maybe you are an ultra-planner and you can spend time planning a fun outing with a friend or family member. Using down-time to build yourself up often shortens down-time!
4. Take breaks as needed, but keep trying to get back to "real-life". Don't live in a limbo of "I'm taking breaks". Take a break, an hour, a day, and then get back to trying again.

So whether the break comes today, or tomorrow, take it when you need it and then move forward with the momentum you create when you love yourself enough to take care of the real you!

See 31 days to a Chronic Clean.