Don't Burn OUT!

This past weekend was one of the best that I’ve had in a long time. It wasn’t because I did anything spectacular or just was vegging out on the couch (which is one of my favorite things to do). I simply took the time to do a variety of things that I wanted to do. My boyfriend had asked to go to Austin for a “boys” weekend. I immediately told him yes, even though I was kind of bummed that I didn’t have lots of plans and foresaw my weekend to consist of cleaning the apartment and watching Lifetime movies. I just knew that if I asked him for a “girls” weekend, I’d want him to let me go. I’m not trying to say that you need to cast off your significant other for a good time, but it was nice to do things without having to be considerate of your “honey.”

Though it doesn’t matter what I chose to do, I’ll at least fill you in! I had the opportunity to attend an UT Dallas Homecoming Alumni event in which I got to see the plans that I had worked on through my undergraduate career actually materialize and see where the school is going from this point forward. I also got to “tour” the newer areas that I haven’t had a chance to. I also got a last minute invitation to the Dallas MargaritaSociety’s annual Margarita Ball and toy drive. It was a black tie event, so I got to play dress up and meet a ton of people. I was so excited to do both of these things and grateful that I had taken the time to do them! Sunday was a much needed relaxation and cleaning day after all to excitement of Saturday. This weekend I got to do my favorite things. I got to go places, meet people, hang out and talk to longtime friends, see places that were nostalgic for me, recharge and relax all in two days. 

Personally, I need at least one day a week to do the relaxing and recharging, but if I indulge in that too much, I’m not internally happy. This weekend was an example of what works best for me to recharge after a stressful work week. I had considered writing about it, but an article on MSNBC told me that I had to. According to the article, many young professional women are “burned out” on their jobs, careers and professions before the age of 30. The article chalked that up to that women are much less likely than men to take relaxation periods. Even little things like going for a walk, taking a short break or going out to lunch. The rationale behind why women do not do these things is that we are taught to be as involved and “well-rounded” as we can starting at a very early age. Maybe we just never had time to relax? 

I was very involved in a lot of things growing up and I am really glad that I was. I DID make it a point (and my parents too) to give myself a day a week to relax and recharge as well as doing fun things like going to the movies or dinner with friends. That doesn’t mean that you have to do things like me and clean and lay on the couch (that is just what works for me). Find out what works for you. It could be doing a day of fun activities like I did on Saturday. It could be going to a dance, art or yoga class. It could just be working out and letting your mind wander. Whatever it is, take the time to yourself and DO IT.