Taking Time Off

October 6, 2023

We probably don't think about this as much as we should.  We're probably more prone to think in terms of how much can I get done with this block of time or that block of time, but not think about the usefulness of taking time off. 

Our minds and bodies are meant to have work time and rest time.  Granted sometimes the work time is more than the rest time, and sometimes it's vice versa.  What can plague us is that we're not as good about allowing completely down time.  

With the plethora of devices and information, it's easy to get addicted to information overload or worse, input overload where too many ideas and too much information is coming in to really assimilate properly.  This isn't a fault of the human condition, it's simply that we are meant to take in so much information and after that, it's overload, and nothing is sticking, nothing is inspiring and nothing becomes useful.  It's like pouring a glass of water, and when the glass is full, that's it - it starts overflowing and the water is too much and lost.  
 

I admit to this, and even have to be careful of going into sites, that I know are going to monopolize my time with distractions and tangents that can take me to the ends of the universe.  

I realize this never more than when I schedule time for Walt and me to be away - from sewing, from my other duties and I find the first couple of days hectic, irregular and ansty. 

Then after a while, the anxiety of being away from work, settles, and I realize the work will be there when I get back.  This is the most important part of getting away - to realize that the work will always be there waiting for you.  Deadlines can pass, and the world doesn't come to an end. And then you catch a nice fish and things are okay!

This is the purpose of many of these sites and places are to lure you to one thing or another.  And with that purpose, they use all sorts of remarkably sophisticated techniques to do that.  What I try and do is keep on topic.  If I'm going into Pinterest, and looking for a collar or neck closure, I keep to that subject, because before I know it I'm looking at aquariums and wonder how did I get from collars to aquariums?  Honestly, there's no connection there, but that's what happens.  

We all have interests and our technology is keyed to target that interests.  And it's not that I'm asking you to avoid it, it's that I'm asking you to be aware of it.  Then after that, be aware, that information overload doesn't do anything to help or provide anything useful.  

So what can you do about this?  Several things.  We humans are meant to take breaks.  Have you been working on a project, then suddenly feel as though you have to get up and do something else, or troll in the kitchen?  You're not really hungry, but you need to get up and walk around.  

This is a key that we need a break about every 1½ hours.  To continue to work non-stop doesn't do that much good.  After a nice break, I usually like to take a few deep breaths and do a  nice stretch of raising my arms and stretching my upper body and at least walk away from my work for 5 minutes or so.  This little break does more to refresh my creative juices, than I realize, till I've done it.  

After this, it's excellent to have more time off.  Ending at the end of a work period is excellent to keep those creative juices flowing.  Watching a movie, or reading or something to take you completely away from your work.  

Having a daily schedule of 1½, 5-minute breaks during the day, then ending work at the end of the day, are key parts to making sure that your creative resources are flowing and always working for you.

Overloading can lead to a huge zap of your creative juices.  To make sure that flow is natural and always filled with excitement and energy, be sure to take time for yourself.  You don't have to travel, although it's fun to at least break from your home so that you can come back fresh again.  

Juliet Funt who is the creator of the concept of White Space which informs about the more valuable use of time is to create space (or time) for nothing.  So that the mind can rest and recharge for better work.  Some of her work can be found here which is geared for the workplace and corporate environments, but it is just as applicable to our endeavors in the art of sewing.  It's just a key for us to keep that balance and creative charge alive and well.   

The SewingArtistry Resource Library is designed to contain information to not only make your sewing better, but to aid in you fitting and flattering your shape, size and style.  Check it out. 

The Ponte Jacket Class has been rescheduled.  We had so many who wanted to take it but couldn't get here for one reason or another so it didn't work out.  We've rescheduled it for September, when we are more interest in jackets, and particularly something that will make us look professional and responsible -- because there are times when we need that look.  You can click here to get more information for the class on September 20, 21, and 22.  If you need any information about places to stay or other accommodations, simply respond to this email and I will get back to you.  I love my city and love showing it off!

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