I know this.
You know this.
But is bares repeating, to both our conscious and unconscious minds.
As you may or may not know if you are new to my newsletters, my partner and I have been planning a move to a more ‘farm-like’ living experience.
The plan is to grow a bunch of our own food, spend more time with our hands in the soil, and have a bit more space to swing the proverbial cat if we need to (and yes, that is a terrible saying.
Also when I say ‘space’ in Asia, it is very different to the 20,000+ acre properties that are pretty common in parts of Australia.
But, back to the main point I want to make.
A handful of days ago we had finalised the sale of our house, and were all set to move into the Farm and a bit of Tiny House living (while we build the main house).
Part of the move included wrapping up the sale, dealing with (Indonesian) banks, notary’s, moving stuff, giving stuff away, rediverting deliveries delivery to a new address (which is not really ‘officially recorded), etc..
In summary, by the time we were ready to move in, we were totally beat, knackered, drained, etc. (you get the picture).
Which brings me to today’s reminder.
Why this ‘thing’ is my number 1 when it comes to messing with our lives
When we are relaxed, in a calm state, and the nervous system is dialed down, it is much easier to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
What we might also call ‘curve balls’.
Again, something we all know.
But there is one thing, that if it is off, can absolutely wipe you out.
And turn our decision-making abilities to a big fat “F” (minus).
Aka: crappers.
The big thing is being TIRED.
When we are tired, we are not only cranky, but we have a VERY limited ability to deal with anything that is uncertain, outside our control, or a source of potential discomfort.
And the reason I say that being tired is the worst physical thing that negatively influences our emotional state – and especially out decision-making abilities – is because it is much harder to do a ‘quick fix’ on.
For instance, if I am “hangry“, I am also pretty useless at decision-making, but if I shove a bit of food in my gob, in 5-10 mins I am back into a functional state.
The same with being dehydrated.
It has a huge impact on quality decision-making, but it also very easily remedied, with a glass of water.
However, when it comes to being tired, or fatigued from days of high pressure, it is likely going to take a solid good nights sleep to get back on track, and more likely several days.
My primary messages
So here is what I most want to share with you:
1. Being tired turns you into a decision-making moron.
2. Most often (if you have burnt the candle at both ends for a number of days), it is NOT quickly remedied.
3. Avoid – like the plague – making important decisions when you are tired.
4. Put brain-power, energy and effort into creating micro and macro rests.
Some strategies (and reminders) for enhancing rest
1) Bring a level of conscious awareness to your energy / tiredness levels and plan you day and life accordingly (e.g. don’t say yes to a taxing social engagement if you know you have work projects which you know will drain you).
2) Grab ‘micro-rests’ as much as possible through the day (e.g. 5 mins of conscious breathing, taking a leisurely stroll around the block, cuddling with your dog, sitting on a park bench for a few minutes, watching the clouds, etc.)
Also note that all of the above suggestions were ‘tech-free’.
3) Take the time to set up your sleeping space at home to optimize your sleep (e.g. dark, quiet as possible, comfortable, no tech, etc.).
4) Establish a pre-bedtime routine to wind down before sleeping (e.g. tech off at 8pm, chill for a period of time in softer light, listen to some relaxing music, burn some essential oils (e.g. lavender), have a bath or shower, write down stuff that is cluttering your mind, etc.).
5) Call a “Time Out” if you don’t have the mental bandwidth to make a decision.
Part 2 of the ‘moving to the Farm’ story
Let me close the loop on the story I was telling about our move, which initiated this article.
Remember I said we were knackered by the time we moved in (Ferry more so than me).
That very first night, of our move into our (now) new home, there was a party, close by, where there was very loud – the genre I call DOOF-DOOF music – playing until 2am in the morning!!
Sleeping was impossible.
Tiredness ruled.
Decision-making was definitely impaired.
And so before we put the ‘For Sale’ sign on our new property the very next morning, I grabbed Ferry, our dog (Gundi), fired up the scooter and headed up into the mountains, where I do my monthly ‘getaways’.
We spent a day and night, in the stillness and quiet of mother nature, getting an awesome night’s sleep, plus calming the nervous system, before heading back to the Farm and deciding that putting up a “For Sale” sign was probably not the best decision for now.
But getting some ear plugs, ear muffs and noise cancelling headphones might be a very good investment.
In Summary
REST is SO important when it comes to quality decision-making and handling life’s curve balls.
Fatigue can not be quickly or easily overcome, so you can’t ‘wing it’.
You never know when a curve ball is going to come your way, so it is best to prepare in advance, by being very mindful and intentional when it comes to sleep and rest.
Don’t just try and push past your tiredness, as it will come back and bite you on the butt.
Your rest, sleep and relaxation is a priority for day-to-day but also the vitality and longevity of your entire life.
My Parting Words
I know you know this already.
But sometimes we need reminding.
We need to be reminded that overcoming fatigue is not a QUICK fix.
And the consequences of fatigue are significant in the short and long-term.
So take care to ensure you are getting enough rest.
This includes 7-9hrs of quality sleep a night.
Plus mini breaks through the day.
I recently recommended to one of my CEO (and very busy) clients to take a micro break by smelling some eucalyptus essential oil to bring him into the present moment (our sense of smell goes directly into the brain), plus grounding him with the smell of the Australian bushland (which is near and dear to his heart).
Work out your own ‘mini breaks’, which you can take through the day.
They will make a world of difference when it comes to dealing with the unforeseen.
I know you’ve got this.
Have a consciously rejuvenating day packed with micro rests, and a week of blissful sleep.
Take care.
Carl
Quotable QUOTE:
“Fatigue cannot be quickly or easily overcome, so you can’t just ‘wing it’. You need to consciously and intentionally manage your rest at the micro and macro levels.” Carl Massy
(Author of 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be)
PS: Have you read or listened to this book yet? 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be
