SWINGING BACK TIME: EMBRACING THE LOST ART OF UNWINDING
Swinging Back Time: Embracing the Lost Art of Unwinding
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
Can you believe the marathon we've all been running lately? Life has transformed into an accelerated movie, leaving everyone in a frenzy- despite COVID’s notion to slow down. Do you remember those family dinners when we all sat around the table without any screens stealing our attention? Or when we just lounged outside, listening to the crickets sing? And the nostalgia of unwinding grows…
So, here I am, pondering over ‘the lost art of unwinding’. Have you taken a moment to realize how crazy it is that we've practically forgotten how to relax? Personally, my oldest child leaving for college gave me this reality check on how time's slipped through my fingers. And just like that - I went from receiving beautiful preschool finger paintings to seeing SnapChats of frat parties! Cue the existential crisis…
MY UNWINDING STRATEGIES…
GETTING EXERCISE
I've been contemplating a few ideas- should I morph into an early riser and embrace the world of meditation? Picture me, Emily, sitting cross-legged, zen-like, trying not to bounce off the walls (as I do) with my energy. Don't get me wrong, meditation's alluring, but I need an outlet, something more primal. That's where my love for hot yoga or going on long walks comes in. For me, unwinding is often clearing my head piggybacked with new ideas popping in the freshly cleared-out spaces. Not sure that would qualify for ‘unwinding’...
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READING
Next, the alluring world of books. Imagine carving out a cozy niche in your day, sinking into a plush chair with your nose buried in a book. The idea of a wicker swing has been on my mind indefinitely. I've even contemplated adding my iPad into the scene, engaging in a gentle sway as I attend to my tasks – a genuine interlude, a physical manifestation of my effort to swing away the stress. While this fantasy lives in my head - reality looks more like listening to Audible while doing laundry/dishes. And again - I’m not sure this qualifies as unwinding.
BATH-TIME
There's an art to this unwinding idea, especially when winter rolls in. My favorite scene includes a bathtub filled with piping hot water, a small plate of cookies and milk, and a Netflix binge in full swing. Or maybe a glass of wine – adulting at its finest. It's all about slowing down, letting your body uncoil, and giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. I have found this one to be effective, especially for a great 8 hours of sleep. The only trick is that you have to watch something on Netflix that you don’t mind turning off. Therefore, it has to be fairly mindless.
HANGING OUT
Now, let's chat about my sneaky tactic. Hosting friends for dinner and drinks – I'm a social creature, after all. So, I pencil it in early. If it's on the calendar, I will commit to it. It's like an appointment for fun – and it works like a charm. Side note- I am guilty of booking these gatherings when my housecleaner has already been scheduled. And picking up food from a local venue makes hosting so much easier. I do find it fun to unwind with friends and if it’s on the calendar, we all make it happen. My favorite is hosting Texas Hold’Em night.
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So, in this fast-paced world we're living in, don't forget the art of unwinding. I’m hoping you’re finding more success than I have. I think this is the reason I keep designing spaces for others to enjoy life - I keep aspiring to have the same in my own life!
Whether it's finding your zen in the early hours, hitting the pavement like a warrior, escaping in a book's embrace, or swinging your worries away – make it happen. Carve out time for yourself, and put it on the calendar if you must. You're worth it.