Something I am HORRIBLE at is the whole concept of "work life balance". But in the past few months I've picked up/ started new hobbies that aren't work related and it has been so fun and good for my brain. I've been hiking more, I picked up needlepoint (which is something I never thought I'd enjoy), I'm researching and starting an herb garden for the first time, and I also really enjoy a good dungeons and dragons session ! What kind of hobbies do y'all enjoy when your brain isn't locked in on work ?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oIDvye55Nt8cU3oHGkI6O?si=jv5w1g_4TC6hajdNs_ewZg This morning I learned about the term “languishing” from a TikTok , that led me to this podcast. It really called me out and kind of felt like my algorithm pointed its metaphorical finger at me. The state of languishing is that weird funky feeling where you aren’t at your best mentally (with yourself or at work), but you’re not to the depressive burnout stage yet. In the podcast above, Kelly Smith describes a 30 day plan to stop languishing and how to get out of stagnation. If you listen to it and decide that it seems like a lot, I’m going to attempt to simplify it for myself. 3 things a day: - 10 minutes of silence and mindfulness, with NO DISTRACTIONS. (Preferably outside, but Alabama weather is like spinning a top hat of doom.) - Move my body for 15 minutes minimum. - Write something. It doesn’t matter what, but get my brain working to connect with the little voice inside my head. 1 thing a week: - Sit somewhere new and listen to what’s happening around me. Even if I have to do work, sitting in a museum or restaurant or coffee shop (I’m hoping to go to the Birmingham Botanical Garden) will stimulate my brain in different ways ... opposed to being in the same spot every day, because I don’t know about you, but being in the exact same routine every day makes the week bleed together into one massive blob. 1 thing a month: - “I’m Alive” Act (tourist day). Stealing this straight from the podcast. Exploring my city as a tourist and not as someone who has been here the past 25 years. Finding new spots and really trying to connect with my inner child and sense of wonder and wandering. If you feel like you’re languishing and feel inspired to take a month to reset your brain, post your plan below!

How’s everyone’s Easter recovery going? Make sure to get some rest and do something that gives you some life!

So what are you planning on doing after to unwind? I'll go first in the comments