I had been planning spring break for a few weeks now: a few days to catch up on work, a few days to make progress cleaning out things from my parents’ house from the basement, and at least one relaxing mental health “break” day. What does a mental health break day look like? To me, it’s dusting off the DSLR camera that hasn’t been used in years, running off to the mountains, taking in some good coffee and trying to breathe.
After the morning chaos, getting the kids ready for daycare, and as my wife left with them, the quiet set in. In those few peaceful moments, I looked around the house and noticed how much was left to do in this short spring break week: toys to be put away, dishes to be cleaned, things to be organized. I could get a head start on cleaning out the basement. I could spend some more time today working to be extra caught up by next week. It would make more sense to spend today working, both for my job and at home.
Sometimes we need to just do something that doesn’t make sense. I had to keep redirecting and reminding myself. Not everything we do in life needs to make sense; sometimes we should do the nonsensical. Spending a day in the mountains won’t get me ahead. It won’t directly benefit those around me. But it will help me to relax, to take a breath, and to be a more thoughtful husband, father, and instructor. So here I sit, having had a tasty lunch at Bold Rock, looking at the mountains and the bustling waters of the stream, having come from Yellow Mug coffee in Crozet, where I was able to sit outside and read of Sherlock’s extended adventures. I feel more myself. And I can’t wait to head further into the mountains in the next few hours.
Do something that relaxes you, even if it’s nonsensical.