I have always been the type of person that is constantly doing something. Doesn't matter what, for instance Im in the middle of painting my bathroom, already did the kitchen. But today I just felt off, not depressed or anything, just like I needed a day off. I know I needed a day off. But the whole while, Im feeling guilty about not finishing the bathroom. My husband told me to just relax for the day, its not like it won't be there tomorrow, or even the day after. I just tried taking a bubble bath but it was a waste of bubbles because I felt the urgency to just bathe and get out and on to the next thing. And now Im beating myself up for an "unproductive" day, and about feeling guilty over it. One dr told me the reason I stay so busy doing things is so I wont have to deal with the crap in my head, which I think is a valid thought. So how does one take a day for oneself and not feel the guilt over it, or think of it as unproductive??? ANY suggestions would be great.

Hi Mickey,

I don't have any suggestions as I have the opposite attribute, I can't seem to get motivated. I know when I am productive I feel a sense of pride and will sometimes unwind later with a beer.

befuddled2

Well,
I think your hubby is right.
It is ok to take a day off...you have been a very busy girl and painting is hard work.
I too lack motivation.
Have you ever journaled before?
this helps some people be able to put things down on paper...what might be floating around in your head.
It sounds like you are a very brite person, maybe a read somewhere that you are thinking about starting your own business?
I think that is a fantastic idea.
You are a wonderful woman,
I am so glad to know you.
bizi

Dear Mickeycbee,
Part of what you are talking about has to do with living in the moment -- also called mindfulness as practiced in DB Therapy.

When you wash dishes for example, you think only of the dishes, the suds, the water.. . . .
You do not think about what you have to do next.
You keep your mind focused.

When you live in the moment you can learn to enjoy the moment and find peace.

Now I think that even the people who are pretty good at this admit that it is a lifetime effort.

But you could google "mindfullness" and Dialectical behavioral therapy and see what you get.

Maybe start with something small -- like doing the dishes by hand or something else you do in your house.

Mari

I know exactly what you are going through, but instead of one day, its days on end. I try to keep myself busy with laundry, or cleaning, or writing, but i constantly feel like there's something mroe productive and more important I should be doing, but what that thing is exactly never presents itself to me, so I do more and more 'busy work' as I like to call it because it gives me a quick fix to give my mind a break from thinking about everything that's bothering me and my mind only has to focus on the task at hand.

I'm glad you posted this because it's hard for me to explain how I'm feeling but to know other people have the same feelings makes it easier for me to grasp. thank you

I think physically our bodies tell us to take a break, but mentally we want to keep going.

Everyone deserves a break, never feel guilty, feel is as you deserve it for all you accomplished, because you do!

Just relax and read or watch a movie, take a nap, whatever sooths you.

Hugs, Nikko

Thanks for everyone's comments. I was really thinking about it last night and I think it is not only a learned behavior ( from childhood ), but probably a little bit of guilt. Since Im disabled and Im home all day, I feel guilty if I don't do anything because my husband is working a few jobs to make up for the loss of my salary. As a kid it was always hurry up and eat, hurry up and take a bath, hurry up and finish your homework. I just don't know how to slow down that behavior. But with everyone's input, there are some things I can look into. THANKS EVERYONE