I noticed she was very sluggish. She was having trouble fulfilling what was being asked, even small things. She would take what seemed like forever to do the simplest tasks, sometimes getting lost to the point where she would have to be saved.
I knew what was wrong. She was being overworked. Day after day she would have so many tasks going on all at the same time, juggling so much more than she could handle. But she continued to be pushed until she could not be pushed any further. Her productivity continued to decrease even though the workload not only continued, but also became more demanding.
Finally, I knew what needed to happen so I expressed to her that she really needed to shutdown for a bit and helped her to do so.
We all know how it is when we have been overworked, how hard it is to stop and unplug. It doesn’t happen right away. The mind and body still want to keep going. Things keep popping up to address that seem urgent in the moment, but really are not, so you just have to delete them from your mind … until that beautiful moment comes when you can finally rest and relax.
That is exactly what happened to her. I sat with her and watched and helped until she finally found her way to let it all go. I could almost hear her sigh of relief.
Turned out she really didn’t need much at all. It is amazing, really, how little it can take to restore only if we would give ourselves that privilege. Once she rested a bit, she woke up and was ready to get back at it … functioning her normal, productive way … feeling good about herself and her abilities to serve others.
Can you relate to this story? I certainly can!
The truth is, the “she” in this story is my computer! That is exactly what happened to my computer last night. We were both tired … ha ha. So as I laid down to do what I call a 15-minute power nap or the R & R Pose and I had my laptop beside me helping “her” to shut down, too. She was so lost with so many files, windows, and applications running that it took time for her to reboot. I had to force quit many applications before she could finally shut down and reset herself.
I feel like that sometimes don’t you, the need to reboot? Why do we push and push thinking there is no time to rest? We only become unproductive or at best less productive by doing so.
Let me tell you that by taking the time to rest and take care of ourselves afford us the ability to be more productive … always! And, we are less stressed, healthier, happier people … operating from a place of inspiration and joy.
So, I urge you, dear women of wonder, to reboot your operating system BEFORE you get lost in the shuffle of demands in your life.
If you have a “rebooting” story or thoughts to share, please do so in the comment section below.
And, by all means, if you need help in rebooting your operating system email me and I would be honored to assist you.
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System Overload…REBOOT!!
This is exactly what I need to do….no time like the present. I don’t have anything going on for a few hours, so I think I will put on some Jack Johnson, make me a big cup of mint tea, and take a lavender bath….my favorite way to relax. 
I imagine the water washing away all my stresses and smile as they go down the drain. Creative visualization is my best friend. Thanks Shileen for the wonderful reminder!
That’s me today!! Due to the past few weeks of events creating a snowball effect, today I found myself very overwhelmed with the laundry, the handful of dishes and the floors needing cleaned. I finally gave in to my needs and spent about an hour listening to spiritual music while relaxing then I hit my knees and prayed then spent the next couple of hours in the Bible. When I emerged I was a new woman! I used to make this a daily event but let life convince me that I didn’t have the time. It’s back at the top of my priority list!
I was forced to shut down just like the computer. I am recovering from a bad allergic reaction to medication and have been very quiet and restful for the last few days despite the bouts of itching and firey skin I am experiencing. I have a list of errands that need to be done but I am learning to let go and delegate my responsibilities. So here I sit on my laptop getting caught up on things that I can do from my bed.
Why do we as woman put so many demands on ourselves and feel like we need to do it all and not ask for help. I am learning that I can’t do it all. Sometimes God just stops me in my tracks and makes me rest regardless of what I would like to accomplish.
One of my favortie destressers now that I am in Hawaii is to go to the beachside pool with a good book and get lost in my story and enjoy the warmth of the beautiful sunshine.
Thanks Shileen – this happened to me & I got really sick – if you don’t shut down yourself; potentially one day this could happen to you. So please take these words of wisdom written by shileen seriously B4 too late. There is only so much your body can take!!!
Happy to report that I swim a lot – this restores me & gives me the time to relax & rest & I love it!!!
Cheryl
xo
This is quite inspiring; I have never thought of it in this way, shutting down or even rebooting myself. Whenever the workload is much on me the next thing that comes to my mind is this: “hurry up you have got a lot to accomplish today”, so I keep working till I overworked myself without achieving maximum result owing to mistakes resulting from my anxiety to finish up my task within a even period. Sometimes it costs me more time and energy because I have to redo certain things.
Thanks to Shileen and all of you who commented on this note. I have learnt a great deal from you guys and I’m taking a new step right away.
Once again, thank you all and God bless you.
So true. How I need this!
I’d love to tell you about my stressful life,but there is not that much space in this little box. I can express my Thankfulness to you, Sweet Lady! I love reading your words of incouragement knowing that it comes from your heart! My daughter was first to bring me to my knees when my precious son was killed in an accident. She told me that God does NOT give you more than you can handle. And later, my dearest friend’s daughter [YOU], gave me the roadmap to a more precious life. Thank GOD for DAUGHTERS!
[...] it’s okay to accept the fact that my mind and my body needed a rest. I owe a big thanks to Shileen Nixon for pointing out that yes, it really is okay to stop and reboot every once in [...]
Ladies, what beautiful comments! Wow!
Mercy: Good for you for giving in and spending time with the Lord. What can be better?!
Lee: I would love to join you by the beach side pool one of these days! Sounds awesome! I am glad that you are taking the necessary rest that you need to heal.
Cheryl: I hope that your health is better. You are very right that our bodies can take only so much before breakdown occurs. I am glad that you have found something so healthy to really enjoy. I am sure your body and spirit sings a song of joy each time you swim! =)
Nkechinyere: That’s just it. We think that we don’t have time to rest because we have so much work to finish. But just as you have said, when we get tired and overworked we begin to work inefficiently. We can get more done in less time by taking the time to rest because we don’t make as many mistakes when we are rested. Thanks for making that point!
Joann: Good that you recognize what you need. If you haven’t already I encourage you to act on it.
Joycee: Awww … you have no idea how you have touched my heart!! Wow! It always blesses me so much when I see your notes and comments both here and on facebook. I appreciate your love and support!
Miss Lena! Your comment came in while I was writing my own comment. Thank you for the mention … glad the post was helpful! I miss you!!
This just hits the nail on the spot.. Often when you are overloaded (and mine is not a job outside the home) more PILES on without notice. I can’t share mine but I can relate to this from trying to build a biz, fighting legal battles, and having emotional of the kids being added to the plate all at the same time. Somedays you just look around and say what next? Great article post, thanks for the reminder to reboot! Darla aka twitter:Alrady40
Good website! I thoroughly enjoyed your content material …very well written.