Days are getting shorter, harvest is winding down. Mornings are cooler, a hint that soon snow will return to the northern plains. Snow has already blanketed the Rocky Mountains. As I write this a mist is starting here in the northern plains, blow off from the mountain snowstorm.
I have been working on several committees over the last year, of great interest to many is the Nurse Fatigue panel. I find the concept of being "tired" permeates almost everyone's life. Whether that fatigue is generated from physical labor, mental labor, emotional labor, or spiritual labor, it usually ends in one being "tired" when you don't have enough resources (energy) to deal with the stress.
Managing the labor of life requires attention and care. If you find yourself in over your head and you catch this "condition" before you deplete your resources you can save yourself much heartache.
Caring for yourself includes giving yourself permission to take "me" time. I hear people say they actually feel "quivery" when they get so "tired". You also loose your edge and can become dangerous. I know of many instances where "tired" and "distracted" folks have been involved in accidents, hurting themselves and others.
We could take some cues from nature.
Shorten our days. Slow down. Hibernate.
Not possible you say. If you practice the art of mindfulness, paying attention and being reflective about what signals and feedback the universe is giving you, you may find a sense of calm. Instead of ignoring that feeling of being quivery, take that as signal you need a break.
Instead of booking your day so full you barely get time to sleep (real sleep (8 hours) not a quick nap) consider a frank discussion with your family and friends about the healthful benefits of sleep. Try a new schedule for everyone.
The importance of restorative sleep cannot be overstated. We need to sleep to repair our body-mind-spirit. Sleep will help you cope with the labors of life.
