28 Feb My Secret List of Fun
February 28, 2012
I spent many years of my life juggling way too many balls at once, living on the adrenaline of constant activity and productivity.
That was until my health fell apart over a decade ago and I had to slowly, painstakingly rebuild it. From that process I learned that I had completely depleted my inner reservoir. The doctor said things like “your adrenals are shot,” meaning that I had completely used up my inner emotional and physical resources, partly through this internal drive that kept me always pushing myself.
Since then, I’ve learned to live at a more balanced pace and to actually take time in my week, several times, to intentionally do things that build up my inner reserves. Inevitably, these are things that bring pleasure and relaxation, not a feeling of pushing or forced productivity. And the things I’ve learned about the biochemistry of our brain have encouraged me in this, because dopamine and serotonin are released in our systems when we experience pleasure and relaxation, building up our inward resources.
So what is my secret list? It’s a list of pleasurable and relaxing activities to choose from, kind of like a smorgasbord of delights. I use this list for myself and when helping others. And I’m only giving you 1/3 of the list now… I’ll give you the other 2/3 in the coming weeks. We don’t want to overload your pleasure senses!
Fun Assignment: Read this list, and choose 2 items that you’ll do in the coming week to build up your reservoir. This is just one way of keeping your cup full, so that it can overflow.
P.S. Let me know which ones you choose and why in the comments section below.
1. Soak in the bathtub.
2. Listen to music.
3. Go for a walk.
4. Sing.
5. Play an instrument.
6. Write in your journal.
7. Read: at home, bookstore, library.
8. Bike ride.
9. TV.
10. Movie .
11. Bowling.
12. Conversation.
13. Call a good friend.
14. Go on a beauty hunt.
15. Dance.
16. Have a massage.
17. Recycle old items.
18. Think of three positive things in your life.
19. Sit or lie in the sun.
20. Watch funny videos on YouTube.
21. Read a magazine or newspaper.
22. Hobbies (needle craft, sketching, collecting, model building, etc.)
23. Spend time with a good friend.
24. Think of beautiful scenery you’ve seen.
25. Practice karate, judo, yoga
26. Exercise with an exercise video.
27. Repair things around the house.
28. Work on your car or bicycle.
29. Take care of your plants or garden.
30. Go swimming.