Occasionally I think of what to write about during random parts of the day. Sometimes I think in terms of “A Time…” Other times I struggle to come up with a single thing to say. Life is always going to continue no matter how much time you take to think about it. Journaling is a great tool that you can use to think your thoughts. Taking on a side project that uses a different part of your brain than you are used to is another great way to give your brain a break from thinking of every possible thing that you have to get done. Getting enough sleep is also important to allow not only your brain, but also your body to relax and refresh for a new day. Going for a walk outside and moving your body can also give your brain space to let loose on all of the thoughts that need to be thought.
In order to journal all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. No fancy notebooks, pens, highlighters, or sticky notes required. They can be helpful if you are trying to purposefully journal regularly or you need something to help you get started. You can write about what happened in your day, what feelings you are feeling, or whatever comes to mind. Sometimes I will start to journal about one thing and totally have an epiphany about something else as I am writing about what I think the problem is and find out it is actually something else entirely. Other times it is nice to get all of my thoughts out of my head so that I can stop thinking about it in circles and get it down on paper.
In my dance classes, I challenge my dancers to switch which side of their brain they are using by adjusting sides, patterns and directions. It would be easy to do the same things in ballet class each week, but I do my best to teach them something new. I have started to look into the history of ballet and share what I learn. I know that some of the moves that we do each week mixed with a small change will occasionally blow their minds. Making them use their arms and legs simultaneously in different directions is a wonderful challenge also. I try to learn new things often as I know that if I am actively trying new things, new things will not seem so scary.
Sleep is so important! I feel like we often get what we can and live for being awake. I used to survive off of taking naps every day between jobs. I no longer need to take naps with my new schedule, but occasionally on a Saturday it is nice to have the option to take a nap. Depending on what season of life you are in, you may find that getting 8 hours of sleep is super easy, challenging, or somewhere in-between. I sometimes will get only 6 hours of sleep and other days get 10 hours of sleep depending on my day off. The important part is that I am getting sleep and I try to go to bed around the same time when I am working so that I know that if I am not sleeping, I am at least resting in my bed for 7.5 hours on my work nights. You may find that you have a sweet spot for how much energy you have after a certain amount of sleep. This is one of those things that is different for everyone, so you will have to keep track for yourself.
Fresh air is always good for you. Unfortunately we are still in the winter season here in Wisconsin, but spring will be here soon! (I hope!) When I go for a walk I always think deep thoughts. It doesn’t take long for me to get going. I don’t mind having deep conversations with myself, but it is nice to be able to walk outside with someone else. If walking is not your style, find a different activity that allows you to let go of your to-do list and allows you the freedom of a moment in time to do something that you do not have to think about doing. Working on a puzzle or craft would be a great outlet. Find an activity that you can allow your brain to have a break from the normal thoughts of life.
If you are like me, you find it easier to watch shows about other people’s drama than dealing with your own. Sometimes I get so into the details of my thoughts that I forget to look at the bigger picture. I have recently realized that sometimes in order to see the big picture, you have to also take in the little pieces and figure out how they fit together. The pieces may come over a short period of time, but it also may take a week or two for you to see it all come together. Do not give up on yourself if it is challenging to get to the point. Sometimes you need a distraction to clear your mind so that your thoughts have the space to breath and air out in order for them to make sense.
“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” – Brene Brown
“Be brave enough to be bad at something new.” – Jon Acuff
“It is okay to not have everything figured out.” – unknown
A Time for... Everything 
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