Do your best, then rest

I attended my annual wellness visit last week, where the focus was on “being a woman of a certain age.” I was asked if I had received my shingles vaccine, completed my bone density test, and whether I was considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT). After returning home, I immediately began researching the pros and cons of HRT, ways to improve my bone density, and what I should add or avoid for my heart health. By the time my husband got home from work, I found myself deep in a YouTube rabbit hole filled with conflicting information about the best ways to age with vitality. 

Noticing my stress, my husband took a look at the growing list of items I believed I needed to achieve optimal health and stepped in with a gentle intervention. He said, “Honey, you’re making things too complicated. Go back to what you know: eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and manage your stress. Just choose a path that you can actually maintain and stop worrying about it.” 

Friends, this is my not-so-secret little addiction: researching the internet for answers and solutions. Does it benefit me? I've tried to convince myself that it does, but if I'm being honest, it only increases my fear and confusion. The negative effects on my mindset far outweigh the few advantages of being “better informed.” I find myself researching health issues, vacation destinations, book recommendations, non-toxic cookware, societal trends, and so. much. more. But, listen, I’m working on it! And let me tell you how:

My New Mantra

“Do your best, then rest.” The wellness of our mind, body, and soul is a synergy with Christ, our creator. We should strive to love and cherish the gifts He has given us rather than abuse or neglect them, placing our trust in Him for the rest. I understand that stewardship of these gifts involves movement, sleep, nourishing food, prayer, and gratitude, among other things. I feel at peace when I am intentional about these practices, but that peace can turn into angst and confusion when I slip into "control mode" or become hyper-focused on every thought, feeling, and physical sensation. Ultimately, my health and wellness are in His hands, and I participate by treating my body, mind, and soul with love and gentleness.

Establish a research window

I know not all research is "bad" or unhelpful, but I have needed to change my research approach. Impulsive research without clear boundaries can be harmful to me. When I identify a topic I want to explore, the best strategy is to schedule a thirty-minute time slot for online investigations, ideally in the morning after I’ve said my prayers, had some coffee, and set my intention to stop at the first sign of inner turbulence. I find this method to be much more productive than doomscrolling when I’m tired and restless.

Keep a book with me

Like any addiction, not having a plan for inevitable cravings can be dangerous. I need to be aware of my triggers and vulnerabilities so I can proactively choose a healthier activity or perspective when I feel the urge to Google that question. Carrying a fun, interesting novel with me at all times has proven really effective. When the temptation strikes, I can simply open the book and read for a bit until the craving passes.

Ten Minute Wins

I estimate that I typically lose about ten minutes to impulsive research sessions. To combat this, I challenge myself to choose a productive ten-minute task instead when I feel tempted. For example, this morning I organized my tea drawer. Other examples of ten-minute wins include cleaning out my car, weeding a flower bed, or spending ten minutes in stillness using my prayer rope while reciting the Jesus Prayer.

When I am mean to myself and harsh with my weaknesses, I tend to spiral even deeper. However, being patient and kind to myself opens up new possibilities for finding practical solutions and maintaining balance and inner stability. It also helps me get right back and start over if I do relapse (like I did last week). Creating new, more positive and peaceful neural pathways is absolutely achievable with a little inner work and creativity! What strategies can you brainstorm for avoiding the pitfalls of impulsive decisions that distract you from hope and fruitfulness?