I have a hard time relaxing.
No matter how tired or sick or injured I may be, I always find myself itching to go on a run, cook something, clean something, or just be productive in general. It really is nearly impossible for me to just sit down and take a break.
Don't get me wrong; if I need to take a nap, I do. About once every few weeks or so I'll come home and pass out for about an hour. But I'll still spring out of bed like a kangaroo once I'm awake, looking for things to do.
So why am I talking about this now?
Yesterday I had to go to an eye exam for work to test how much laser exposure I've had. (For the record, I could have told them none). Part of this exam included taking a photograph of my macula, or the back of my eye, and in order to do this properly my eyes had to be dilated.
I thought nothing of it when the technician put drops in my eyes and directed me back to the waiting room for about 15 minutes to let the drops work. I picked up the book I had with me and began reading. Within 3 minutes, my vision began to blur. Within 5 minutes I was putting on and taking off my glasses to check my vision.
When I went back in to see the optometrist I asked her about the quick and noticeable change in my vision. She assured me that it was perfectly normal. Then, get this she said:
"It forces us to take a break."
Did I heed this advice? Absolutely not. I went home, with very little vision, to finish some laundry, do dishes, and clean up in general. Then within an hour or so I was heading to the gym. I went to bed last night just completely worn out and exhausted.
I paid for it mostly today, though. I worked a short day this morning and still found myself nodding off while reading my training manuals. I didn't realize it until later, but whether she knew it or not, that particular optometrist gave me some great advice, and I'd like to think she was the voice of God for me yesterday.
Working diligently is great most of the time, but I need to rest up sometimes. I have to keep this in mind.
