If you follow me on Twitter, you know I sometimes joke about my morning jolt of java. (Except it’s really not a joke. I do like my coffee!)
Because I’m health-focused, I don’t always drink it fully loaded, but I certainly would if I weren’t worried about it robbing the much-needed calcium from my bones.
I generally follow a routine. Two cups of coffee in the morning and one in the afternoon (after lunch) if it’s the real deal. Now, if its half-caff or decaf, of course, that makes a huge difference in how much coffee I consume.
I also have another hidden pleasure… I like chocolate with my coffee. Usually, one or two little Doves candies will do nicely, but occasionally, I’ll splurge and open up a supersize box of Junior Mints. (And once at the mall… I inhaled a Godiva truffle with my afternoon cuppa. It was about $2.50, and I admit, I was weak. In writer-speak, I was knee-deep in revisions and I needed a pick-me-up.)
And yes, I realize chocolate contains caffeine so I don’t over-indulge.
I’m disciplined about it.
By the way, did you know that 16 Junior Mints have 170 calories? That’s why I measure out 16 of the decadent sweet treats when I have them with my coffee.
Since I drink my coffee black, with no sugar or creamer, I think my little chocolate reward is the least I can do for myself.
Like with anything in life, we need to find what works for us (within reason and using common sense) that will equip us in getting the job done. In my case, that’s writing–with coffee and a wee bit of chocolate.
Discovering those little pleasures that aid productivity is what enhances the process.
We all know when we need a kick-start, whether that be to our day or a with a particular project. We may be writers, bakers, or candlestick makers. We may be well-rested or experiencing combat fatigue.
Regardless, in life it’s important to have that one go to element that re-charges us and sets us back on the right course. It can be something as simple as coffee, a meaningful passage of scripture, or wise words from a friend. It should be something that propels us forward, motivating us to keep on keepin’ on.
Our motivators should never be self-indulgent, harmful, or addictive. Those merely defeat our purpose and distort our vision.
A little coffee and chocolate are one thing (well, two things) that motivate me throughout the day. I set limits on the amount of each so they don’t control my day.
Whatever our methods of preventing “combat fatigue,” it’s necessary we evaluate why they work for us:
- Do they enhance productivity?
- Do they promote well-being?
- Are they conducive to a positive mindset?
- Will they influence the desired outcome?
Our motivators can be something as simple as coffee and chocolate or as detailed as a twelve-step guide to blogging.
There’s no iron-clad set of rules.
Whatever works, whatever’s legal, and whatever reduces the stress of combat fatigue (AKA writer’s remorse) are individual preferences.
It’s not rocket science. It’s merely a method of reducing stress and re-charging our batteries.
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How do you re-charge on the weekends?
Any tips to prevent day-to-day combat fatigue?
Photo Credit: Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 10
I like to have a cup of English style tea in the afternoons with a cookie or few pieces of chocolate.
And I’ll be honest, I take a 15-20 minute nap, sometimes 30, every day just about. Usually, it’s in the car rider line (unless something interesting happens before I doze). That energizes me and puts some pep in my step and it’s good for you!
Author
Jess, yay for naps! I rarely get one, but short ones are actually beneficial. (Mike Hyatt had a wonderful post about this yesterday.)
(Oh, and I’ve been known to nod off in the car rider line once or twice, too!)
Coffee is my weakness. Chocolate is my second weakness. Put the two together and I’m in heaven…
I take a walk, take a bath, or read a book to relax. I totally zone out of my to-do list of things.
Author
Loree, we’ll have to hook up at ACFW and have a coffee (& chocolate) break!
Our “motivators” can totally refresh us and grant a new perspective until we’re in the “zone” again.
Ah Cindy, You and are are two peas in a pod. (Or two Dove squares in a box. :))
I’m a coffee drinker, but I’ve cut back on my fully loaded sugary coffee drinks. I now drink the black stuff to save calories for other important nutrients…like chocolate. 🙂
Author
Sarah, yes!
There’s just something about a little sweet treat with my coffee that makes my world a wee bit brighter. (And I’m using the word “bit” in honor of Jessica because I know it’s her pet peeve.)
Yes, definitely coffee and chocolate sustain me in those revision trenches. And almost limitless affection and understanding from my husband and kiddos! Not to mention those little reassurances from God along the way–I’ve learned to see those for what they are and trust Him more about the things I can’t see coming!
Author
Heather, I love your comment about the ” ‘little reassurances’ we receive from God along the way.” Isn’t that the truth!
I think as we mature in Christ we understand that nothing is happenstance, and divine appointments and a shift in circumstances are often God’s way of sheltering us in the midst of difficulties.
Nothing refreshes me like a walk in the great outdoors.
Author
Patti, I enjoy nature walks, too. What a great way to excercise while admiring the beauty around us!