My fourth Dr Amantha Imber energy experiment was permission slips. The links to the others are at the bottom of this post.

This experiment is based on most of us wanting to take more rest, when we have more spare time than previous generations.

The conclusion being that we don’t build rest into our days (siesta anyone?), nor do we allow ourselves guilt free time to rest.

The planned experiment

I’ll be honest. I had originally planned to take the 30 minute “scheduled rest appointment” this week.

You see, I’m not very good at taking lunch breaks.

So, my plan was to set a timer for noon, go into the kitchen to make lunch, then sit at the dining table to eat it. While staring out the window, looking for the phantom chicken. Of which there are now two; both black.

And then a second timer at one would tell me to go do an hour of writing.

Which is part of my plan to get out of the habit of not-writing.

Yes, it’s a bold confession.

The permission slip experiment

But what I actually did, was write a bunch of permission slips.

As you might expect, the permission slip experiment is basically to write yourself a permission slip.

I, [Alex], have permission to rest for [specific time/activity] today because rest is essential for my energy and well being. Signed, [Alex]”

The experiment was for five minutes of guilt-free rest, the permission slip to be read before taking the rest.

And should guilt ensue, to remind yourself, “I have written permission. This is prescribed energy medicine.”

Not my first permission slips

This is not the first time I have experimented with permission slips.

Many years ago, I subscribed to a friends permission slip newsletter.

Once a week she’d send an email giving subscribers permission to take a certain action, like eat the chocolate cake, not accept an invitation, or not apologies.

Sadly she ran out of ideas after about six months.

Even more sadly, I lost the permissions in the great computer crash of 2010.

Permission Slips Outcomes

But when it comes to permission to rest, this was a good one.

Especially following on from last week’s energy tracking experiment when I was coming down with a cold…

So for the fourth week, I ended up taking naps of between one and two hours.

Which definitely contributed to my energy and well being.

I still feel a bit dodgy, so I’ll be giving myself permission to nap for a week or two longer, (depending on how long it takes to get rid of this stupid cold).

And when I feel better, I’ll be setting off those alarms and trying to restart the habit of writing.

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