What if I told you it is okay to slow down, space out, and take a breather when you need it?

I know from personal experience how challenging it can be to give myself permission to do nothing. We can become overwhelmed with a long to-do list of responsibilities waiting to be completed. A packed calendar with meetings, appointments, and events steals our time to slow down. 

Give yourself permission to slow down and schedule the rest time besides night’s sleep. You deserve it. 

“You are the architect of your own life.” ~ Henry Thomas Hamblin

So how can we find time just to be?

I am always grateful when my schedule is flexible during the week. Last week after an emotional, energetic, and mental week of studying, writing, reading, and being of service doing readings, my whole body needed to replenish its energy. So I took Friday off but still dedicated some time to take care of the essentials of my business to keep it running. Yet, I put everything else that could be done later ON HOLD. Otherwise, I would break apart. I recognized my body’s signals to rest. So I listened and took some time for myself.

I call them essential stress breaks.

When emotions are running high, your problems seem hopeless, or your inner compass is not giving you a clear direction to follow, sometimes the best approach is sitting with it. Allow yourself a few moments of silence to collect your strength. Give both your mind and body permission to unwind. 

“Slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. Take time to be still and breathe.”~ Zane Baker

It’s okay to slow down or do nothing for a while. We get a mental reset or a new perspective on a current situation or challenge when we take a break. We also have opportunities to re-evaluate what matters, gather our strength, relax and get into our bodies.

I encourage you to distract yourself with small moments of stillness and ask your mind, body, and soul: “What do I need right now?” Close your eyes, tune into your heart, and listen. And trust what the first thing comes. Follow your intuition.

Give yourself well-deserved permission to take breaks, especially during work:

• Make an excuse to get up from your workplace, pour a cup of tea or coffee.
• Stretch standing up or sitting (your neck, shoulders, arms, back, and legs). Make exercises a priority for your well-being.
• Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Listen to your heartbeat. It’s so soothing.
• Sink into the chair, recline on its back, feel the floor under your feet. Ground yourself.
• Look through a window or at a painting and daydream.
• Submerge yourself with surrounding sounds. Be present.
• Lie down if you work from home and have this opportunity. I enjoy lying on the floor and relaxing my back from working on the computer the whole day.
• Allow yourself to watch movies or Netflix shows. My latest favorite sci-fi series is “Lost in Space.”

Pause whatever you are doing now and take a few moments to think about the people you love.

What is your favorite way of slowing down when life feels busy?

Please share your thoughts, answers, and what you take away in the comments. I am looking forward to hearing from you.