It’s springtime!
I love the spring – it’s a time of transition, beginning to shed the cold, wintery days for warmth and a fresh start. Growing up, spring always meant spring cleaning, a time to refresh and reawaken the home. That’s important, but I’ve now begun to embrace the power of the spring break.
Now if you’re a parent, spring break may mean taking time to get away or occupy yourselves during their spring break vacation. That’s great, but I think all adults need to embrace taking any form of a brief break for themselves! Luckily, my birthday falls at the beginning of many spring breaks (April 1st), so I inadvertently create my own break time to celebrate my birthday each year. In these recent pandemic years, I’ve come to realize just how important having a break is, especially in the spring. It gives you a great time to pause, reflect, and regenerate for the upcoming season.
Whether you’re back going out to work, or if you're continuing to work from home, the burnout is real, and you've got to give yourself a break.
The pandemic has created this “New” normal. With this pandemic, we live in a constant state of uncertainty, never knowing what’s safe, when a new variant will hit, or when we can finally start to relax our old ways of connecting with others. That, on top of so many other circumstances and challenges that many of us are facing, and you don’t even realize how it all adds up and impacts our minds, bodies, and souls. It’s so important for you to take care of yourself – your physical, emotional, and mental health. And taking breaks is a necessary part of that self-care.
Fine is not great.
How many times do you say, “I’m fine” as a response to the question of how are you doing? And sure, you’re fine, you’re functioning, handling things, and moving through life. But what cost? I’ve lived fine for way too long. Fine keeps me coping, but robs me of greater joy. Fine keeps me moving but doesn’t help me see that I’m just going around in circles and not moving towards my deeper purpose or fulfillment. Fine allows me to react to circumstances but leaves me no energy to proactively create the life I most desire.
Fine is not acceptable when there’s great waiting for you!
So how do we move out of fine? That’s a whole process of healing and doing ‘the work’ for ourselves (make sure you’re on my mailing list to learn more of my upcoming programs to support you in transforming your life!), but a great place to start is to give yourself periodic breaks and time away from the daily life that keeps you staying ‘fine’.
What does taking time off look like?
Any break is a good break! I completely understand that we all have different life circumstances that may limit our possibilities of what taking time off looks like. But you are a creative, resourceful individual who has the power to do amazing things when you put your mind to it! Think about all the things you’ve managed to do for others. Now is the time to do this for yourself.
Whether it’s taking a complete day off and away, doing a weekend ‘stay-cation’ at your local hotel, or getting away on a trip, they are all great possibilities that just need you to make the commitment to yourself, perhaps ask for some help/support, and take a bold step!
Now, once you decide to take this time off for yourself, I strongly encourage you to be intentional at being clear about what you need.
When constructing your time off, I highly encourage you to include some of the following elements for yourself (these are a few of my favorite):
Sit or walk in nature. Nature has a remarkable power to resuscitate and re-energize)
Turn off all media and do nothing! It may seem uncomfortable at first, but this is a great opportunity to encounter yourself at a deeper level. Don’t be afraid of the thoughts or feelings that come up – they’ve been waiting to connect with you so you can do something about them!
Journal. This is another great way to connect internally.
Move your body in a way that feels great! Try a new workout, go back to an old workout, but do something physically for your body (without overdoing it); your body will thank you!
Do or receive bodywork – get a massage, take a bath, anything that will support your body
Eat good, nourishing food. Treat yourself to good food that nourishes your body and soul, and give yourself a little indulgent treat as well! Popcorn is mine!
Listen to uplifting music, podcasts, and courses you’ve been meaning to try. Feed your mind and soul.
Read a good book. Make time to read that book you’ve been meaning to read! Stimulate your mind, or use it as a fun escape.
Connect/spend time with a loved one. We all need to be in authentic connection with others. Schedule time to get together with, or call a dear one you’ve been meaning to connect with. Tell them you love them.
Do that favorite craft or other activity/hobby you love that you’ve been meaning to get back to.
Whatever you do, be willing to commit some significant time off for you. Because you not only deserve it, you NEED it, and those who are counting on you need you to do it as well!
Sending BIG, TIME OFF LOVE! ~Zuri
Drop me a line in the comments and let me know if you found this post helpful and what you decided to do for your time off!
Comments