3 Signs You Need A Break
Rest is an integral part of regaining health and overall wellbeing. It never ceases to amaze how we have glorified the “hustle” and when someone asks us how we are we find a reasonable response to be, “so busy!”
It’s not healthy and it’s hurting your goals more than you know. I’m going to share 3 signs your lack of rest is a huge detriment to your progress in fitness goals and beyond.
Your body is hurting from overuse. There’s nothing worse than feeling pain, physical or mental. When you workout endlessly, achieve that soreness, it feels good for a moment. You feel like you did something! And then you go right back to it, only to do it half-heartedly. If you rest, nourish, and honor your body, you can come back twice as strong. And that’s the whole point isn't it?
It’s becoming a chore. No one likes chores. The second you label that thing you set out to do, workout, meditate, do the laundry, meet up with a friend, with an “I have to” before it...it’s over. You have officially tricked your mind into thinking this is an obligation that is a burden to you. When you begin the day, each task, with “I am…” It changed the game. It creates opportunity from obligation. “I am working out later.” “I am practicing my meditation in the morning.” “I am meeting up with Suzy.” It’s a more definitive way of speaking and a choice you’re making, not a should or supposed to placed on you by your environment. This creates an opportunity to state a promise you are keeping to yourself.
Every little thing is setting you off. Yep, I hear ya. Those days where you wake up, want to quit everything, and run away to live your life on an island in Hawaii. I’ve been there...many times. And It’s OKAY. First thing you need to do is live with integrity. Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling and especially with those around you. Communicate that you need a break and if you need support in that. The break could be from a person, place, your job, or just the daily to-do’s of life. Next, You can’t manage something you don't see. Allow yourself to sit with this feeling and switch the course. Bring awareness to what needs or core values are not being met and what you need to recharge and realign to come back alert, kind, and productive tomorrow.
It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to be hurting, or overwhelmed wanting to throw in the towel. My challenge to you is to not throw in the towel, but to throw it in the wash, fold it nicely, and start again. Listen to your body, observe where negative self-talk becomes too loud, and ask for support if you need it. We all need breaks and rest is required for success.
What do you need more of right now? Fill your cup, then pour the extra after you feel you can spare it. Now go take a nap!!
