Hi there!! Remember me? I know that it has been a few week (maybe even a month SHH!) since we've connected. A lot has happened over the last month and it really has allowed me to take a step back and be okay with taking a break for a little in order to regroup, redirect and recharge yourself!! Now that I'm back in the flow of things, I thought I'd talk a little about the importance of being okay with taking time for yourself every now and then.
To start things off, we know how much I advocate for change and how important change is in order for us to grow and evolve as individuals. But that does mean that we need to be gentle with ourselves as we endure change because it can be overwhelming. Regardless of how big or small of a change you are making, it is going to push you to feel a little uncomfortable. As we know by now, this is usually the point in the process where people will either second guess and turn around or buckle down and trek forward. Should you find yourself pushing forward, be ready to alter your routines, how you use your energy and who you rely on in these moments. I'll explain, just stick with me.
I recently moved apartments and although I've done this many times in the past, something about each move really can be draining. Moving from my first apartment I lived in for two years in Florida certainly brought some emotional feels. Even though I didn't move very far, my daily routine had to be altered with this change. The move took about 2 weeks in total which certainly put a slight wrench into my regular schedule. As the day of the move approached, I thought that I was fairly prepared to still manage to get work done while this move was taking place.
Boy, was I wrong!!
After a day of moving boxes or furniture, the last thing I wanted to do was sit down in front of a computer and work. Yes, I know that responsibilities are a thing and that there would possibly be some consequences, such as playing catch-up, by putting my work on hold. But nonetheless, I knew that my performance would hinder if I wasn't able to fully commit to my projects or tasks and that was not a risk I wanted to take.
As someone who has always been a "people pleaser" the thought of letting my work suffer because of my low energy was simply not an alternative. I had to be okay with taking a step back and taking care of whatever was on hold, when the time was right and my energy was back up. Fortunately, my parents were in town for half of the move and that allowed me to relax and not let the thought of my work get in the way. See, this is the commitment I made by investing into myself. Learning how to take things as they come but also to listen to my body when it's time to take a break was a part of this journey.
Don't worry, I'm not only going to talk about me today!! I'm just giving you a personal example of how we are workers by nature and sometimes it can be hard to break the cycle or routine even if it's for the benefit of your health.
Every time a new opportunity arises or the chance to make a change crosses the horizon, learning how to manage your time during that change is extremely important. We tend to overload our plate with new and old responsibilities and therefore exhaust ourselves to an unhealthy state. Even though it can be physically difficult to close the laptop intentionally for a few days, allowing yourself time to recharge so that you can come back even better, now that is the worth right there.
You may be asking yourself how you can get better at being "okay" with taking time for yourself. Well for starters, it isn't easy. Not to diminish your motivation but it is all about the process of challenging yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you find yourself stressing over work or the stuff that you are putting on hold, find reasons to keep yourself busy. Take a walk without your cell phone. Read a book outside instead of watching TV. Finally cook yourself a nice meal instead of ordering take out and consuming yourself into social media. These little tasks will boost serotonin and allow your energy to be positively utilized.
It may be a week, it may be a month; but taking time for yourself is important. You will see an improvement in your work and performance once you have given yourself permission to take a break and unwind. As you navigate whatever life change you are encountering, remember that you will need time to adapt and adjust. Take it one day at at time and remember that you are in control of your happiness, so be sure to choose happiness always!