Don't Forget to Breathe!

Life, for the most part, is taken up by the mundane and necessities. Like clockwork we go get fuel for our car, groceries for the pantry and head to work. At the end of each day we go to sleep only to wake up and do it all over again. The world seems to demand our attention and we, in turn, throw ourselves to the never-ending treadmill. It simply does not stop and we can never keep up!

If this sounds as draining as writing it was, that makes what I am about to say even more important.

You have to stop to breath!

We cannot expect ourselves to plunge into deep waters while never coming up for air. The same logic is applied here. Our energy, time, and mental capacities are finite. This is why it is important to prioritize the urgent and schedule a time for rejuvenation. Emphasis on scheduling a time because we will never "find the time" in-between the constant demands of life. I highly encourage an planner or an alarm to keep track (you can also set reminders based on location in the Reminders App on iPhones). These scheduled breaks should be done daily, not just for a special occasions or on the weekends.

Secondly, breaks should not be mentally draining or difficult to stop/start. If your breaks are too inflexible you are only going to get discouraged from turning breaks into a habit.

Thirdly, do not overlook the importance of changing scenery. If your work demands you to stare at a screen all day, it is best to go outside during your break. Our minds have been conditioned by our environment to act a certain way. It is easier to make the emotional change from stress to ease when we are not surrounded by stressful stimuli! However, if you are bed ridden or bound by circumstances to one area, this change can be a little more difficult. For that I suggest adding decorations such as candles, string lights, putting on soft music, or tidying/organizing the area (as best you can). There are tons of simple DIY inspirations on Pinterest and the Dollar Store has expanded their variety of décor for around $5.

It is also important to note that everyone has different ways of recovering. Reading could be beneficial to one person while and audio book is best for another. Personally, I like to step outside and listen to a podcast so I can sightsee while listening to a soothing/informative voice.

Here is a video I have created of my short walk.

I recommend reading (or listening via Audible) a book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. In the short time reading his work he has thoroughly explained how to create habits by emphasizing on starting small/being consistent in order to become the person you have always strived to be. In essence, we are our habits. Here is my affiliate link to buy the book on Amazon.

We need to be diligent enough to let go of the reigns, get out of "go-go" head space and breathe!