Give yourself a break...

What was the first thing that came into your head when you read this title, ‘Give yourself a break’?

I’m guessing that some of you may have thought to be gentler on yourself for something you may have (or likely ‘not have’) done, whilst others may have considered the option of taking an actually break, a rest, a holiday @ time off.

Regardless of which direction your mind led you, both pretty much end up at the same point – allowing your brain to switch off, your body to rest and your system to reset.

When was the last time you truly took a break? It might have been quite recently over the Bank Holiday weekend? It might be every morning, afternoon or evening when you carry out your daily exercise, prayer or other ritual/s.

Whilst I mentioned, both thoughts potentially end up at the same place I do think it’s important to take time off to re-balance your system, catch up on sleep, chores and whatever else you feel will be helpful. More relevantly to reflect on what has been holistically beneficial when taking a physical break and giving consideration to realistically including positive elements from this into your everyday regime.

With regards to ‘being lighter on yourself’, this can be challenging and especially for people whose default setting is to set high standards, always seek perfection or blame themselves whenever things don’t go 100% to plan. It’s challenging but not impossible and maybe checking in with yourself and comparing how you feel (that acute sense of stress) immediately following an event that’s not worked out as hoped and a day and then two and then a few days later. What are the differences you notice? Maybe even contemplate on something that didn’t go to plan 6 months or a year ago, where the impact was quite big on you and how are you now/today?

Allowing ourselves a break is a kind and compassionate thing to do and something we’d recommend to others to aid their wellbeing. When we’re kind to ourselves, more rested and calmer it can only be a healthy thing all round.