I took a break from writing last week to take a self-care and mental health break, but I am back now! I wanted to take this time to write a bit about taking breaks for self-care, because I think we can struggle with knowing when to take a break and when to keep plugging along. I know I struggle with it, and have heard many others who struggle with it as well. Here are some questions to find out if you are struggling with this:
- Do you ever feel like you are really low on energy? Or just downright tired?
- Do you feel like you are wading through mud, or your brain feels foggy?
- Do you ever think you might want to take a break, but then struggle with knowing if it is actually the best thing for you or not?
If you answered yes to most of those, likely you are having trouble with knowing when to take a break. When I speak of taking a break, I mean changing your normal, daily routine in any way because you feel tired or burnt out. For example, skipping your daily exercise, asking for a day off from work, allowing yourself to have that donut, or in my case, taking a week’s break from blogging. I know there are people in the world who don’t follow a daily routine, and are perfectly happy doing things differently each day, but here I am specifically talking about people who feel that they do better by following a daily routine. For instance, I know that if I don’t do my morning yoga each morning for 20-40 minutes, I will suffer from more anxious thoughts and stress eating all day, which then spirals into bad habits all around. Also, please don’t feel as if you are procrastinating by taking a break. Sometimes it really is in your best interest to slow down!!
So, if you feel you struggle with not knowing WHEN to take a mental health or self-care break, check in with your mind. There are a lot of times when I don’t want to do something, but I will plug through my daily routine anyway, and then I feel better because of it. However, when you start pushing yourself daily to get through your routine, and you start feeling tired and dragged down, it may be time for a mental health or self-care day. It doesn’t have to be drastic, but just do small things for yourself that rejuvenate you, and in that time, don’t follow your daily routine, don’t say yes to anyone and try to take the day off work, if you can.
Here are some ideas for self-care or mental health rejuvenation:
- Meditation
- Reading
- Watching a light movie or show
- Face mask or skin care
- Nap
- Chatting with a partner or close friend
- A light hike in nature
- Learning something new that you are interested in
- Snuggling with a pet or partner
- Light, relaxing Yoga
- Journal (this sometimes helps me find out if I need a break in the first place)
All of these activities are wonderful ways to rejuvenate yourself and remind you why you have a daily routine in the first place. Even if you don’t have an intense routine, taking a break from the normal day to day grind is always important when it has become a bit too much or too monotonous.
Reach out to me if you want to chat about your daily routine. Let me know if there is anything else you would like to learn/talk about! Email me: infinitetealskies@gmail.com
Additionally, I have a free gift offering! When you sign up for my newsletter on my website, you will receive a free PDF about MBTI Type Dynamics. Sign up here: Teal’s Newsletter
Website: www.infinitetealskies.com
Happy Sunday!
Love,
Teal
Infinite Teal Skies 