What do you do when you start to feel overwhelmed, stressed out, burned out and depleted?? Do you push yourself even harder? Do you criticize yourself? Do you feel exhausted but don't give yourself any time to rest, or feel like you "deserve" to take a break?
If you can relate to any of this, you are not alone! We live in a hectic world where just about everyone is multi-tasking and going in many directions throughout the day. Or maybe you are going through a difficult period in your life.
So, how do you stay balanced in the midst of all the things that can easily throw you off balance?? Sometimes, the best thing you can do is NOTHING!
Maybe the idea of doing nothing sounds impossible. But it's one of the best things you can do for yourself when you realize that you are stressed out, depressed, or exhausted.
Here's a Tip: Even if you just take 10 or 15 minutes for yourself, it will make a difference! In fact, start with just 10 minutes and see what happens. Set a timer. But give yourself at least a 10 minute break. Go outside. Take off your shoes and put your bare feet on the grass. Ground yourself. Maybe that sounds silly, but the truth is, putting your feet on the ground (not asphalt or cement), can give you a much needed health boost, both mentally and physically. As reported in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health: "Emerging evidence shows that contact with the earth--being outside and barefoot--may be a simple, natural and yet profoundly effective environmental strategy against chronic stress, inflammation, pain, poor sleep and many common health disorders."
Here's Another Tip: Step away from your cell phone! Unless you are waiting for a call that you can't afford to miss, step away! Put it down. Research published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, (as far back as 2005), showed that increasing use of cell phones was linked to a decrease in family satisfaction and increased stress.
And One More Tip: Just rest.Be still. If that means laying on your couch and doing absolutely nothing, great! Or sitting in your favorite chair and and listening to music or picking up a good book, then do that. Or do NOTHING. But do that nothing without judgement, without an internal committee holding a meeting in your mind about all of the things that you should be doing. Just be still. Meditate if you are someone who can do that.
What's the bottom line?? Take time for yourself, even if that means just 10 minutes out of your day. But make it 10 minutes of relaxation. 10 minutes of releasing your stress, stopping the chatter in your mind, and letting go of the anxiety that can build up and make you feel overwhelmed. And give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing!
You can do this!
Until next time - "Live Now - Live Well!"
Tracy
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