Ever had the kind of day or week where you felt like you didn’t get a chance to breathe?
That is how too many of us operate at home and at work. We have no room to breathe, get adequate rest, pause, eat thoughtfully, connect with loved ones, and/or enjoy the moment.
Here’s a challenge: try to “eat mindfully” – no computer, no phone, no social media. The goal is to spend at least fifteen minutes eating, quietly relaxing and considering the food on your plate; becoming consciously aware of the pause in your day.
How long did that last?
It is hard to reverse a (bad) habit of quickly eating in front of the TV or with one of our many devices. Accepting the finite about ourselves is difficult — our finite energy and time, patience, and endurance.
Having our lives and schedule jam-packed is unhealthy and causes increase stress and eventual burnout. With so many important things to do, purposely choosing to put space in our schedule is a challenge. Why is this? Our usual excuse is “because”. Because it’s important. Because they need me. Because I am busy. Because I can do it tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Because I have to. Because I want to. Because…..
Being stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed is counterproductive. We all know how to insert breathing room into our lives — just say no, expect the unexpected, turn off the phone or the TV, get more sleep, be mindful, disconnect, or just stop. When we accept and accommodate our limits, we will be better able to plan, space our lives so that the unexpected is anticipated, the extra ask is something we can answer, and our days are a joy, not a burden.
Pausing is a good thing. Everything has to stop at some time in order to keep going. To stop, to rest, or to pause means to do nothing. It means no thinking! No moving! No decisions! What a blessing it is to have the ability to stop and gain strength before moving forward. – Iyanla Vanzant
To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
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