Photo Credit: Kenny Louie
Recently, a much-repeated but sometimes-forgotten home truth hit me like a tonne of bricks.
As many women do, I spend much of my time planning ahead. There’s always a phone call to return or errand to be run. It comes with the territory of being a mother/wife/business owner I guess.
Now that my kids are older, I usually manage to squeeze in one night a week to slow down. But instead of listening to the voice in my head that has been repeating “I’m exhausted” all day, I often forego my free time by doing odd jobs around the house or just checking one email (aka 15) after getting home from dinner.
It feels productive in the moment…but this constant work is usually followed by a mountain of regret the next morning when my alarm sounds!
For once, last weekend, I actually listened to my body and decided to slow down.
I watched a trashy movie and crawled under the sheets at *cough* 8pm.
A solid 10 hours later I woke up feeling…how to say it…human?
It might sound naïve, but I am honestly floored by the difference that one night of relaxation and quality sleep makes.
It’s something that we come to view as a luxury. But time to slow down and rest is so, so necessary for our wellbeing.
Never forget the big impact that the little things can make.
Little things like family time.
Little things like eating a decent breakfast before work (a half-stale piece of bread doesn’t qualify).
Little things like actually giving yourself permission to enjoy a beautiful day and leave the washing alone (it’s not going anywhere).
Rather than trying to run on all cylinders all the time, I want you to remember that you don’t have to do it all. You are allowed to slow down.
We aren’t machines. Just like a plant or a child or a good roast, we need a bit of TLC to positively thrive.
Nourish your body and mind. Cultivate your soul. And enjoy an afternoon nap!
With every good wish
Julie
