The Importance of Taking Time Out to Be By Yourself & the 5 Things I Did That Took Me From Burnt Out to on Fire!
Click below to watch the video or continue reading below to learn about the importance of taking time out to be by yourself and the 5 things I did that took me from burnt out to on fire!
Hi, I am Jenn J - I’m a women’s hormone health coach and family nutritionist. My practice is built on empowering women living with uncomfortable and debilitating hormonal symptoms like painful periods, mood swings, PMS, weight issues, and low energy to reclaim their lives and put their period problems to rest while helping the whole family eat healthier!
Today we’re going to be talking about why it’s so important to actually take time out to be by yourself. Especially as a woman, mom, and entrepreneur.
Just a few years ago, I was a totally different person because I was literally operating at a high level 100% of the time. Fast-paced, overworking, non-stop, on the go. Truthfully, it’s both a blessing and a curse to be able to function like that. I can get tons done in a short amount of time, I can work all day and well into the night, I can take on huge tasks, multitask, and still remember all of the important (and mundane) things in life.
Does this sound like you?
But it all came at a cost for me…One that I didn’t even know I was making! It was like I had a pocket full of change, and that pocket had a small hole in it. The busier that I was, the more I took on, the more time I spent with or for others, and the more change fell out of my pocket.
When the pocket was empty, I crashed. I was dirt broken, and what I mean by that was my health plummeted. My physical health changed: I started gaining weight, my menstrual pains were at an all-time high, my food cravings were insatiable, and I could kill a bear with just a look when my mood swings kicked in.
My mental health crashed and burned: I was anxious, short-tempered, moody, aggressive, sarcastic, resentful, and racey.
And honestly, my emotional health went with it…I was getting depressed and detached. Unable to enjoy the things in my life that I used to, unable to find peace, and disappointed with myself and my behaviours.
When I learned how to take time out for myself, it was almost like I had sewn up the hole in my pocket and was steadily adding more change back into it…I was refilling. I became richer. And not financially (although, yes, that happened, too). But I was happier, healthier, lighter, friendly, grateful, and overall a better person.
Taking time out for yourself is one of the most important aspects of self-care. You need to find time in your day to relax, unwind, and recharge before anything else. Even if you’re busy with work or family life, giving yourself time to relax can help you fulfill your responsibilities more efficiently and without stress.
Whether you work in an office all day or are at home taking care of kids, it’s important to find at least 15 minutes to give yourself some breathing space. At work, you can wait for a lunch break to sneak into your car or a quiet space outside. At home, wait for your partner or kids to calm down before focusing on yourself. Once you have a few minutes without excessive distractions, you can then utilize the following tips to make the most of your time.
Focus on Your Breathing
When alone, focus on your breath and posture to completely relax. Inhale slowly and deeply, and then exhale completely to feel at ease. This will help to calm your mind and body very quickly, and it can give you a lot of energy later in the day.
A Short Activity
Even if you’re pressed for time, you can find ways to get in a quick exercise to stay healthy and calm your nerves. Choose to walk to the store instead of driving, or quietly jog in place if you can’t go outside. Stretch your body, shake out your limbs, and get your blood flowing so you can stay loose and calm throughout the day.
Read Something Special
Keep a small book of poetry or prose nearby so you can dip into it when given the time. A well-written poem can liven your spirits and give you the perfect boost throughout an otherwise monotonous day. If you prefer, you can also choose something like a crossword puzzle or sudoku.
Buy Yourself Something Nice
You don’t have to buy yourself something expensive, but treat yourself to something nice every now and then to boost your mood. It could be dark chocolate or a cute keychain. You could even buy yourself a beautiful postcard to pin on a wall at home. Give yourself gifts and treat yourself with love to always have the best mood possible.
Practice Positive Thinking
It’s easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking throughout the day, but it’s extremely important to break that trap before it becomes self-fulfilling. Instead of worrying about errands, chores, or work, think about how nice it will be to complete your tasks. You’ll have to complete them anyway, so it’s better to think of the positives instead of the dull negatives. Instead of worrying about how long a project will take, try to imagine how pleasant it will be to complete it.
There you have it! 5 ways I went from burnt out in my life to on fire!
- Focus on your breathing
- A short activity
- Reading something special
- Some retail therapy
- Practice positive thinking
