Time Away
When we feel exhausted and overwhelmed, often all we need is a little time away.
I recommend a couple nights in a hotel or familiar space where outside stimulation is at a minimum.
When we have a backlog of unintegrated experiences, we need time to metabolize.
Metabolization of stress doesn’t always require more structure, more restriction and more doing the work.
Think about it another way, if you’ve just eaten a meal, do you start cooking another and setting the table to eat?
No. Your digestive system doesn’t need more intake, it needs time to break down the complex nutrients in your food. And then even more time to metabolize and to utilize those nutrients. When all has been gained from the food, we eliminate the waste.
We wouldn’t expect ourselves to digest a full meal in a few minutes.
I’m encouraging you to give a fairer perspective to your nervous system.
Most people I speak to expect themselves to have the capacity to keep going, get it done and fix the issue nearly every minute of their lives.
I get it. I thought that was the goal too.
When my emotions were shunned, when I had to go anyway, when I was sick, when my schedule was grueling…
I thought the goal was to perfect myself into…well, basically a robot. Plug myself in at night. Go all day. Plug in at night.
But let me tell you, that’s not living. That’s not thriving. That’s simply surviving, and it's a recipe for burnout.
So, here's my invitation to you: Give yourself permission to pause. Allow yourself the time and space to metabolize your experiences, to rest and rejuvenate. Embrace the wisdom of your body and nervous system, and honor their need for replenishment.
Take those couple of nights away, or even just a few moments each day to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. You'll be amazed at the clarity and vitality that comes when you prioritize your well-being.
Remember, you are not a machine. You are a human being deserving of rest, compassion, and joy. So, give yourself the gift of time, and watch as your resilience and vitality flourish.
