Truth talk: I am struggling to write these words right now. It is like all my creativity was sucked up with the turkey and eggnog over the holidays. It is always a little hard to get back to work after a long break and it has been some time ( my last blog post was early December). I am finding it hard to find the words, the time, and the ability to focus.
… And alas I turned to the internet
Google “why is a break good for you” the answers I got were typical. It helps productivity, lower stress and better mental health.
Yes that all makes sense, but if I just spewed out what I found on the internet, what would be the point of me sitting here writing and you sitting and reading this blog. So let’s go back a little in time shall we.
Before the holidays I was feeling drained. I hadn’t taken a vacation in quite some time, I was traveling a lot for work, I took on a few freelance projects, I was working on my blog, I got sick, I was tired (all the time), I felt overwhelmed.
This lead to me forgetting things, losing things, and running late for things. And so the cycle would continue, the more I forgot and lost the more stressed I would be and then the more I would forget again.
…It was time for a time out
And as usual, the first thing that was cut from my schedule was this blog. The blog has always been a passion project, a place where I can share my experiences, my enjoyments, my travels, and also a place where I can hear from you but it is not my job, it is not how I make a living, it is not my top priority.
Instead of taking the time to write, I took the time to sleep, to play with my new puppy, to clean my new home. I took time to myself.
And then came the break, a week off for the holidays to relax, recovery, and reconnect with myself (and my blog ) so I hoped but instead friends were in and out staying at our house, instead of writing inside I wanted to be outside skiing at Whistler or hiking on a sunny day. And while it was busy with such a full house, I was able to relax by taking time to myself.
…Fast forward to now
Break is over it is back to reality, back to work, and finally back to writing, but during that time off I realized something very important, how valuable a break truly is.
Sure, I felt all of those things the internet told me I would feel, less stressed, more productive but something the internet didn’t tell me I would feel. I felt relieved. I realized that even if I do take a time off, weeks, months, or longer without writing or posting here it wasn’t going anywhere.
My blog isn’t about the followers, the readers, the subscribers, it is a place for me to be me and it is important to realize that when “me” needs a break, I can take that break and come back feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and while it might be tough to sometimes find the write words, ready to write.
While I am not a big believer in New Year’s Resolutions as they usually include more trips to the gym, eating healthier etc and usually last a month or two into the new year, I decided instead to make some birthday goals ( I mean it is just a day later than New Years).
My goals for myself this year is to not let myself get to a point of exhaustion and recognized when I need a little time out. I am allowing myself to say no if I need to, to be better at scheduling so I am not feeling overwhelmed, and to wake up 10 minutes earlier so I am not constantly rushing out the door.
And so here you have it. Why taking a break for yourself is a good thing, and not just a because google says so.
Did you make any resolutions for this new year or take some time out for yourself over the holidays? Would love to hear your experiences.
Here is to a healthy and happy 2020 my friends,
xo
Mia
