Guilt Free "Me-Time"

Remember back when you used to pay attention to the safety presentations on the airplane (like before you realized every one is exactly the same)? Remember when the flight attendant used to tell you put your own mask first, before helping your child or friend? When I was young, I wondered why that was. Weren’t we supposed to be selfless; to put others before ourselves; to help those in need and those relying on us? 

It was later explained to me that the reason for putting your mask on first was to ensure that you survived long enough to help those around you. That it was not selfish but was actually the smartest and least selfish thing you could do.

Today’s world is extremely fast paced and full of stimulation of all types. Smartphones, computers, TV’s, radios, GPS’s, pagers, flashing lights, sirens, honking horns and alarms. People running from activity to activity; rolling out of bed early in the morning to make breakfast, get their kids out of bed and make it to work, school and daycare where they would spend the whole day focusing on the tasks at hand and on the needs of others. Eventually this constant “GO GO GO” mentality results in burnout. 

Burnout can be defined as “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration” - (source) and is a very real thing. It is a very difficult thing to come back from and often takes time, major change and some serious self-love. When this occurs, you have reached a point when not even the things you usually love doing bring you joy or relief and not only affect you but also those around you. 

Feeling burnout doesn’t make you any less strong, hardworking, motivated or successful, it just means that you need to take a minute to slow down and nourish yourself. Take a personal day; forget that it is a beautiful day outside or that it is a Wednesday and you should be up and being productive; and take the day and stay in bed, watch movies, pin a million pins on Pinterest, eat junk food all day(or healthy food or smoothies - whatever YOU feel like). Take a long drive in the country, go for a long walk, ride your bike, take in a movie by yourself, get a mani-pedi, just to be you! Maybe you just need to sleep in! There is the age old saying: “the early bird catches the worm”, but who cares WHEN you do it. If you are too exhausted to enjoy it, what good is that worm?

It doesn't matter what you do, taking personal time, time to recharge and be you is just as important as being productive and will result in a more productive, happier you; no price can be put on that. 

So don't ever let anyone make you feel guilty for taking "me-time". YOU need to make YOU a priority and YOU need to not feel bad about it. YOU are worth it. 

Love always,

RDRL