Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down and Take Time Off

Inspired by a piece written by Health Writer Carly Graf

Now that we have been on pause, we have been forced to be more sedentary and still many of us feel the need to keep going and be productive. We might actually be depleting ourselves in a bigger way with all of the emotions that are being triggered during this time. Therefore, it is so important that we actually take time each day to disconnect and take it down a notch. Taking time off is not self indulgent or unprofitable.. It is actually necessary for your health. Physical symptoms such as abdominal weight gain, high blood pressure, joint pain, high blood sugar, and insomnia are often a result of increased Cortisol and adrenaline that can cause inflammation on a cellular level. We can reverse this process by taking time to ourselves to focus on restorative practices.

Create some time for yourself to:

1. Digital Detox:
Cut off from technology (emails, social media, TV). Participate in activities that promote a sense of play + bring you joy. Think of activities that are different from your normal like a walk in nature, curling up with a book, drawing a bath, doing some mindful movement.

2. Create a Gratitude Journal.

3. BREATHE

Notice how you feel after trying some of these… These practices can be a helpful way to clear your mind. Creating a schedule for yourself that allows for some time off and down time will also help you feel better and create balance in your body emotionally and physically.