It is effortless to get used to merely crossing off items on our to-do lists without pausing to savor the wins. Most employers understand this, and that is why vacation time is part of every employee’s benefits. Unfortunately, taking a breather might be difficult for those of us juggling family and self-employment. We have learned to wear that heavy superwoman cape for so long that it is almost impossible to take a breather. You deserve it more than ever, especially during these uncertain times.

The body needs rejuvenation.

A couple of weeks ago, my emotions took a hit while dealing with persistent migraine. Initially, it was simply a feeling of discontent that eventually gave way to a gloominess I could not shake off. Unfortunately, the cold, wet, and dreary new season did not help. I become unmotivated, and activities that gave me satisfaction in the past become unsatisfactory.

A session with my coach made me realize it is my body’s way of asking for a break. You see, I have been on a winning streak for months, checking off one goal after another. Regrettably, I wasn’t stopping to celebrate my wins because I did not want to lose momentum. That coaching session helped me realize the importance of taking a breather in between busy periods. We need pauses every once in a while to take stock of where we are and see how far we have come. The best I could do for myself was give in to my body’s demands and enjoy the experience.

Take a breather to enjoy the simple pleasures. 

So, I have been spending a lot of time relaxing and doing things just for the heck of it. And my goodness! Chilling in bed watching TV, reading lots of fun books, listening to uplifting music, and puttering about in the yard with my daughters worked wonders for my spirits. I deliberately ceased doing real work during this time by taking a breather. So, I was not beholden to any self-imposed deadlines but went with the flow. 

Once I decided to take the time to pause, it allowed me to think about what was important and what no longer served me. The break from serious work has given my mind a chance to catch up on my current state while also giving me the mental space to map out future goals. Yes, I am in a better place now and ready to jump back into doing some meaningful work. Next time though, I will not wait for my body to figure it out on my behalf. In the future, I will be incorporating it into my goals.

The idea is not to tell you what to do but to encourage you to take time to pause and find your bliss. I hope you can take some time out from your busy life and enjoy these rare moments.