What does your typical day look like? Does it include driving kids to and from school and activities? Helping with homework? Going to work? Cooking? Straightening up your house? Do you feel like you need an extra hour or two just to get everything done? Chances are you live in a state of constant stress. Sometimes more stress, sometimes less stress, but always some degree of stress.
My life is a lot like that, too. So recently I took a peaceful weekend off. I went to the beach with a friend, and I made a startling discovery.
I realized that not only am I living in a state of constant stress, but I don't even realize the degree to which I'm stressed. (Oh, the irony! A stressed out yoga teacher!)
The day I arrived at the beach I was still my usual stressed-out self, but on my second day at the beach I suddenly realized how light and relaxed I felt. I was breathing more deeply, smiling more, I was peaceful. And only when I experienced this profound sense of relaxation did I realize how stressed I'd previously been. Kinda scary.
But here's the thing - we all get so caught up in our daily routines and responsibilities that we just go on autopilot. Our bodies are constantly in fight for flight mode, adrenaline flowing through our veins. We become accustomed to this mode of operation and we keep going at this pace day after day, because for some reason we feel like we have to.
Is this you, too? When's the last time you took a real break?
When's the last time you packed a bag, left your kids with a sitter, and took some time just for yourself? At first it may sound like a luxury, but I'm starting to see it more as a necessity.
When you take a real break and unplug from your daily responsibilities, you come out on the other end a healthier, more relaxed, present, focused version of yourself. You're a better partner, a better parent, a better friend, you're more focused in your work.
And as a bonus, you hold on to that sense of peacefulness for a while even after you get back to your regular life. You may even be more conscious about making healthy choices for yourself - sleeping more, eating better, scheduling a little self-care.
So I've decided that for me, I NEED to take real breaks more often. I need to recharge my batteries so I can share more love out into the world.
And I hope you'll do the same for yourself. Take a weekend off. Get out of your house. Take a weekend trip someplace and stay in a hotel, a B&B, or maybe even with friends. Sleep in, eat well, and do something fun!
If you're feeling motivated, now's the time to take action! Do some quick research and figure out when and where you can go on your weekend getaway. Do it right now before you get sidetracked! Here's a link for Austin day trips to help you get started.
As soon as you figure out where you're going, post a comment below to let us know your plan. Not only will this help hold you accountable to actually take the trip, but it will also serve as inspiration for other sweet stressed-out souls.
I look forward to hearing about your plans!
XO, Zelinda
P.S. If you're looking for a seriously relaxing getaway, think about joining us at our Renewing Your Spirit Yoga Retreat on the Texas Gulf Coast this summer!