Is it time to take a break?

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy for work pressures, personal responsibilities, and social commitments to all blur together.

The rat race of keeping others happy, and juggling all the different roles you play – employee, carer, supportive friend – can leave making time for yourself the last thing on your list – if you ever get to the end of it!

Constant busy-ness takes its toll on your mental, emotional and physical health:

Common signs that it might be time to take a step back:

• Persistent feelings of tiredness and fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep
• Mood swings and irritability
• Decreased productivity and frequent mistakes
• Physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or stomach issues.
• Loss of interest in activities that usually bring joy.

The good news is that there are many different ways you can take a break and it doesn’t have to be a two week holiday abroad.

5 practical ways to get some rest throughout the day

#1 Mindfulness and Meditation 

If you need a little help getting started try a guided meditation.  There are plenty of brilliant apps available.

You can focus on the flame of a candle, tune into your body and feel what it is like just to be present in the moment.

Or set a timer for 5 minutes, close your eyes and be still.

Thoughts will come, just let them go, just breathe and be present.

Benefit: Helps clear your mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes a sense of calm.

Supportive essential oils: Frankincense, Lavender, Rose Geranium

 

#2 Breathwork

A great way to help your mind and body to slow down is to try and deepen your breathing.

Frankincense is a excellent oil to help you do this as research shows that it actually deepens breathing so it is the perfect essential oil for the job.

Have a drop on a tissue or use some in an oil burner or diffuser whilst practising this simple exercise…

Breathe in and count in your mind, for example 1001, 1002, 1003… PAUSE and then breathe out counting again.

Do your best to gently expand each breath and remember to pause in between.

If you find it difficult to sit still for a moment you might want to try journalling

Benefit: Increases oxygen flow to the brain, reduces stress, calms the mind.

Supportive essential oils: Frankincense,  Eucalyptus, Basil

 

#3 Take a nature break

Take yourself outside and away from screens and devices for just a 5-10 minutes.

Getting out in nature is a great way to reset your mind and restore your body.

Enjoy the natural scents that surround you – maybe freshly cut grass?  The smell of rain in the woods

Benefit: Nature can evoke lots of positive emotions including a sense of calm, joy and wellbeing.   All of these allieviate the negative effects of stress

Supportive essential oils i.e. Bringing nature indoors: Pine, Cedarwood, Vetiver

 

#4 Get moving!

Step outside for a brisk 5-10 minute walk, even if it’s just around the block or around the garden.

Walking increases blood flow and clears your mind.  The change of scenery also helps reduce mental fatigue.

Benefit: improves circulation, stimulates lymphatic system, invigorates your body and mind

Essential oils to support movement: Rosemary, Peppermint, Lime

 

#5 Mindful Stretching

Stand up and do a few simple stretches, like reaching for the sky, touching your toes, or doing a gentle twist.

Benefit: Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and refreshes your body and mind

Essential oils to support stretching: Lemongrass, Orange, Bergamot 

I hope these have inspired you take a break within your day to day activities and reset, recharge and rest.

I challenge you to commit to just one action that you’re going to do for yourself to press pause – let me know in the comments under this blog.

I’d love to hear it.

If you would like some help setting aside a bit more time for you then do get in touch – restorative and re-balancing sessions are my speciality! Contact me here to book an appointment.