“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” —Banksy

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Do you experience times when your work doesn't excite you anymore? When you're wondering "why the heck I'm doing this?"

We all feel down from time to time, so please know that you are not alone.

Whether you're running your own business, working for a big organization, raising your kids, enjoying your retirement, or balancing some combination of these -- you'll experience periods when you temporarily lose your passion and wonder what all the hard work is for.

I'll be brutally honest: I have multiple “downs” every year where I think to myself, “What’s the point of my work? Am I really helping people? Should I be doing more with my life? Ugh.”

When those unpleasant feelings arise, I know that it’s usually a cue that I’m working too much and not resting and playing enough. It's a cue that I need to set boundaries for my work. This has become especially important over the past 18 months when most of us have been working from home; our work and personal lives have blended into one.

Don't push through those feelings, but notice them and see what your body needs to get past them.

To get out of feeling down, I've learned it's important for me to stop working and take a pleasure break instead. I might head out into nature for a walk, hit my yoga mat, dance to my favorite '80s tune, or go to the movies.

As soon as I take a break to have fun, the fog of sadness starts to burn away, and I’m excited to get back to work again.

Here is my recommendation for you: take regular pleasure breaks.

Whatever “pleasure” means to you. Schedule breaks throughout your workday and block out time for pleasurable work-cations (and straight-up vacations, too). Pick anything that uplifts you.

Too many of us work relentlessly while rarely addressing our personal needs. We rush from one task to the next as if we were running a marathon without any end in sight. No wonder there are so many successful individuals who feel miserable. No wonder many of us eventually burn out and stop enjoying everything we do.

So, when in doubt? Rest. Recharge.

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” - John Lubbock

I hope you let go of any self-criticism on the days when you feel just a bit “off” and allow yourself to take a break. By allowing yourself to take a break, even (and especially) during busy times, you will regain your energy and passion.

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” - Eleanor Brown

Best,

Christine

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Wellness & Yoga with Christine

Inspiring you to bring wellness into your life and providing you with the tools to do so.​​​​

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