Permission to take a break
Recently I was talking with my wife about a fairly significant part that comes up for both of us from time to time - the false message that we have to always be on and be doing something productive. For me, a lot of this part of my self stems back to being a middle child and the explicit and implicit messages I received to always be attending to how others feel. Now, as a counselor and coach running a private practice and married to a partner who is also running her own business, there are ample opportunities for this part to try to become the dominate voice.
I know from my work with couples and clients that this pressure to perform and always be doing your best is a common internal dialog many wrestle with as well. I’ve noticed this has been even more true throughout the pandemic and now in these uncertain financial times in the world - there is a growing sense that not only is there no time to take a break, you can’t afford to.
Friends, this is simply false. Your body, your mind, your soul, your emotional reservoir must rest. You cannot afford not to take a break. I don’t simply mean taking time off or taking a vacation, frankly sometimes those are not truly restful either. I am talking about a deep root, daily posture of giving yourself permission that you do not need to be and cannot be productive 100% of the time.
Here are a couple ways to help you being practicing a daily posture of rest:
Meditate or simply practice slowing & noticing your breathing
Eat your lunch outside
See how slow you can walk through the park
Share something you are grateful for each day
What I have learned, and still am learning, is that I can recognize and appreciate what this part of me is trying to say but I don’t have to let that voice lead. My true Self knows it is impossible as humans to always be on, always be productive, and that it is not only okay to rest but that is actually healthy to slow down and smell the flowers.
If you need someone to help you slow down and rest, I would love to journey into that space with you. You can book a free consultation session with me here.
If you have questions about this or anything else about relationships, feel free to send me an email at counseling@jessehuebner.com
I look forward to connecting with you.
