Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) Oct/Nov 2016 Aspire Mag Full Issue | Page 55
If you feel overwhelmed, depleted or underenergized, chances are it’s time for you to
take a break. These three practices help
you renew, recharge and refresh:
GET UP AND WALK OR STRETCH.
If you
spend most of your day at a computer or
stuck in one place, get up and move around
for a few minutes several times a day. Try
to stretch. Experts continually caution that
sedentary people are at increased risk of
developing health issues, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Change your
meetings or conversations with friends to a
“walking” discussion. Get up and walk while
you are talking. Instead of sitting during
your prayer or quiet time, try doing a “prayer
walk”. There are a myriad of apps, like Omvana, which provide walking meditations.
Every morning I listen to daily inspiration
from Rick Warren on my walk.
Also, looking away from a computer screen
for even one minute now and then can give
your eyes—and mind—a much-needed
break. According to the Mayo Clinic,
although eyestrain can be annoying, it
usually isn’t serious and can be relieved by
resting your eyes.
On the other hand, if you are running yourself
ragged, chasing after kids or keeping up
a hectic pace, carving out a half-hour for
a nap or some rest and relaxation will do
wonders for your body and soul. Even most
athletes recognize the importance of resting
after intense exercise. It’s essential to highlevel performance and allows the body to
repair and strengthen itself.
TAKE A DAY OFF. When, or even better, before you start dreading getting up in the
mornings, take a mental health day every
now and then. Do whatever recharges you,
whether that’s soaking in a bubble bath,
reading a book, going for an energizing hike
or even having lunch with friends. The idea
here is to take a break before you get sick,
depressed or feel overwhelmed.
PLAN A VACATION. Whether you have one
week or a month off a year, make sure to
take every moment of it. Or if you decide
that a “stay-cation” or “play-cation” is your
best option, figure out in advance how to
make the best of the time you will spend in
and around your home or city.
According to Karen Matthews of the
University of Pittsburgh’s Mind-Body Center,
“It is important to engage in multiple leisure
activities, both as a way to enjoy life more,
but also to potentially have a benefit on
health and be a stress reliever.”
It’s up to you to discover when it’s time to
take a break from your job or whatever
your regular routine is. Taking breaks—big
or small—helps you remain motivated and
excited about your life. You want to be the
Energizer Bunny? Take time to recharge!
Read
Online!
Dr. Angela M. Joyner - Dr. Angela M. Joyner is the Founder of The
Wonder Loft, a positive leadership coaching practice for women.
Through her writing, teaching, and leading curated workshop
experiences, Angela helps women discover their unique brilliance,
have more confidence and to flourish. Her mission is to nourish
the minds and souls of women around the world. Learn more at
www.TheWonderLoft.com and get your free “Have More
Confidence” CD.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
sometimes accompanies the “don’t stop ’til
you drop” attitude. Breaks encourage the
discovery of fresh perspectives and new
ideas. They are a delicious reward for hard
work, a pause that reinvigorates.