Let's talk about the saying, ‘You can't pour from an empty cup.'
Is it just me, or does the world we live in lead us to believe that we actually can and somehow should pour from that empty cup? 🤔
I mean…there are resources on how to be productive with little sleep, how to be a multi-tasker, how to get more done in less time, and the list goes on.
Like whaaat? That math ain't mathin'.
Because that's a recipe for burnout, and as someone who has dealt with burnout in the past, here's what I'll say…
Burnout ain't cute.
If you don't pick a day to rest, your body will pick it for you.
So let's be more proactive in planning for rest in 2024
Because I want to see you win. But not at the expense of your well-being.
Here are some of my favorite ways to proactively plan for rest:
Annual Self-Care Trip: This has been my secret weapon for the past 4 years - a guilt-free trip that focuses on me, myself, and I. It's more than a getaway; it's my personal commitment to press pause and reconnect with myself. Whether it's an international retreat, a mountain escape, or a city exploration, this trip is all about self-love and relaxation. I'm hosting an all-inclusive self-care retreat in Thailand in June 2024!
Monthly Mini-Adventures: Who says you need to wait a whole year for a break? I also sprinkle in monthly mini-adventures – a weekend getaway or fun activity with husbae, a spa day, or even a day trip to a nearby town. It's the perfect way to break the routine and infuse some excitement into my life.
Tech Detox Weekends: Unplugging from the digital world is a game-changer. I pick a weekend to go off the grid, say goodbye to emails and notifications, and enjoy being present in the moment. Trust me, the world won't end without you being online!
Daily Dose of Me-Time: We often underestimate the power of daily me-time. It could be as simple as enjoying a cup of tea, taking a short walk, or indulging in a good book. Carving out these moments each day adds up to a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Regular Check-Ins with Myself: Burnout often sneaks up on us. I've made it a habit to regularly check in with myself – how am I feeling physically and emotionally? Am I pushing myself too hard? These check-ins help me course-correct before burnout sets in.
And here are practical ways to plan for that rest…
Because what you plan… you prioritize. And YOU are a priority, boo!
Schedule it: Take a look at your week ahead and carve out moments for rest. Don’t cram rest into your schedule on a day with too many other responsibilities because you know it will get pushed. #justsayin
Start small: Start with 5 minutes of quiet time, a change of scenery, or some self-care that allows you to press pause and refresh. Just a few minutes can recalibrate your whole day and give you that boost of energy.
Be realistic: Adjust your rest rituals on your current season—this doesn’t mean you abandon rest, but you may need to adjust your expectations of what rest practically looks like for you in this season. If you have a busy week of work meetings or travel, a 15 minute run might be realistic.
Put in that PTO request: Determine when will be a great time to go on that self-care tripand put in the PTO request to hold you accountable. This isn't just a vacation; it's a deliberate act of self-love, a declaration that your mental and physical health matter. It's not just a getaway; it's a promise to yourself to recharge, reset, and return with a newfound.
Ask for help: You may be in a season with little ones where you need to ask for help to make rest happen. It takes a village—and that saying is true for a reason! Consider swapping 1 day a month with a close friend so that you can have a few hours or a day of rest, and she can too!
Believe that rest is not selfish: You don’t need to do more to ‘earn’ rest. Mindset is everything. Rest allows you to show up as your best self to serve your responsibilities and loved ones.
My Final Thoughts
Let's make planning for rest a priority! Don't wait until you're running on empty and burnt out. Whether it's a big annual trip or small daily rituals, find what works for you, boo.
And remember, it's not about finding time; it's about making time for yourself. You're the CEO of your life, and rest is a non-negotiable part of that role.
Here's to a 2024 filled with the joy of taking a break!
Have a great week!
Ariel Belgrave, CPT
Certified Health & Fitness Coach
Corporate Wellness Strategist
Board Member, Women's Health Mag
Under Armour Athlete
P.S. I encourage you to forward this email to someone who could use this wisdom (sharing is caring!)
