30/07/2025
Do you listen to what you need?
Last week I taught 10 yoga classes and attended a 20hr trauma informed yoga 2 day workshop. As well as being a mum to two teenagers, taking the dog to the vet, doing the housework, walking up the Hakarimata stairs, doing 3 contrast therapy sessions, attending a yoga class as a student, walking the dog twice, doing admin, putting my wardrobe back after the new carpet went down a few weeks ago, attending an appointment with my daughter, and a few other things! I also had a headache from Friday to Tuesday. I realise that some of these things are not jobs, but self-care, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to fit these things into my week.
I say this, not to suggest I'm busier than everyone else, as I know that's not true, but to say that this pushed me beyond my limits. What happened was, I absolutely crashed yesterday, and apart from teaching 2 yoga classes, I did nothing but watched Netflix. At 5pm I finally did get up and do washing, tidy the bench and cook dinner, but that was it.
My first instinct was to feel guilty (disclaimer: I realise how fortunate I am to have a job that is not 9-5, and I am able to do this), however, because I listened to my body, and allowed myself to rest, I feel back to myself today.
How do you honour what your body is telling you? Do you feel guilty for resting? Do you allow yourself to do what you feel you truly need?
My intention with asking these questions is to spark curiosity into how you treat yourself. What do you do to prevent burnout or keep functioning at your best? I'm not necessarily recommending Netflix - there are other things that are probably better, but it was just what I needed - to blob out and switch off for a day.
We are all only human. Being kind to others includes yourself. Know what your limits are and do what you need ❤️
