On writing this blog post, I’m feeling a bit blue. So really, the following prompts are written for myself, as I attempt to navigate hard days, blue days, and flat days with more joy, more love, and as I imagine yogis should.
So here are four things I need to tell myself today, just incase you need to hear them, too:
1. Stop checking your emails every ten seconds
Yes, I do this. This is the result of being the captain of the best online yoga studio going (members say this, not just me, honest) and it’s down to these beautiful smartphones we latch ourselves onto so vehemently. Thanks, Steve Jobs. I was happy with my brick-like Motorola in the ’90s, ta. Emails, be gone. I’ll get to them when I get to them.
2. Turn your phone off
Imagine it: reading books, watching a movie without double screening, painting, going for a walk, having a conversation—all without the use of your phone. When we really think about it, it’s incredible how little we do without mindlessly and manically clutching at our phones as we do it. Our phones, like I mentioned above, can be a huge contributor to chronic anxiety and stress. Turn it off for an hour or two and see how much space you get.
3. Stop trying to lose bloody weight
Today, just eat the things. Food can be a wonderful comfort in hard days. Yes, of course, we should be mindful about what (and how) we consume food, but I truly believe in balance, including splurging occasionally on the things that make you do a little dance as you prepare them (my favourite cookie recipe, anyone?). At the same time, there’s always that headspace I’ll have of trying to fit into those jeans I once wore, but I’m officially calling this drive to get smaller for smaller’s sake utterly bullshit. Throw the jeans out, give yourself (and your extra squish) a little love, and eat things that make you feel alive.
4. Stop trying to be so damn productive
This is worth repeating over and over: we are not machines born to be productive all the time. I’m recently transitioning into my soft, easy-going era, after being in my hustle ear for nearly a decade. Being productive is wonderful, but it doesn’t happen all the time; you don’t need to work hard to deserve rest, you just need plenty of rest and often as part of your human condition and nervous system health (especially if you’re someone who has menstrual cycles and you’re in your luteal phase).
So take this day as a day to be a little easier on yourself, slower, and less productive. It’s vital.
As an extra, consider these rest-day ideas:
- Give yourself credit for the things you create or do
- Take some time to get outside (even if it’s raining and gloomy)
- Nap
- Stop eating cake
- Eat more cake
- Call your mum
- Go to bed early
- Practice yoga
- Meditate
As for the last two, come join our inner circle for free yoga classes, resources, and inspiration for a truly joyful existence.