Hello Sweet Friend:
Or should I say lovely stranger? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
If you’re wondering where in goodness I’ve been (which is so sweet, thank you), I’ve got the deets.
And if you’re here for the first time… well hello there gorgeous! I was gone a while, but I’m happy to be back just in time to greet you.
Let’s talk about why I disappeared and how maybe you should take a break too. You are so worthy of rest. Ready to chat? Oh goodness, me too! Let’s do this…
Where Have I Been?!
I disappeared from my spaces on the internet. Poof, no warning, gone! And, oddly, it wasn’t necessary purposeful. What began as a Christmas break extended into the New Year and then became a timeless hiatus. My creative energy wasn’t pulling me to this space; for the first time in years I simply didn’t feel like I had anything to say.
It was strange. But also liberating. If I’m being honest, I think my creativity meter began to wane in 2020 (for reasons I imagine are fairly obvious to all of us). And I’m absolutely certain I’m not alone.
As 2022 made it’s grand entrance, I needed a break. And I leaned into it. With absolutely no end date in mind.
But today… today I feel that beautiful flame has returned! I want to speak with you. I’m excited to write! And while I’m certainly not going to guarantee the return to a regular schedule just yet, I do intend to dive into that joyous feeling.
Are Long Breaks a Good Idea?
Was this the best course of action for my website? Oh certainly not! From a “success” perspective I’ve basically put my car in reverse and sped away backwards as quickly as possible.
But what is the point of success if you’re burnt out? Why fight to get somewhere if you arrive exhausted, ragged and unhappy? Is it worth it if it goes from passion project to grim necessity?
My personal answer is no.
Well there are unfortunately times in life when there is no option but to push through, whenever possible I encourage you to meet yourself where you are. You are worthy of a break. It’s ok to put that dang car in reverse and back it on up. The world will continue to turn, and when you’re ready, you can bounce back or go onward in an entirely new, equally as wonderful, direction.
Resting is Healing
As I hit what feels like the tail end of a very long break, I’m proud that I’m wholeheartedly on my side. That I cherish my well-being and I will be there for myself in whatever way I need. We’re all so worthy of that kind of partnership with ourselves.
So if you’re feeling burnt out but fighting some intense guilt over your need to stop, know that it’s ok to rest. Stop sweet friend.
Sometimes doing your best is allowing yourself to do absolutely nothing. Truly, I don’t think we do that for ourselves often enough.
Health and love always,
Ps. As I hop back into this space, I would adore to hear from you. What would you like for us to talk about? Is there anything you wish I’d explore further or discuss in this space? I’m excited to hear from you.
Thought of the day: You are always brilliant, even when you feel like you aren’t shining brightly <3
How to Support MsHealthEsteem.com
Ms. Health-Esteem wouldn’t be possible without you! I’m so grateful that you make it possible for me to share free weekly self-love, wellness and healthy lifestyle inspiration. Thank you!
If “Exhausted? You Should Absolutely Take a Break (I Just Did)” was your first Ms. Health-Esteem article, thank you tons for reading it and welcome to the Health-Esteem family <3.
Here’s how you can provide a little extra support:
Subscribe for freebies, extra inspiration, and much more!
Treat yourself to a $2.50 copy of Smoothie Love – How to Drink Your Fruits and Veggie and Love It. This 37 page recipe e-book PDF features 15 delicious recipes, a shopping list, beautiful photos, super simple instructions and tons of love.
Looking to promote something that aligns with Ms. Health-Esteem’s health-philosophies? Let’s talk about it (options for bloggers and businesses alike)
Join me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr for extra goodness.
MyYellowApron
That’s an informative post. Such helpful tips. Thank you for sharing. It is indeed important to take a break.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I’m so happy you enjoyed it and found it helpful <3
MyYellowApron
Thank You!
Ramil Hinolan
I think that is the best solution for a busy bee like me. And this is good for mental health, too.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I’m so happy you’re feeling inspired to take a break and enjoy some you time Ramil! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Beth Pierce
I can’t tell you how much I love this. So many of us view working ourselves into the ground as some kind of badge of honor. Like working ourselves to death somehow means that we are superheroes. We’re not. We’re just exhausted and burned out.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Yes! You put it so perfectly Beth! I really think there’s a hustle culture that’s so prominent but often causes more harm than good. We all need a balance, and rest is a very important part of though (but is often pushed to the backburner). We can be incredibly AND rest. In fact, in order to achieve our full potential, we really must prioritize that downtime. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome thoughts <3
MyLitBag
Self care and taking time to decompress is so important. Sometimes if I have extra PTO day’s I’ll take one or two to just be home and escape from reality for a little bit.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
That’s such a fantastic way to use a PTO day! I love that. I couldn’t agree with you more – that downtime is so incredibly important <3
Fransic verso
We all have to take a break and just gain energy back. I’m glad you are doing great.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
We truly do! It’s so important for our well-being and even our productivity in the long run! Thank you so much for your support 🙂
jen schreiner
YES!!!!!! Taking a break is such a good idea. I need more of them in my life.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I hope there are more breaks waiting for you just around the corner ^^
Maegan Clark
Sometimes doing nothing IS doing something for your health! I love taking a break, lol, I never feel bad for just ‘being’.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I love this so much Maegan! It’s exactly as you put it – doing nothing can be so incredibly productive and important. Resting is healing <3
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
I think many of us don’t take enough time out. It can make a big difference to our mental health.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I think it’s so common! We really do live in a hustle culture, eh? But I hope to see that change, as we all need to rest and recharge. It’s hard to hustle when your batteries are drained! I hope you’re able to give yourself some resting time very soon <3 It truly is good for our mental well-being!
Locktight Impact
I love this idea. I’ve seen some apps use this approach with using timers to schedule breaks.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I love that there are apps that help to encourage and schedule breaks! That’s awesome. Let me know what you think if you give one a try 🙂
Ntensibe Edgar
Hehe….I have missed you here, Sara…so so much! I even wondered what had happened to you.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
It’s so lovely to reconnect with you Ntensibe! Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts 🙂 Happy to be back!
Faith Stephenson
Aww! This post is so helpful. It is so important to take a break when you feel exhausted. I will definitely apply those tips you’ve mentioned.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I’m so happy this was helpful Faith! <3 Here's to some rest and relaxation in the near future
Rosey A
It does feel liberating to take a break. Too much of anything can ware on us, even if we typically enjoy it.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Absolutely! We all need time to rest, decompress and reboot <3
Neely Moldovan
yes I think as women and me as a mom I feel like I constantly have to be going and doing!
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
You certainly aren’t alone in those feelings! I hope you’re able to give yourself some rest time very soon. Resting is healing and that is super productive and helpful to all who love and depend on you <3 Sending tons of love your way!
A Nation of Moms
I totally agree with this. Sometimes we just need an absolute break from everything! I am all for doing this as part of self care.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Resting truly is healing! I’m really happy you think so too <3 Thank you Marysa!
Maryann Auger | Instagram: @maryannauger
Welcome back! I’m so excited to read your future work!
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Thank you so much darling! I’m so grateful for all of your love and support <3 Excited to be back!