Exhausted? You Should Absolutely Take a Break (I Just Did)

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Title Pin - In the center is the text "Exhausted? You Should Absolutely Take a Break". In the background we see a Person Holding White Ceramic Teacup With Brown Liquid

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?!

Sara Ms. Health-Esteem sits on her green couch, holding a red, grey and white blanket. She leans her head on her hand and looks at the camera, smiling

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?

A white post-it that says "out of the office" sits on a blue background

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

Someone's feet kicked up on and crossed, relaxing. They're wearing black slippers and you can see a window and the greenery of the outside in the background

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,

sara-signature

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

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Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

Sara Flanagan is a wellness writer and the creator of www.mshealthesteem.com, where she shares her story of being diagnosed with Graves Disease, a chronic autoimmune disease, and empowering herself to do everything she can to thrive in spite of her diagnosis. She writes articles on self-love, acceptance, wellness and nutrition. Join the Health-Esteem Family today and share in the journey.

32 Comments

  1. Reply

    MyYellowApron

    April 13, 2022

    That’s an informative post. Such helpful tips. Thank you for sharing. It is indeed important to take a break.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it and found it helpful <3

      • Reply

        MyYellowApron

        May 10, 2022

        Thank You!

  2. Reply

    Ramil Hinolan

    April 14, 2022

    I think that is the best solution for a busy bee like me. And this is good for mental health, too.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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 🙂

  3. Reply

    Beth Pierce

    April 14, 2022

    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.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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

  4. Reply

    MyLitBag

    April 14, 2022

    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.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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

  5. Reply

    Fransic verso

    April 14, 2022

    We all have to take a break and just gain energy back. I’m glad you are doing great.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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 🙂

  6. Reply

    jen schreiner

    April 14, 2022

    YES!!!!!! Taking a break is such a good idea. I need more of them in my life.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      I hope there are more breaks waiting for you just around the corner ^^

  7. Reply

    Maegan Clark

    April 14, 2022

    Sometimes doing nothing IS doing something for your health! I love taking a break, lol, I never feel bad for just ‘being’.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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

  8. Reply

    MELANIE EDJOURIAN

    April 14, 2022

    I think many of us don’t take enough time out. It can make a big difference to our mental health.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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!

  9. Reply

    Locktight Impact

    April 14, 2022

    I love this idea. I’ve seen some apps use this approach with using timers to schedule breaks.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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 🙂

  10. Reply

    Ntensibe Edgar

    April 14, 2022

    Hehe….I have missed you here, Sara…so so much! I even wondered what had happened to you.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      It’s so lovely to reconnect with you Ntensibe! Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts 🙂 Happy to be back!

  11. Reply

    Faith Stephenson

    April 15, 2022

    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.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      I’m so happy this was helpful Faith! <3 Here's to some rest and relaxation in the near future

  12. Reply

    Rosey A

    April 15, 2022

    It does feel liberating to take a break. Too much of anything can ware on us, even if we typically enjoy it.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      Absolutely! We all need time to rest, decompress and reboot <3

  13. Reply

    Neely Moldovan

    April 15, 2022

    yes I think as women and me as a mom I feel like I constantly have to be going and doing!

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      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!

  14. Reply

    A Nation of Moms

    April 15, 2022

    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.

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      Resting truly is healing! I’m really happy you think so too <3 Thank you Marysa!

  15. Reply

    Maryann Auger | Instagram: @maryannauger

    April 19, 2022

    Welcome back! I’m so excited to read your future work!

    • Reply

      Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

      May 3, 2022

      Thank you so much darling! I’m so grateful for all of your love and support <3 Excited to be back!

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Hiya! I’m Sara

I’m a wellness writer, Graves Disease thriver and self-love advocate.

And I’m passionate about empowering you to prioritize self-care and love yourself fiercely.

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