Permission Slip to Slow Down
(Old Post— 2022)
There are some days it is impossible to miss the grey skies, cloudy mind, and exhausted body. It might be for no reason at all that you woke up this way, or there could be an important reason that has you feeling down. Whichever case, it might not be your day and that is okay. It is important to know what to do on days like this.
It is important to learn how to slow down and take care of yourself a bit more than on normal days. It is a self-care practice that is essential to us as humans in this busy world. We are not machines, we are living beings that need different things on different days. If you are a woman, I definitely would recommend checking out some books on living with your menstrual cycle. If you are a man, it is okay for you to have days off too.
Slowing down is not blowing off your responsibilities.
I know some dire cases definitely require this. But, today I am talking about being more mindful, moving more slowly, taking care of things at your pace. Even if you’ve got the whole world on your shoulders, one day that you take the pace of a turtle will not kill anyone, I promise. This day and age we are going so fast, we don’t stop for anyone. Well, my friend, today you can slow it down as much as you want and can. I’ll tell you how.
When you wake up on a day you feel not so good, remember as you are completing your unique routine, to be mindful of your body as you shower.
Stretch for five seconds, your neck and wrists, legs and back. As you brush your teeth, tell yourself something nice while looking into your own eyes in the mirror. It can be anything that you would want someone else to tell you, any variations of “you got this” will work for me most of the time.
As you get dressed, put on your most comfortable undies and socks. Put on whatever piece of clothing is going to make you feel safe and lucky for the day. As you go on to eat, pick something that tastes good and is healthy. You will need the extra energy for today. A smoothie always cheers me up and gives me tons of energy.
When you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, remember you can slow down the day and make it work for you. Mindfully, remember you are in charge of all the little choices you make across the day. As you head for work, remember to take five minute breaks to drink water and still your mind. It is your day! No one else lives in you, no one else will take care of you the way you can. Make it work for you even if it’s around the things you don’t want to do. If this is the case for everyday, then that’s a later post. You need to change more than the little things.
When you get home from work, make sure to shower again and put on your comfiest clothes. Grab the softest blanket. Put on your favorite show, or better yet, open your favorite book. Remember, if you are feeling off and you completed your responsibilities, even if it was slowly, then you deserve to get rewarded by yourself for getting through a hard day.
If you have a full household, lock yourself in the bathroom and soothe in a bubble bath. They are not the face of self-care for nothing. Epsom salt and lavender in a bath makes wonder for your body’s health and mental health.
It is okay to tell the people around you that today is not your day.
It is okay to communicate that you will be going slower today for your peace of mind. Assure people you are okay and things will get done. Go about your business. If you don’t wish to engage in conversation with anyone, don’t. Don’t forget who is in control of every single day you are alive. You and only you, my friend. Give yourself that TLC when it is needed.