Rest and slowing down have been foreign concepts to me - until recently. In our modern world, ‘hustle culture’ and the need to be constantly busy are highly valued. However, as they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
I would consider myself a high-functioning person with high expectations for myself, which I’m sure some of you can relate to. I believed I had to be constantly busy to feel a sense of achievement or productivity. This belief drove me to fill every hour of my day with to-do lists, never allowing myself to rest. University, work, sleep, repeat. Unsurprisingly, I became burnt out and started experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Over the past year, I have learned to slow down and recognise the importance of just being present while processing what is happening in my life. Often, we do not give ourselves time to rest because we are avoiding something, but it is crucial to allow ourselves to slow down and process these feelings.
Some of the things that have helped me start this resting process include dedicating a few hours at the end of a busy day to journal, meditate, or practice yoga to bring my mind back to the present while venting and processing my emotions. Another helpful practice has been setting boundaries for myself by creating non-negotiable times of rest. This could be spending time with loved ones, being in nature, or going on a solo date to a café or the beach.
Self-care doesn’t have to be face masks and bubble baths; it can simply be about allowing yourself to rest, disengage from the busyness of life, and being present.
-Evangeline
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