Lately, I have been thinking I need time to rest. I have constantly been busy, and it isn’t adding to my life whatsoever.

Constantly you ask people how they are doing and they respond with “Oh, I am just so busy“. I am guilty of answering a question like this too.

We take pride in busy lives, but little do we realize we need rest. Either we are trying to get straight A’s, be the president of three clubs, or take on more responsibilities we can handle.

We may find ourselves not full, or our engines might be running out. This is completely normal when you are not giving yourself rest.

There is a reason we need sleep. It is a reminder that we cannot live these lives all on our own strength. We need rest. 

You owe it to yourself, no matter how busy you are, to give yourself downtime. You owe yourself sleep. It is okay to treat yourself and understand you are only human.

Because of this, I advise you to add some margin in your life. Whether you are home for the summer, or finals are taking over your thoughts, you can make time for some you-time this week.

Maybe that looks like reading a book for an hour a night. Or maybe, that looks like going for a nice run. However you feel most replenished, do these things.

It is okay to give yourself time to be a human being.

I also think it is perfectly normal to enjoy your life. You weren’t meant to be a working bee for 100 years and never stop to smell the wildflowers.

If you don’t know what gives you energy, I advise for you to figure out what that is for you. I believe everyone should have a hobby, something they can escape to where they can connect with themselves the most.

For me, it has always been either reading or writing. I feel spiritually connected and revitalized after writing or reading for an hour or so. I leave these two hobbies feeling more centered and ready to take on this thing called life.

But I would not be mad if I could feel replenished after running. Running is more of a chore than something I do for some me-time. I hope this changes sometime in my life, because I would love to truly enjoy running eventually, and I know my body would appreciate it to (haha).

So whether it is going on a hike by yourself and soaking up mother nature, reading a book for an hour before you fall asleep, singing in a private room, find what charges you up. Take some time this week to step away from the studying and the stress to be by yourself and enjoy the little things your soul loves.

It’s not bad to have downtime. In fact, it is incredibly healthy. This means you are taking care of yourself, and that’s something to be proud of.

I hope you all feel the fruit of giving yourself margin this week. I know I certainly will.

Xoxo,

Ash