Feeling guilty about taking a break defeats the purpose.

One topic I hear coming up with regularity is how we feel guilty when we take breaks, no matter how well deserved they are. How many times do we work hard, come to realize things about us, have great breakthroughs and feel guilty because we slow down for a few days?

It defeats the purpose of resting after hard work. I understand how we are always pushed beyond our comprehension of self care in this society but taking breaks are alright, AS LONG AS we are fully aware of it. Of course, I am not talking about justifying lounging on a couch for four days, over eating and watching TV. I am talking about a time for reflection. There is a difference between laziness, procrastination and taking a break. If you have worked hard at something, whether it be a project or self-realization, a break is a normal thing to do. It is important to slow down and digest the change. It is important to let it sink in and become part of you. If you continue to rush after breakthroughs, you are missing the point.

The holiday season is a great time to slow down and reflect. You have been working hard all year long, slow down and look back. Enjoy what you have done. Understand where you fell short but mostly, do it through being aware of yourself. As long as you don’t let moods, thoughts and feelings take you over without control, you can observe them as what they are, a by product of your personality, but not you.

Taking a break is a normal healthy part of life, as is recognizing what you have achieved.