Relax — it Matters!

 Subscribe for more great Missi videos!

Most of us live demanding, often rigid lives – home-life, work, social, exercise, diet and more – sometimes taking time off for a vacation or even a quick break during our day seems absolutely impossible.

But, no matter what’s going on in your life, no matter how important your job, how busy your family-life, or how jam-packed your social calendar is: it’s okay to take a break –in fact, I argued in a recent article  that it’s necessary to our health, vitality, happiness and overall success.

Still, when we know that time off – even a quick respite during the day – affords us the energy and drive to show up more fully in all areas of our lives, many of us continue to excuse ourselves, ad nauseam, saying that we don’t have time for a break in the day let alone a vacation get away.

But the truth is we either choose to make time for our health or we will be forced to take time off due to a lack of it.

I have had to learn this lesson over and over – I finally “got it” one afternoon years ago while working on my thesis… click the video above  to hear me tell the funny and surprising story.

Part of what I learned first hand that day is that “restoration is rooted in our physiology”; This is especially true if you’re working tremendously hard to improve your diet, advance your fitness, or change any other lifestyle behaviors while juggling the demands of life.

Sometimes we’re in such a hurry to ‘arrive’ at our end goal that we burn out along the way, struggling between putting in the necessary effort while also allowing life to unfold in its perfect timing. Sometimes your transformation is just one little shift away. And sometimes that shift can only occur by taking your foot off the gas pedal, by giving some face time to some down time, so you can get the clarity and energy you need to move forward.

Other times, it looks like breaking away from your go-to routine by enjoying a new salad recipe to enliven your taste buds, sipping on a healthier version of your favorite fizzy drink to revive an effervescent spirit, or inviting the family over for a backyard BBQ where nostalgia infuses the conversation alongside new memories in the making.

Infusing fun into these moments provides the “feel” of being on vacation without going anywhere – my favorite line from the movie, What About Bob, says, “I’m taking a vacation from my problems!”

If you struggle to workout or just need a shift, take your kids or grandkids to the park for some fun new ways to workout or opt for a couple hours of yard work, housework, or long overdue chores in lieu of traditional exercise.

When you’re done with a hard days’ work or even a day of lounging, don’t forget to sit back, reflect and find gratitude for the impact that relaxation brings to our health and happiness… This sounds like the perfect moment to savor with a loved one and a delicious homemade popsicle! 🙂

There is always time to do what matters… time to explore the world, to take a nap, to kick up your feet and read a good book, to try new foods, and to play with your kids.

You choose what matters. Take time now to do the things that truly nourish and revitalize your soul, mind and body so you can live a long, healthy, happy life.

In Love & Gratitude,

Missi Holt

P.S. And when you do get to go on a real vacation getaway, don’t forget to keep your body happy and healthy – My simple travel stretches  and quick vacation workouts are easy to incorporate and will keep you stress-free to enjoy your destination!