Hey there. Sometimes we need a break. That’s something I was reminded of recently. I had a couple of days where I just took a step back. My usual morning routine is something I do seven days a week with only minor tweaks on the weekends. But around lunchtime Friday, I made the decision to chill. Saturday was more of the same. Family was visiting and I gave myself permission to slow down.
Sunday morning rolled around and I eased into the day. As I was unloading the dishwasher and setting up the kitchen like I usually do, I noticed something. I moved a cutting board from where I usually keep it. That one small shift made me think. Taking a short break allowed me to come back to my routine with a new perspective. I saw something I had done the same way for a long time and decided to change it. That tiny change felt like a breath of fresh air.
Breaks can do that. They give us a new lens. When we step back from our usual structure, we give our brain space to reconnect and optimize. Not necessarily to do things better or more efficiently, but simply differently. That can be valuable.
I’m someone who thrives with systems and structure. Most of what you see me put out for Your Level Fitness is organized. The social content, the podcast episodes, the blogs. A lot of it is scheduled in advance. But this podcast, this blog post, these are real-time thoughts. And I love that. I love being able to create in the moment when something hits me.
It also ties back into how we handle our mental and emotional health. If you’re feeling off, that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you’re human. Acknowledging that and taking a pause is often exactly what you need. Let your mind rest. Let yourself breathe.
I used to wear my nonstop thinking like a badge of honor. Now I value silence and stillness just as much as momentum. You can learn from the past, stay present in the now, and still have hope for the future. Hope matters. We all need it.
And if you’re struggling right now, just know that you’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re doing the best you can. Therapy can be helpful if you’re able to access it. And if nothing else, start with one deep breath.
If this message resonates with you and you're ready to build habits that fit your life from the inside out, I’d love for you to join The YLF Experience.