October | It’s A-ok to slow down…. when needed | 2024

Family, Self Care

September 30, 2024

Because you deserve to stress less and show your body compassion.

The past couple of years have given us plenty to feel anxious, depressed and stressed over. From having dealt with a world pandemic, to then having to figure out and manage how to live a so called normal way of life, after enduring 2 years of isolation. Now granted, everyone’s experience during the pandemic was different, but for a good percentage of the population, many people found that time to be very difficult and uneasy.

What I did learn from what I would call a: “Forced Break in Time,” is that is it absolutely ok to slow down. It is absolutely ok to replace unwanted outings and scheduled appointments with things that relax our nervous system and create enjoyment in our lives. It’s ok to take time to realign yourself with nature and the outdoors, escape the noise of negativity, cut out people and friends that suck the life out of your soul and surround yourself with living things, like a special pet.

Right before the year 2020, it seemed our culture was in a: “Rise & Grind Era.” Where the moment you woke up, you would hit the ground running at full speed and never took a moment to look back. I can even remember people encouraging a (work through lunch) mentality, because the grind was so much for important than the actual act of having lunch away from your desk or office. This intense way of working and living was normal for many of us. Having experienced such a heightened way of living before the pandemic, has totally opened my eyes to how I now want to live my life moving forward.

When your brain feels as though there are way too many tabs open, …. that is really a clear indicator that you’re doing too much. Your body will start to respond to burn out in many ways, your cognitive thinking can start to feel like a blur, and then your nervous system can feel elevated and agitated. Managing daily stress can be tricky, I get it. When I find myself with too many things on my plate, I get overwhelmed easily and fall into a state of panic. I like many, struggle with anxiety and am constantly working to manage that feeling of overwhelm.

Through the years I have learned how to create my own type of: “Self-Care Took Kit.” This is something that we can all do and the great thing about it, is that it is going to look a different for everyone. The way in which I manage my own anxiety and stress may be completely opposite from the way in which you manage our own heightened feelings, but I’d love to share with you what I have found helpful.

#1 Drinking more water

Yes, ….at this point we all should know the benefits of drinking more water, but for many of us to actually do it, becomes the absolute tricky part. We know we should drink more water, but having a way to follow through on the actual action, is the key part. I have been using the: 32 oz Sport Hydrojug in: Bubblegum and I love it! Not only is it drip proof, but it has an easy carrying handle and the color is pretty! I fill it up with water, ice and some sliced oranges for flavor and it makes drinking more water alot easier each day. Drinking more water, especially for those of us who are managing our mental health, can help prevent headaches, fatigue, additional exhaustion, dehydration and mood fluctuations.

#2 Take time to read weekly books for inspiration

Ok … I know what you’re thinking, and yes I know you’re busy! My weeks run busy too! But guess what …..? I also know many of us, stop and take time to scroll on social media or catch a good show on television. So with that being said, taking a small amount of (down time) each week, is possible. Whether you’re reading your favorite magazine or good book, just be sure that it is providing you with the emotional nourishment that you need, to help provide the tools to manage your stress and anxiety. I am a cancer sign and I know I run sensitive, so because things affect me right away, I have to have to have more tools in my tool box, in order to manage those feelings. I came across these 2 book and love them! The Little Book of Self-Care for Cancer: Simple Ways to Refresh and Restore is a great book that I love and provides so many specific self-care tools for Cancer signs. They make these books for every zodiac sign, which is awesome! Anxiety Happens: 52 Ways to Find Peace of Mind, is also a great book for anyone who is looking for helpful strategies to cultivate a calm and more peaceful way of life.

# 3 Lastly … Taking action through movement

There is no better time than today, than to experiment with different types of movement. Whether you’re working to create a morning practice of walking, strength training, yoga and or barre workouts, any movement is good movement. Having the intention to move, is awesome and you should definitely give yourself a pat on the back just for completing that action. I say that because, during certain seasons, it can become really difficult to stay on a workout routine and maintain that type of focus. Whether it’s too hot outside to too cold outside, weather and just life in general, can play apart in the derailing our exercise routines. Don’t worry if you get off track at any point in the year, just allow yourself some grace and get started again. You are capable of taking on a new workout challenge or finding the willpower to just move your body a couple days a week. The main point is that you’re trying and trust me I know how hard it is to get back to it, but I believe in you! For me personally I love walking and my doggo: Finley loves it too! Having a furr friend by your side, sure does make this type of movement more enjoyable. I also like to hop on my NordicTrack Treadmill for indoor walks, so I can have the opportunity to walk at an incline and at different levels. Tracking my heart rate and steps with my Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch, has made keeping track of my daily movement so much easier. It even reminds me through the day to get up and move.

Life is always changing and so are the seasons in our lives, so just taking time to breathe and reset, can help us all find the motivation to keep going and slow down when needed. I truly hope that you found this blog post helpful. Remember it is always ok to re-start and try again! xoxo!

Chenee Marx

B.A. Communication Studies | M.Ed. Early Childhood Education |

M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy | & 200 RYT Registered Yoga Teacher