Rest is Hard.

One of the hardest things for me to do is rest.  I have a tendency to work myself into a headache or a cold by pushing through the symptoms.  Take yesterday for example: I woke up with a horribly stiff neck and could feel a headache coming, and yet I still shadowed a tour at school, went to pilates, and went out to dinner (and had a drink).  Yes, even though I know the importance of listening to your body, I still don’t do it. I think I can outsmart my body.  I think, wow, I’ll be so proud when I get all of this done despite my headache, and I’ll still get 8 hours of sleep tonight!  Well guess what, Kim, you’re not invincible, and you will actually feel much worse for quite a few days.  I always figure I can outsmart my body when really my body is trying desperately to tell me to slow down.  When I do finally slow down, it’s a forced slow down that is days long.  I like to think I can keep myself healthy and happy by following what seems like the perfect routine in my head. But sometimes what I need most is to admit that yes, I do need a nap today, and I need to say no to that happy hour, and that workout class actually isn’t going to make me feel better in the long run.  It’s hard living with some sort of ailment that you’re constantly terrified you’ll make worse. But at some point, some more time on the couch is exactly what the doctor ordered.This month has made me more thankful than ever for my wonderful friends who take care of me (and my dog!) when I push myself too hard.  Balance is really hard, and it’s something we’re all constantly seeking, but sometimes a little imbalance is just what you need.  In case I haven’t made myself clear, the imbalance I’m talking about here is more time sitting on the sofa.  Those chores can get done next week….but only if you’re feeling good enough to do them.