I must confess, I did not always put my mental health first. For many years, fitness and physical well-being topped my list of priorities. It took me a long time to understand that mental wellness demands equal attention and care.
The Hard Lesson on Rest
I thrived on being constantly busy for years. Working on new projects, traveling for shoots, and juggling motherhood kept me in perpetual motion. I believed that if I wasn't doing more, I simply wasn't doing enough. Eventually, I learned the tough way that rest is not optional. It is absolutely essential.
Taking time off often brings guilt, especially for women. We feel guilty about missing opportunities while relaxing. We feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. We feel guilty for not always being available to others. I used to ask myself, 'How can I afford to rest when there is so much to do?' I would tell myself, 'My family needs me. My work needs me.' Many women struggle with this constant need to be available.
Here is the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you do not take care of yourself, you are not truly helping anyone.
Professional Prime and the Exhausting Mindset
I feel I am at my professional peak right now. Yet, I still catch myself thinking, 'If I take time off, I am probably missing out on something.' This mindset is exhausting and frankly damaging. I used to combine work with travel, believing that squeezing a vacation between shoots was sufficient. Over time, I realized rest is not about working in some leisure. It is about creating space for yourself.
My friends and even my son would remind me, 'You need to just take some time off.' Although I found it difficult to stop, I finally understood the importance of listening. I am learning to recharge now. Whether it is a whole weekend off or simply carving out a Sunday to reset, I can feel how invigorating it is. I am tapping into another part of myself, and it feels truly good.
Setting Boundaries as Self-Love
Once I grasped the need for rest, the next step involved creating boundaries around my time. Setting boundaries is not selfish. It is an act of self-love. I had to learn that saying no is necessary to protect my peace. These boundaries started small. I began turning off my phone after 8 PM. I started reading in silence. I made time to lie down and do nothing. I created space to be alone with my family.
At first, I resisted. I thought that if I didn't constantly respond to calls or messages, I would miss something important. But shutting out the noise is essential, particularly in today's hyper-connected world.
Listening to Your Body
Now when I feel the weight of the world pressing down, I listen to my body. I allow myself to rest. If I am mentally drained or physically tired, I do not hesitate to take a break. I have learned that doing nothing is not laziness. It is essential for mental clarity. These small shifts are no different from the rituals I have shared earlier, whether related to fitness, food, or skincare. Boundary setting is no longer a luxury. It is a non-negotiable part of my self-care.
The Critical Importance of Rest
Alongside setting boundaries, one of the most vital lessons I have learned is that rest cannot be overlooked. I used to push through exhaustion. I thought I had to keep going. I believed stopping was a sign of weakness. Even when fatigued, I would tell myself, 'I'm good, I'm great, I'm fine. I'll just pop in a vitamin or do some steam and I'll be OK.' But the truth is clear: you cannot keep running on empty forever.
You have to listen to your mind and body. Rest is necessary, not just for physical recovery but also for mental clarity. Without sleep, nothing works. Your body does not function properly. Your mind cannot focus. Your energy crashes completely. When I wake up after a full night's rest, I feel invincible. In fact, it makes me better at being a mother, a professional, and a woman.
Even on hectic days, if I am tired, I will take a power nap. Whether it is between meetings or on set in my trailer, these small pauses really add up. It is not just the long breaks that matter. The little moments throughout the day help me stay balanced physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Self-Care Starts with the Little Things
While rest and boundaries are crucial, self-care does not always require grand gestures. Often, it is the little, everyday acts that make the biggest difference. Taking a walk, watching something light to unwind, or simply having a cup of tea with a friend can be deeply grounding. These small moments of joy do not take much time.
Decluttering for Mental Clarity
Decluttering has become a quiet form of self-care for me. I feel lighter and more at peace after tidying up. It is not just about a clean space. It is about the mental clarity that comes with it. Even studies show that a clutter-free environment reduces stress and improves focus. Just a few minutes of tidying can clear your head.
Journaling and Outdoor Peace
Journaling is another way I release stress. When I am overwhelmed, writing things down helps me process what I am feeling. I find it liberating. Sometimes, it is as simple as listening to music or stepping outside. Just a few minutes in nature can shift my mood completely.
I also find great peace in being outdoors. Whether it is walking in nature or simply stepping out to breathe fresh air, getting out of confined spaces resets my mind. Breathing deeply, even if the air isn't perfect, helps me feel grounded. Gardening is another simple but powerful way I reset. It allows me to connect with the earth, calm my thoughts, and find a little peace amid the chaos. And of course, there is the trusty hot shower. It always works wonders.
