Long time, no post? I took a bit of a hiatus, but I am so happy to finally be back creating content and engaging with my community! I’ve truly missed all of you, the connections I’ve made, posting helpful info, and making new friends along the way. You’re probably wondering where I have been!?! And that’s a very valid question. Short answer: school… Long answer: life, summer classes, summer research, wedding planning, difficult circumstances, and more life. 

Today’s society can make you feel like you should be doing and succeeding at a thousand things all at once and all before you hit 30: starting your own business, investing, getting multiple degrees, constantly being productive and all at the same time traveling, exercising, meal prepping, and having a “hot girl summer”. This sense of constant urgency and the need to be perfect can cause anyone undue stress and anxiety. Balancing everything can be a struggle at times. We have our career/school, hobbies, friends, families, a significant other, health, and the list goes on to manage. I’m all about self betterment and living out your dreams and the purpose that God has for you! But, we don’t have to do it all, and we definitely don’t have to do it all at once nor on our own. Our paths and journeys are not the same, and that’s what makes us unique. Constant urgency and the need to be perfect my friends, can lead to not only burnout, but also frustration, feeling overwhelmed, and slacking/failing in certain areas of your life. 

To say I was overwhelmed during my hiatus is an understatement. Medical school has been a bummer to say so nicely. I feel like I’m always in chronic stress because there’s constantly a test lurking over my shoulder, which means potential failure is lurking too. Also, school doesn’t care if you’re sick or having mental health problems. There are no sick days, which I desperately miss from my days of employment. Tests and deadlines are coming whether you’re ready and at your 100% or not. I can honestly say that I have definitely had some failures in the last couple months and times when I wasn’t at 100%. 

Regardless of what you may be experiencing or going through, taking a pause to regroup and reset is always worth it. It’s worth your physical, mental, and spiritual health. It can allow you to come back recharged, more focused, and more enthusiastic about the activity or thing you paused. Below are some signs you should heed that are telling you it may be time for a pause and some tips on how to effectively pause.

When to Pause

How do you know when you need a break? It’s time for a pause if you’re feeling overly stressed, burned out, dealing with multiple heavy problems, or if you’re having lower energy and more depressive feelings and thoughts than usual. Low mood, frustration, difficulty sleeping, and withdrawing from loved ones are more signs you may need a break. 

How to Pause

Below are some ways to strategically pause and ensure you get the most out of your break. 

Schedule your day off ahead of time. When I was working a regular 9-5, I always gave myself a day off practically every month whether I had to use my paid time off (PTO) or it was a national holiday that month that I automatically got off, which it frequently was. 

During my first class of medical school, I didn’t do this, and it was a major mistake. What resulted was me getting to a high level of stress and overwhelm, which resulted in an unplanned, emergency mental health day, which doesn’t go so well with studies, exams, and deadlines.

Though I don’t get PTO with school, I do still get national holidays off. I take full advantage of those holidays to plan something fun, have me time, or most often spend quality time with my fiancé. 

Focus on stress relief. Though I love to plan event-filled weekends and activities on my days off, it’s important to also plan some relaxation and downtime too. That may mean allotting time to nap, get a mani-pedi, go to a spa, do an at-home facial, or finally do that DIY selfcare you’ve been wanting to try. Some ways to relieve stress include stress relief breathing techniques, exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, and removing stressors wherever possible. When I’m overwhelmed, the Headspace app is my go-to. I stop whatever I’m doing and do a brief meditation. 

Decide what’s most important for your day off. Is it stress relief? If so, consider using one of the techniques above. Do you need to get away? Perhaps book a 1-night stay at a bed-and-breakfast in town or in a nearby city. Do you need quality time with someone? Plan a date or trip with that special person. Need something new or fun to do? Check out Eventbrite for events going on in your area. 

Take a break from social media. As I stop my social media break now with this post, I will say I took a longer break than I intended, but it was well worth it! It’s hard to give and help others if you yourself are in a bad place. If you’re very active on social media, you’re more likely to experience trolls aka cyberbullying. Also, the more you scroll endlessly, the more you see your friends and families living their best life (because practically no one posts all their hard times), and you may start to compare yourself and your place in life to others. Social comparisons can be detrimental to your health, wellbeing, and self esteem. Don’t get me wrong, social media is a great tool, just make sure you’re using it wisely and positively, especially during your pause. 

No matter the why or how, pausing can be extremely beneficial and the best thing for your wellness. A pause can allow you to press reset and come back to that activity well rested, with a clear mind, fresh perspective, and increased productivity. You’ll soon be refocused and ready to go again!

Happy wellness!

Marg Nicole