Sometimes you just have to listen to exactly what your body is telling you, and mine over the last few weeks has not just been telling me to slow down, it has been enforcing me to slow down by literally making me do just that.

Taking it easy has so many different levels and meanings to each person and with my life – I can never really stop because I run my own business so If I do – there goes my income – but I can drastically slow down when I need to and say no to things that are not inline with my purpose.

1)  If your body needs sleep – shut it down early (your computer or tv) and take a nap or get to bed early. A lot of times “sleeping on it” helps clear your brain of stress and reprograms you to make clearer decisions and do work more effectively.  Remember – work SMARTER, not HARDER or you’ll burn out.  Read more here.

2) Schedule time for “Me” (YOU!) like baths, extra time before breakfast for a work out, meditation, walk, or to read the newspaper or blogs. Even making time NOT TO RUSH when getting ready is a ritual that will really keep the wrinkles off.

3) Do something in your pleasure zone that is just for you. For me right now it is carving out time to read my current book “Unleash the Spirit Within” by Rebecca Rosen. If I do this at least a few times a week – I feel happy, rested and relaxed.  Laying in bed to read a book even for a half an hour is something that really lets me disconnect from any of the stresses and helps me feel good about taking care of myself. Think about what that could be for you.

Taking inventory of the things that are important to you is super critical so that you know where to focus your energy on and still get things done.

1) Make a list of your top 3 goals in life and if it doesn’t align with one of your goals – say no!

1) Take advantage of the beautiful (sometimes) weather, go for a stroll and stop to smell the roses.  Treat your body to the things it needs like sun, exercise, oxygen and nourishing foods.  Obviously we are all human and we crave some sugary foods so for me it has to be gluten and dairy free (hence the title of macaroons – my fav) but for you it can be anything that agrees with your body – in moderation.

And lastly,

-Your body is your temple – not a trash receptacle where you just pile junk into it. Treat it as such.

-The spring and summer only come around once a year. Stop and smell the roses and enjoy every second of this moment because it will never come again.

-Take care of your body FIRST so that you can overflow with things to give to others.

And now a quote from the Late Maya Angelou, RIP.

“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
– Interview from the April 2011 edition of O, the Oprah Magazine (2011)

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
xo
Emily

Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily