Mental Health

damn…Why does it often feel like an uphill battle to make time for Self-Care?

Leave a Comment / by Birgit M. Okoro /

Self-care is crucial—we all know that! So why does it often feel like an uphill battle to make time for it? Swipe left to find out why.

Speaking for myself, I can absolutely relate as a highly sensitive INFJ woman  running a coaching business while working as a trauma therapist, all why trying to be a good partner/ mom/ friend … not to forget the cooking, cleaning AND carving out time for myself to reflect and recharge. It can be a lot ! 

But today, let’s flip the script and make a change. Together.

The simple truth is...

Understanding the “why” behind the struggle is the first step toward making meaningful changes. 

So let’s dive into some reasons why we might struggle with self-care and how we can gently weave it into our lives.

#1: We're Tired

As deep feelers, you and I often push ourselves to the limit. 

This can lead to exhaustion, creating a vicious cycle where we’re too tired to practice self-care. Breaking this cycle is crucial. 

When I find myself in this place I start with small steps to rest and recharge. 

What about having a 10-minute ‘nothing break’ or a solo nature walk during your lunch break? 

Give it a try. Your future self will thank you.

#2: Overthinking & Perfectionism

Do you often go from deep thinking to overthinking and aiming for perfection?

Yeap, that’s me sometimes too… I call it  introspective nature .

You might think that if we can’t do self-care “perfectly” (the way some gurus order it), it’s not worth doing at all. 

Listen… there is no right or wrong way to practice self-care. If it feels right to you, it is perfectly done right! It’s about finding what nourishes you, even in small doses.

#3: Prioritizing Others

Hands on heart, if you are like me, you probably know this well –  the tendency to prioritize others’ needs over our own. 

While being empathetic is our strength, it’s essential to recognize that we deserve care and attention too. 

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary…. Or in the words of a very wise soul:

Self-care is how you take your power back.

Lalah Delia

Feeling Overwhelmed ?

This fast-paced world is stressful. Add the tons of responsibilities we juggle, and being an empath sometimes adds a sour cherry on top. We crave solitude to recharge yet find so little room for self-care. 

My secret: Simplify your self-care routine. Don’t have the time or energy for a 40-minute yoga flow? Okay, sit down and journal or do a sun salutation. Find what feels good to you. That’s what matters most.

Have you ever struggled with feelings of guilt or questioned your worthiness when it comes to taking time for yourself? Welcome to the club, my dear! You are not alone… it happens to me too. 

But here’s a gentle reminder: WE are worthy of self-care time. 

Think of it this way: If we are giving and performing from a place of overflowing energy, instead of acting from a half-full cup, that’s when we are giving and performing at our best!

Self-care is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline that keeps you and me grounded, energized, and resilient.

with love & respect, MrsBimako

↓ ↓ ↓

𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝗽… Take a moment today to commit to ONE small act of self-care. Whether it’s a quiet walk in nature, a few minutes of journaling, or simply breathing deeply, make that promise to yourself. 

You deserve it.

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“Excuse me, But isn’t it rather selfish & unempathic to put m happiness first”

Leave a Comment / by Birgit M. Okoro /

I recently was asked this great question… 

Actually this is probably the most malicious myth about happiness at all!

But, it comes in several varieties… did you ever heart this before:
“In a world so full of suffering, you can be happy only if you’re callous and self-centered”⁠
“Happy people become wrapped up in their own pleasure! They’re complacent and uninterested in the world”.⁠

And just to make this clear right from the bottom: These are WRONG!!!!⁠
⁠
Studies show that, quite to the contrary, happier people are more likely to help other people, they’re more interested in social problems, they do more volunteer work, and they contribute more to charity. They’re less preoccupied with their personal problems.⁠
⁠
WHEN I’M FEELING HAPPY… I find it easier to notice other people’s problems… I feel that I have more energy to try to take action… I have the emotional wherewithal to tackle sad or difficult issues… and I’m not as preoccupied with myself… I feel more generous and forgiving. ⁠
⁠

 How about you? 

If you spend time with someone who exudes positivity, and you are more likely to feel positive… Hang with someone who acts like life’s number one victim, and guaranteed, Debbie downer is going to rub off on you. RIGHT OR WRONG?⁠
⁠
It is called EMOTIONAL CONTAGION… and it means the emotions of others can influence us. ⁠
⁠
So if happy people make other people happy, why is it that happy people are sometimes thought to be selfish?⁠
⁠
This myth that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided.⁠
IN FACT It’s more selfless to act happy. ⁠
It takes energy, generosity and discipline to be “happy”, BUT yet everyone takes the happy person for granted.⁠
⁠
“ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO MAKE YOURSELF HAPPY IS TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLE HAPPY; ⁠
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY IS TO BE HAPPY YOURSELF”⁠
⁠
Everyone accepts the first part of this phrase, but the second part is just as important!⁠
⁠
By making the effort to make yourself happier, you better equip yourself to make other people happier, as well. ⁠
⁠
IT’S NOT SELFISH TO TRY TO BE HAPPY… ⁠
HAPPINESS is your BIRTHRIGHT!⁠
⁠
With all my love. B.⁠

Facts about Happiness you might want to know...

Happiness takes work. Happy people are taken for granted because they are thought of as  naturally happy people or born happy, yet upbeat people have to work at being resilient, bouncing back, rising above, and staying positive. The outside world only sees the happy person and not the effort behind the scenes, so positive people don’t receive credit for creating their sunshine-like dispositions. “Happiness is a work ethic. You have to train your brain to be positive, just like you work out your body,”

what can I do to make sure I'm becoming the best version of myself_BLOGbyBIMAKO

Happy people are overlooked. If happy people are thought to be in selfish pursuit of their own fulfillment and pleasure, consider that the happy person often goes unnoticed. “No one is careful of (a happy person’s) feelings or tries to keep his spirits high,” Rubin says. “Because happy people seem self-sufficient, they become a cushion for others.”  The happy person is expected to lift others up.

Happiness doesn’t mean you lack empathy. Just because your smile lights up a room, doesn’t mean you are blind to the suffering going on in the world. You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness to show the world you are compassionate. “Just as eating your dinner doesn’t help starving children in India; being blue yourself doesn’t help unhappy people become happier,” Rubin says. In fact, happier people are better equipped to demonstrate their empathy and help people because their emotional tanks are full.  “When I’m feeling happy, I find it easier to notice other people’s problems. I have more energy to try to take action and I have the emotional wherewithal to tackle sad or difficult issues, and I’m not as preoccupied with myself. I feel more generous and forgiving,” Rubin says. There will always be tragic stories happening in the world, but empathy is better expressed with giving back and good deeds, than giving up your happiness in a show of support.

Happy people give back.  Happy people are more interested in social problems, more likely to do volunteer work and contribute to charity, according to Gallup Well-being polls. While unhappy people tend to socially withdraw and focus on themselves, happy people turn outward and are more available to help others. And when people give back it only enhances their happiness, says Harvey McKinnon, a nonprofit fundraising expert and author of The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All. “People are hard-wired to give, and when people give to others, it makes them feel better.” Turns out, one of the best ways to get happy in the first place is to do a selfless act—help other people be happy. Rubin calls it a splendid truth: “The best way to make yourself happy is to make others happy, and the best ways to make other people happy, is to be happy yourself.”

It occurs to me, that it’s quiet important to care & fill our own “cup” first… just because of the fact that no-one can pour from an empty cup!  so you want to make a difference in this world, care about yourself. Then… only then… you will be able to give  to others from a healthy and abundant place!

with all my love, Birgit

You got questions? Click this link and send me a message.

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How to calm down the s#%t

Leave a Comment / by Birgit M. Okoro /
blog by mrs.bimako

Retrain your brain for a calmer life

We live in fast-paced times.

You could say stress is part of our daily life! Everyone has to cope with it. And most of the time we master the challenges of everyday life with flying colours, don’t we?

But do you know those moments when you don’t know where your head is anymore and you have the feeling “this will never change. It will stay like this forever”. These are the moments when we have “just had enough”. Hand on heart: Does this sound like someone you know?

 If you feel so stressed-out that you are overwhelmed trying to cope, anxious or even panic about your to-do list… then take a closer look at the following 7 strategies to retrain your brain and learn how to handle stress better & stay calm under any kind of pressure.

Did you know? Stress & Pressure can put the body into “fight or flight” mode – an age-old tactic you probably have heard about. However, this evolutionary process releases hormones that prepare the body for either “fight or flight” mode, to get you ready to either fight or run from danger. In this day and age, our massive daily stress triggers these fight or flight hormones…. even when we are not faced with life-threatening situations. Okay, to us it may feel like our life depends on giving that presentation at work… I know situations like this… But let’s be honest… it’s not holding exactly the same amount of danger as facing a wild sabre-toothed tiger…. is it?

So if we often feel anxious or even panicky, it could be an indication that our fight or flight mode is probably triggered too easily. In this case, wouldn’t it be helpful  to learn how to calm yourself down when you’re entering this state?

7 tips
how you can calm down under any kind of pressure

TAKE A DEEP BREATH … OR TWO

Breathing deeply and slowly triggers the body to stop releasing stress hormones and start to relax. Focusing on your breath can also help to distract your mind from whatever is bothering you so that you focus only on what is happening at the present moment…either around you, nor inside of you.

A wise man once said: ” If you are in your head, you are dead”. Well, it’s a little bit dramatic… but you may see the point of truth in there. If we are not aware what’s happening around us and – instead- are wrapped up in our To-Do-Lists and worries, then we are only functioning… then we are not really living at all. 

Let’s start practicing how to be more present and focus on our breathing, right away. Here is a simple but very effective exercise:

Close your eyes. Relax your shoulders and your lower jaw! Breathe in deeply through your nose –  all the way into your belly and not just your chest. Hold for a moment and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Take a few minutes just to breathe deeply. Inhale – Exhale – Repeat.  After some time you should find yourself feeling much calmer.

If you like I have written down my “3 best practice tips to tap into the present moment easily”. Just click here to have a look at the little article.

GO FOR A WALK IN NATURE

Exercise is just as important as sleep when it comes to keeping stress in check and dealing with external pressure. Exercise prompts the body to release those “feel good” hormones that help you to clear your mind. 

If you’re under pressure at work, just five minutes of fresh air and a change of scenery could help you to feel calmer and gain a new perspective on the situation – you’ll probably realise it’s not a case of life or death anyway.

If you’d like to read more about the benefits of a “Walk Outside” click here to find out how a walk outside can boost your health AND your success.

 

PRACTISE GRATITUDE 

Staying grateful for everything you have in your life – no matter how small – can keep things in perspective and help you to maintain a positive attitude

Studies have shown that people who keep a daily gratitude journal have lower levels of cortisol – the hormone responsible for stress. Try taking a few minutes at the end of each day to write down 5 things you feel thankful for and see how much better it makes you feel.

Writing a gratitude journal may seem difficult at first, I know. Grap a free copy of my “Gratitude Log For Inner Peace” simply by clicking this link.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO VALUE YOU

You probably have a few people in your life who can make you feel stressed just by being around them. While it’s not always possible to cut these people out of your life entirely, when you’re under pressure try to spend more time with friends and family who are helpful, positive, and will lift you up rather than drag you down.

But most of all: allow yourself to be proud of yourself! Remember your strengths, your achievements and your worth.

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

Let’s be honest: Everything seems worse when you’ve haven’t had a good night’s sleep. Stress and anxiety can often lead to insomnia so you end up in a vicious cycle – not being able to sleep and then feeling worse because you haven’t had enough sleep.

Make sleep a priority, especially if you’re under a lot of pressure. Create a sleep routine, that helps you to calm down. What about creating a spa like bedtime routine that helps you to relaxe? Probably you are the typ of person that enjoys guided meditations that help you to drift into sleep! OR you need a quick but exhausting yoga sequence to kick off our day.

Whatever it is that fits you most: Keep your mind clear and set an intention to have 8 hours of delicious sleep tonight. Unplug from all devices about 1 hour before you sleep.

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

Always imagining the worst case in every scenario is clinically known as catastrophic thinking and can increase anxiety and feelings of panic.

Rather than dwelling on negative aspects or outcomes, try to spend a few moments thinking positively. If your bathroom has flooded and you have to replace all the flooring, for example, this could be a very stressful situation. Yet try to focus on the fact that it gives you the opportunity to update and renovate, and the repairs should be covered by your insurance.

Staying optimistic allows your brain to avoid stress and stay calm.

Are you struggling being positive? Are you facing negative self-talk? Wait a minute. I’ve got something for you: click here to grab a free copy of my “POSITIVE MINDSET CHEATSHEET”.

PAUSE AND MEDITATED

Meditation has been proven to reduce stress and influence your brain waves over time so you can manage your emotions better and stay calm when you need to most.

If you think meditation is all about sitting cross-legged for hours and chanting “om”, you couldn’t be further from the truth – even a few minutes of sitting quietly and concentrating on your breathing is a beneficial form of meditation. You can also try apps like Headspace or 7Mind.

Personally I love guided meditations. You can easily find quiet a lot on YouTube and choose the ones that fit your needs! Click this link, to get to a free “Guided Meditation To Relax Your Mind and Release Stress” by amazing Merissa Peer. Or listen to this one … it’s a guided meditation for relaxation, positive energy and creativity by Mindvalley.

 

 

You can’t control what life will throw at you next, but you can learn to cope with pressurised situations and deal with stress in a healthy way.

Making an effort to practise some of these strategies the next time you feel under pressure can help you to feel calm and able to deal with any situation.

with all my love, Birgit

You got questions? Click this link and send me a message.

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Mastering Mindfulness: 3 Simple Practices for Busy, Deep-Thinking Women

8 Comments / by Birgit M. Okoro /

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like life is slipping through your fingers. You’re managing your career, relationships, and personal aspirations—all while feeling disconnected from the present moment. If your mind is constantly wandering, jumping from to-do lists to future plans, you’re not alone. But what if you could reclaim that sense of calm and presence, even amid the chaos?

A wise man once said, “If you’re in your head, you’re dead.” While this might sound dramatic, it touches on an essential truth: if you’re constantly caught up in your thoughts, you’re missing out on life itself. As a high performer, you’re likely always thinking ahead, solving problems, and planning your next move. But being present is a form of power—it’s where clarity, creativity, and true connection live.

The good news? You don’t need to meditate for hours a day to cultivate mindfulness. In fact, you can start today with these three simple, yet powerful, practices to tap into the present moment.

#1. Focus on Your Breath to Anchor Yourself

When your thoughts are pulling you in a million directions, your breath is always there as a natural anchor to the present moment. By focusing on your in-breath and out-breath, you bring your attention to the here and now—calming your mind and centering your emotions.

Try this: Take 1-2 minutes during the day to practice belly breathing. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and place a hand on your belly. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your belly rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. This simple practice can create a profound sense of stillness.

Even if… your day feels overwhelming, just a few intentional breaths can ground you, helping you step back into your tasks with more clarity and focus.

#2. Engage Your Senses to Break the Cycle of Overthinking

It’s easy to get lost in thought, especially when you’re busy. One of the most effective ways to snap back into the present is to engage your senses. When you focus on what’s happening around you—what you can see, hear, and feel—you disrupt the mental loop of overthinking and root yourself in the now.

Try this: During everyday activities like walking or drinking coffee, engage your senses fully. What do you see? What can you hear around you? How does the texture of your clothes feel against your skin? Bringing your attention to these small sensory details shifts your awareness from your head to the world around you.

Even if… your mind is racing, grounding yourself in your senses can create a quick shift, allowing you to step out of the mental noise and into the peace of the moment.

#3. Surround Yourself with Present People to Elevate Your Mindfulness

Mindfulness can also be learned by spending time with people who are naturally present. These individuals exude calm, clarity, and a deep sense of connection, which can inspire you to bring more of that into your life.

Try this: Reflect on the people in your life who have a grounding presence. Spend more time with them or even observe how they stay present in moments of stress. You can also immerse yourself in the teachings of mindful thinkers like Eckhart Tolle. His works like “Stillness Speaks” and “The Flowering of Consciousness” are perfect for deepening your understanding of presence.

If you don’t have someone in your immediate circle, listen to guided meditations or watch videos of people who embody this quality. The tone of their voice and their demeanor can be incredibly grounding, helping you internalize that energy.

The Power of Small Moments

Being present in your life takes practice, and no one expects you to stay present all the time. The key is to start small. Set aside 15 minutes today—whether while washing the dishes, meditating, or even walking in nature. Notice how those small moments of presence begin to ripple into the rest of your day.

For me, walking in nature is one of my favorite ways to stay grounded. Cooking and baking also bring me into the present, allowing me to focus fully on the task at hand. Even simple activities like reading a book or relaxing with a cup of coffee can anchor me in the moment and clear the mental clutter.

What about you? What’s your favorite way to tap into the present moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!

PS: Ready to Dive Deeper?

If you’re struggling to stay present or feel disconnected from the now, maybe it’s time we had a conversation. Let’s work together to bring more mindfulness and clarity into your life. Reach out to me via email or drop a comment below.

Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram @MrsBimako for more insights on mindfulness, balance, and personal growth. You can also check out these related articles:

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How to Journal for Deeper Clarity, Emotional Balance & Lasting Productivity

Leave a Comment / by Birgit M. Okoro /

How many times have swirling thoughts distracted you from being present, or ideas slipped away before you could capture them? For a brilliant, deep-thinking woman like you, clarity and focus often feel elusive, lost amidst the endless noise of daily life. But what if you could quiet that mental chaos and tap into a deeper sense of self, purpose, and productivity—all with just a journal?

Let me tell you something I’ve learned: Journaling is not just about productivity, it’s about reclaiming the fragmented parts of yourself and finding peace amidst the busyness. A journal becomes a space where your thoughts, worries, dreams, and discoveries find order. It’s your tool for processing emotions and refocusing your energy.

Why Journaling Matters… Especially for You:
As a sensitive, high-performing woman, you carry so much within you—your ideas, your responsibilities, your doubts, your aspirations. It’s no wonder you often feel overwhelmed. That’s why journaling can be a lifesaver. It’s not about perfection or writing every day. It’s about creating space for YOU, a safe place to explore your inner world and free up mental bandwidth for clarity and growth.

Here’s how journaling has helped my clients reclaim balance, clarity, and personal empowerment:

It Uncovers A-ha Moments
You know those moments when you say something out loud, and suddenly it all clicks? Journaling does the same thing. When you put your thoughts onto paper, it’s like your mind finally has the space to connect the dots. One of my clients, an ambitious businesswoman, found that her greatest insights came not from meetings but from her quiet journaling time. It allowed her to find solutions she hadn’t even considered.

It Grounds You and Reduces Chaos
When life feels like a whirlwind of to-do lists and pressures, journaling offers a calming counterbalance. Writing slows you down, helping you breathe and process your thoughts. George, imagine having a space where the mental clutter can finally settle, and from that stillness, you regain your focus.

It’s a Powerful Tool for Emotional Clarity
Journaling isn’t just about productivity—it’s about self-discovery. As someone who feels deeply, you need an outlet to process those emotions. When you write about your challenges, it helps you shine a light on your fears and frustrations, allowing them to diminish. One of my clients told me her journal became her “emotional sanctuary,” a place where she could untangle her thoughts and find peace. I believe it can be the same for you.

How to Start Journaling for Clarity and Productivity: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Your Intention
What do you want from journaling? Is it clarity, emotional balance, or strategic planning? Setting an intention connects your journaling practice with your bigger “why.” George, what do you seek from this? Inner calm? Focus? Setting an intention helps transform journaling into a meaningful practice.

Step 2: Choose Your Format
Digital or paper? Fancy notebook or loose-leaf paper? Pick the format that feels good to you. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way—just a way that works best for YOU.

Step 3: Create Your Writing Ritual
Find a peaceful space where you can journal undisturbed. It’s your time. Whether it’s sipping your favorite tea or retreating to a quiet nook, create an environment that feels nurturing.

Step 4: Write Consistently… But Without Pressure
Start with five to ten minutes a day. Don’t worry about what to write; just start. Even writing, “I don’t know what to write” opens up the space for something deeper to emerge. Trust that the words will come, and let the process unfold.

4 Journaling Prompts for Emotional Clarity & Personal Growth

  • What made me feel grounded and connected today?
  • What lessons did today’s challenges teach me about myself?
  • How do I want to show up tomorrow, and why is that important to me?
  • What am I grateful for that brought me peace and joy today?

The Key Takeaway for You
Your journal isn’t just a tool for productivity; it’s a gateway to self-awareness, personal growth, and emotional clarity. Over the next 30 days, give yourself the gift of journaling. Let it be your space to reclaim your fragmented energy, and guide yourself back to a place of inner wholeness and clarity.

Ready to get started?
Start today with just one question: “What do I need in this moment to feel more grounded and present?” From there, let your journaling practice unfold as a sacred time for reconnection.

Connect with me on Instagram @MrsBimako for more tips on journaling, self-care, and personal growth. Or share your thoughts with me below—I’d love to hear about your journaling journey!

with all my love, MrsBimako

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How to Have More Free Time (no matter how busy you think you are)

1 Comment / by Birgit M. Okoro /

Think back to grade school.

Do you remember that delicious moment when the final bell would ring, marking the end of the school day? The excitement of racing home to relax or meeting friends for after-school activities?

As children, we embraced our free time with so much joy—it was almost sacred. But somewhere along the way, as school desks were replaced with work desks, our “free time” became more about what we have to do rather than what we want to do.

Our society glorifies productivity, which can create a stigma around free time. As adults, we have more responsibilities, but does that really mean we should lose the excitement and joy that comes with free time? Why do we feel so guiltywhen we’re not working, even in our downtime?

Is It Really About "Too Little Time"?

The truth is, most of my clients— just like everybody else —actually have “enough” free time. But they don’t feel like they do. The reason? They never feel truly “at leisure.” And I’ve been there too.

We get trapped in the treadmill of our own thinking, and it steals the joy out of any free moment we have.

Our culture values productivity, but that same productivity can also pile on a lot of pressure. When I was raising my daughter alone, I felt guilty at work for not being with her, and guilty at home for not thinking about work. Even self-care felt like another task on my to-do list, and that stressed me out even more.

Do you ever feel that way? Does your mind keep racing, thinking about the next thing, even when you try to relax?

Overthinking Is the Real Time Thief

Let me give you an example: I once had a client who spent most of his free time thinking about his work problems. When I asked him about it, he felt guilty for not spending even more time thinking about them! He believed that by overthinking, he would find a solution. But in reality, he was only getting stuck, missing out on time with his family, and losing perspective.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re constantly overthinking your problems, but it’s just making you feel more overwhelmed?

Overthinking is the most unproductive way to solve any problem. It’s like walking east in search of a sunset—no matter how hard you try, you’re not going to get there.

The Power of Letting Go

So what do I do when I catch myself overthinking a problem? I completely let go of it. I take a deep breath, clear my mind, and get present. And after some time—when I’ve almost forgotten about the problem—the best idea on how to solve it comes from within.

Have you ever experienced that? Maybe while you’re in the shower, washing the dishes, or scrolling through your Instagram feed? It’s in those quiet moments that clarity often appears.

Think of it like clearing muddy water: you don’t try to force the mud to settle—you let it rest. The water becomes clear on its own, and so will your mind if you give it space.

The Benefits of Free Time

Studies show that free time is not only good for you—it’s essential. Free time is linked to a healthier immune system, reduced stress, and even a longer life. It also helps you develop a deeper sense of self and self-efficacy, which is your belief in your own ability to handle life’s challenges.

If you need more reasons why sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a break, here are four:

#1: Free Time Empowers You

Free time doesn’t have to mean lying on the sofa (though no judgment if it does!). The most beneficial free time is when it’s mentally engaging. Whether it’s cooking, playing an instrument, or doing something creative like knitting, the point is to do something you enjoy.

And here’s the bonus: the skills you develop out of interest can improve your skills at work. In fact, over 80% of employers say creativity is one of the most important qualities they look for in the workplace.

Do you ever feel guilty for taking time to do things just for you? What if you saw it as an investment in your own creativity and growth?

#2: Free Time Energizes You

Did you know that leisure activities bring about a kind of positive stress called “eustress”? This type of stress engages you and helps you find your flow—that state where you’re so engrossed in what you’re doing that you lose track of time.

So, the next time you feel uninspired at work, try taking a break. Go for a walk, sit in nature, journal, or dance to your favorite song. Refocusing your energy on something playful will help you return to your tasks with a fresh perspective.

#3: Free Time Reduces Emotional Stress

Leisure activities have been shown to reduce physical symptoms of stress, like high blood pressure, and they can also reduce emotional stress. When you step out of your routine, it interrupts the cycle of overthinking and anxiety.

Make free time a priority—even if it’s just once a week. Put down your to-do list and do something spontaneous and fun, just for you. You’ll feel your stress levels drop, and your mind will be clearer for the long term.

#4: Free Time Boosts Your Social Network

Try swapping a solo activity for something more social. It could be a cooking class, dance group, or book club. When you engage in activities that interest you, you naturally meet people with shared values and build a stronger social network.

Surrounding yourself with people you genuinely connect with makes you feel more supported and resilient. And a solid social network buffers against stress, leaving you more optimistic in the face of challenges.

Investing in Your Leisure Is Investing in Yourself

When you invest in your leisure time, you’re investing in your own growth and well-being. Exploring interests outside of work reminds you that it’s never too late to try something new, and it fosters a growth mindset, making you feel more resilient and capable.

What’s one thing you could do today to carve out some intentional free time?
Enjoy your free time—you’ve earned it!

PS: Ready to Dive Deeper?

Connect with me on Instagram @MrsBimako for more insights on balancing success with inner peace, or check out these related articles to continue your journey:

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