In coming to terms with who I am as an introvert, semi-anti-social, “fragile creature” (as my husband calls me) and general recluse with ups and downs, I should have known that from my extreme up-state last week there would be a down this week.
Although maintaining a regular work out schedule definitely helps with the moods, the extra yoga sessions that involve interacting with people have taken an energetic toll on me. Actually, when I look back at how I managed to work full-time teaching with meetings, etc. I do wonder if I am being a bit of a wimp these days.
My answer to this is that we have a bit more stress on our shoulders these days, which makes my energy get used up faster and less efficiently as it used to. Also, I think that I would have more rest days when I had a regular schedule, whereas now I really do not have a “day off” during the week. While I try to take half days throughout the week, it really is not the same.
Therefore, I have been listening to my body (has this phrase become cliche?) and not gone to the gym this week. Part of it is Aunt Flo, when we women should basically not do too much anyway since our cycles make us out of whack anyway and so taking it easy helps to keep the body and mind stable. Part of it is also that I am borderline on the down cycle of my ups and downs, so taking some time to keep to myself definitely helps to keep me from continuing downward unnecessarily.
While a part of me could beat myself up for not going to the gym or being lazy, another part of me sticks up for myself by saying – these goals that I made are just for me anyway. Who is affected by me not going to the gym? Me. Who is affected by me taking time off? Me. Thus, despite possibly being a cliche, I am listening to what I need and am comfortable with knowing that my choices affect only me in the end. If my six-pack comes a bit later, that is okay, especially if it means I am happier in the long run.
So, I have been resting, sleeping, chilling out at home and keeping to myself whenever not in a lesson. It has been good and I feel now that it is just past mid-week I will be ready for the upcoming full weekend of yoga training and socializing. 😜
~T 😀
