As you can imagine, I am running around like a PSYCHO.
Per usual, I overcommitted myself work-wise & wedding-wise…at the last minute. I know. This is the song that never ends. But honestly, these past two weeks have been CRAZY. So much so in fact that I had to take a step back.
Wait. Let me explain.
Last week I just felt overwhelmed. Tired. Lethargic. Exhausted. Pooped.
Basically, I was burning the candle at both ends.
Hey, we’ve all been there. There’s nothing special about feeling exhausted. Everyone burns out from time to time. The difference this time, though, was the way I decided to deal with it.
Nothing happens to you, you create your surroundings & I was creating a chaotic setting. You’re in charge of your life & it was time I addressed the elephant in the room. Because normally with everything going on, I’d sweep it under the rug.
Really though guys I’m like that dog who’s in a house that’s burning down in flames & his convo balloon says: I’M FINE.
Typically, I’d power through. Write that extra post. Shoot that extra content. Stay up until 3 AM. Make it work.
Not this time.
This time was different.
My body was telling me to rest. IT WAS SAYING ENOUGH. Step back, breath, & rest.
I needed mental clarity.
Has your brain ever felt like there are a million and one things to do and you can’t get ahead? Yes. We’ve all been there.
So I decided to cut myself a break & STOP.
Ultimately, I need to be healthy.
This realization allowed me to see the need for some serious mental clarity: more sleep, more reading, more resting, & SWEAT & STRETCH.
One night, I was supposed to do a huge blog post. Instead, I randomly ended up on a mat.
I gave myself a break. I wasn’t feeling posting content that night. I was feeling a need to connect with myself, alone.
Anyway, for some reason, while sweating, I got emotional.
It was almost some kind of release; you know?
My body was craving a quiet place with meditation and no work, phone, or human interaction. I needed to sit with my thoughts.
Since then I am feeling clear headed because I’ve made it a point to take time for myself and SWEAT/STRETCH.
Another cool epiphany was the realization that sweating is really not about losing weight or even toning up. It’s about your mind too. If you’re going to take care of your job and your relationship and your body – why wouldn’t you take care of your mind?
I wrote a reminder by my bed. Just a note to myself that reminds me every day to take care of my mind. To keep it sharp. There’s nothing weak about taking an hour of the day to work on your mind. In my opinion, it actually requires a lot of strength. Setting time aside for yourself to recharge is one of the best things you can do for yourself AND EVERYONE around you.
So that’s where I’m at.
Of course, I’m excited to get married & cultivate a beautiful life with Michael. It’s just really nice to go into one of the biggest decisions of your life with a clear head.
Mental clarity is key.
On that note, can we discuss this outfit? It’s kind of my workout go-to. Especially the heather gray zip up. Purple has been the theme around here lately. For some reason I love it. Heather gray & purple together are really the ideal combo – there’s something about the colors that complement each other in the best way. This getup is from Lululemon. What I like about Lululemon is it holds you in in all the right places, you know? Their stuff is always sturdy. I’ve been wearing these scalloped leggings for the past 3 days ( so SUE ME ).
Alright! We are now in Cabo nailing down details for Saturday. I hope you’ll all follow along on Snapchat because then it will be like you’re celebrating with us? Username is @laurynevarts. Fun!
Until next time, lauryn x
+ huge THANK YOU to Jordan who busted my balls to take a moment for myself – LOVE YOU!
++ gold water bottle here.
{ photos }
Shop the Post:
Love the purple yoga gear <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
I can’t get enough of this combination right now! xx
I love this! When I finished marathon training I was completely at a loss of what to do with myself, plus also massively burnt out from a. marathon training and b. the celebration that followed! I love Frame workout studios in London and their motto is “Move your frame” so I adopted that as my motto- whether that be climbing, yoga, taking a walk round the block, or going for a run; I was going to do something gentle every day to get my body moving! It’s had such a good impact on my mental health- just being able to get a tiny dose of self-care in every day. I love your attitude to it!
I love that concept! It’s so important to just move. It doesn’t need to be a giant workout. Just do something! Thanks for the support Pippa : ) xx
Enjoy this special time girl!!
Thanks so much babe! xx
NEEDED TO HEAR THIS. have you read present over perfect or the gifts of imperfection? it really gets down to the heart of this post, and i think you would like them.
Great suggestions Leslie I will definitely check them out! xx
Love your post! Physical and mental clarity is key. What are your shoes? Love the all white.
I’m so glad that you took a step back! I’ve been seeing more snaps of you doing yoga lately and that’s good. You are one busy girl! Hope you can relax and enjoy your wedding! 🙂
Yoga has been SUCH a game-changer for me this time around. Thanks so much Virjinia! xx
Lauren, you hit the nail on the head with this one!! I’ve been struggling with the same things (minus the engagement/wedding planning), but I’ve found it SO helpful to just take a couple minutes to chill, stretch, sweat and be alone with your thoughts. I’ve been loving my yoga sessions and have tried squeezing them in whenever I can. There’s something so cleansing about sweating your ass off in a hot yoga class, and you feel so refreshed and rejuvenated after.
Yoga has been a HUGE help for me recently. I totally get it now. Thanks for following along Cori! xx
Love the Lulu gear! I have their running pants with the pockets on the sides and LIVE in them! Also love your blog, definitely inspired me to start my own! 🙂
Love the Lulu gear! I have their running pants with the pockets on the sides and LIVE in them! Also love the blog, inspired me to write my own 🙂
I totally feel you, Lauryn! I’ve been full of ruts galore this year and it makes me less & less active and I’ve noticed a direct correlation on my mood. I’ve been stretching more in the evening before bed and that helps. Like you said, just stepping back and just getting outside of yourself can be so necessary & beneficial!Those scalloped leggings are adorable and soooo TSC! I love it & an early congrats on your wedding!!! So stoked to follow along. PS – Drop Bottles are the besssst!! x
Such an exciting and overwhelming time! I remember I was just like you during the final weeks prior to my wedding. Glad to read you are giving your mind / body that much needed break. We all need that alone time to reboot and refresh.
Good job being kind to yourself & showing compassion. You are SO successful and you have to stay at the top of your game to continuing doing so. Hope you are feeling more relaxed : )
http://www.hyggewellness.com/blog
Loved reading this. SO glad to hear you are calm collected and all present – I can imagine this time is so hectic for you – BUT SO EXCITING.
Love the purple.
xoxo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
I love the yoga outfit!
What bra are you wearing in these yoga pics? Are you really wearing one of the lululemon sports bras you posted in “Shop this post” because their sports bras usually flatten out the girls… and yours looks round and perfect!
“Ultimately, I need to be healthy.” This is the most important thing in life after all, isn’t it? To be physically and mentally healthy. Because without these two, we wouldn’t be able to make any of the thinks we love in life.
Swaet and stretch! True it’s good to stay classy and healthy despite of our busy day. Stay being a healthy working momma. Maintaining our posture is also a good habit despite of your busy life at work and at home. Read details on http://bit.ly/2hkiDzi
I need to be on top of my game in 2017 and start focusing on what truly matters, me! I’ve dedicated myself to my family and close friends and honestly, I’m burned out. I need a complete diet overhaul and to join a gym I like. It’s not about the pounds, it’s about being healthier, happier, more active and focused!
Is Blocks can be used for several things during yoga? can i use blocks to rest your chin on, instead of straining trying not to touch the floor?
Thanks babe! Yoga is incredible you will love : ) xx
Thanks for sharing your valuable experience.
Thanks for the support! x
Hi i am yoga trainer in delhi, i love yoga, very good post, beauty full pitchers, keep it up pretty woman.
Hi i am yoga trainer in delhi, i love yoga, beauty full pitchers, keep it up pretty woman.
Purple is a great color for everyone! It brings out the best on anyone.. also I thought u guys were married already???
Nice, I just love yoga and I love your content alot..Thanks for sharing such a wonderfull experience