When you better understand your own body’s response to different weather situations, you can find a good rhythm for balancing rest and activity and making the most of what each day brings. Whether that is a brisk walk in the fall while you enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, or a rainy day in spring where you take the time to rest and be thankful for new growth, in each and every season, there are unique ways to rest. Going along with these natural changes can bring out the best in you while also increasing your appreciation for what each new day brings.

Think back again to the mountain analogy. Not many hikers set out to just reach the summit without stopping. Instead, they plan for breaks along the way. They pack snacks and take breaks, enjoying the beauty around them as they climb.

When you see someone who looks really fit at the gym, the last thing you are likely to consider is that they may be engaged in addictive behavior right in front of your eyes.

Once I finished one exam, I had to start studying for the next one. And if by some miracle I didn’t have to start studying for a few more days, there was a presentation to crank out or another time-eating assignment.

Confession: I didn’t learn how to truly say “No” until I was well into adulthood. Oh I said no to the big things or easy things. When I was sick enough that I was actually feverish or throwing up for example.

For various reasons, however, I haven’t had the opportunities to make those dreams a reality yet. That doesn’t mean that I can’t soak up some of the benefits of a getaway like that right in my own home though. 

Every single month, my body sends me a signal that I need to slow down. Yes, I’m referring to my menstrual cycle. This cycle is biologically necessary in the bodies of mature females if life as we know it is going to continue.

Estrangement wasn’t what I ever wanted. I certainly never imagined that I would go years without speaking to my own mother. Without her speaking to or seeing her grandchildren. And  yet, here we were.

Most of us have many different kinds of people or friends we know who represent a vast array of personalities, habits, and unique characteristics. Perhaps you have that one friend you know you can call on when things in your life are really challenging.

When I pull it indoors, the tree is still full of leaves; gorgeous and green. However, after about a week inside away from the sun, the leaves start to turn brown and fall off.

If you want to start caring less about what others may think of you, here are a couple things you can do to begin that process. First figure out who your tribe is, who your safe people are, and then start to focus more on their feedback and less on others.

That’s the word for the feeling when you hit your limit. Know what I’m talking about? That feeling when you can’t take one more thing, when you feel like you’re about to explode. We might know it more commonly as being overwhelmed.

My family vacations are interesting. Vacation implies that rest will be had. Family vacation implies that we will be spending a whole week, just the six of us, doing everything together. When we were younger, by the end of the week, we were ready to not see each other for at least a few days.

What is it that makes resting so hard? Is it the fact that we feel we’re letting others down? I think it is. I know whenever I get sick there’s a complicated reaction that takes place in my gut.

We often hear people say, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” or “I have XYZ still to do, I’ll sleep when that’s done.” We can easily neglect one of the biggest things our bodies need, and it may be that sometimes we just forget how important it is. 

But, not all of us view breaks the same. For some of us, it may be harder to take breaks than others. Some personalities have a running list in their head of what needs to get done and have to fight against the voice telling them they can’t rest until everything is complete and in its place.

What if we each made it a goal in life to ask more questions? Can you imagine what a powerful tool that would be for shaping… well, literally everything? If we asked our neighbors more thoughtful questions, we might be able to see challenges they’re facing that we couldn’t see before.

In one study, researchers found that high heat levels raise your heart rate just enough to give it a gentle workout. The same study found positive anti-inflammatory and blood sugar responses, two of the body's signals that relate to illness or infection.

It was a gift of a whole day. One that I would not have to spend in school waiting for the hours to pass by, but instead, I could go back to sleep, read a favorite book, play a game, go sledding or play in the snow, or just get cozy on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a favorite movie to watch.

When you hear the word “vacation,” what do you think about? Laying on the warm beach, listening to the waves with a book in hand? Hiking through the mountains on a brisk morning?