I had to change my practice a bit this last week or so.

Between a 3-day migraine, an action-packed long weekend in Boston, and promoting my course—Stand Strong with the Great Yoga Wall—I needed some rest.

My body was begging for time on my bolster and Great Yoga Wall this week, rather than the vigorous and active practice I’d been doing since I returned from retreat with my teacher from India.

I’m listening and giving my body what she needs to recover from the crunch time.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not complaining at all.

I feel a deep sense of gratitude and humility for getting to travel and carry on my U.S. teacher’s legacy of sharing the amazing joy of the Great Yoga Wall.

Taking care of my body and mind HAVE to come first.

The Real Costs of Neglecting Your Self-Care

In my former life working for the U.S. government, I would have just kept on forcing myself to try to do more than is humanly possible, stealing time and energy from my future self.

Because once you burn yourself out, it doesn’t take much to put you right back into burnout, even once you’ve recovered.

Plus, if I pushed through instead of listening, I’d be out of integrity with what I teach and with basic yoga principles like Ahimsa (Non-Violence or Peace), Asteya (Truth), Brahmacharya (Moderation or Continence), and Svadhyaya (Self-Study).

If you keep going down that path, you won’t have anything left to give.

My friend, Sheila Botelho, and I sat down to talk all about rest-fueled leadership this summer on her podcast Connect with Sheila Botelho.

Sheila is a Self-Care Strategist and creator of the Seasons Self-Care App, and she knew exactly the right questions to ask.

Listen in to hear:

• My story of transitioning from a hectic career in the U.S. federal government to becoming a wellness advocate.

• How small, consistent actions can regulate your nervous system and promote mental health, including the advantages of incorporating yoga postures, meditation, and yoga philosophy into your routine, potentially enhancing brain health and reducing cognitive decline.

• The multifaceted benefits of the yoga wall, from its secure design and accessibility to its role in improving balance, building strength, and providing just the right support when you need it.

• 2 ways that feelings of worth play into the wellness industry.

• The importance of asking for help.

Preventative self-care—such as learning to listen to, move, rest, and honor your body and mind—takes on even greater importance when your pattern is to push yourself too hard.

Fast and Free Self-Care Strategies

It doesn’t cost a dime to go for a walk, take a dance break, put your legs up a wall, or take a nice long deep mindful breath (or twelve). The payback offers so much more in the long run.

If you’re thinking, “But I don’t have time to do that!” then you probably in the long run don’t have time not to.

Eventually, all that forcing and pushing will catch up to you.

Sooner or later, your body will make you listen. It might not be pretty, and it might cost you way more time and energy than if you’d avoided the stress and burnout in the first place.

When you honor your body and mind by paying attention to and giving them what they need, you stake your claim that you are worthy of taking care of yourself.

You declare a new level of personal power without having to speak a word.

You increase the impact you’re able to make, by working smarter, not harder.

You show up better for those you love and what you’re here to do in this world.

I'm here to tell you that you’re absolutely worth it.

Tune in to find new motivation, inspiration, and ideas for taking your self-care up a notch!

This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation.