Do any of you find it challenging to do this? Sometimes I just want to sit back and relax but then my brain is saying NO you have this to do. You should do this now. For instance, it has to do with my homework for class. But then I can say, NO. You spent over two hours in that classroom going over math. You have to right to take a break and invest your time to relax. I am aware I have a test tomorrow on the material we are covering, so at 3:00 that is the time where I stop everything I am doing and give my full attention to my work.

How is that?

Hi Noelle,

I can certainly relate to that. I've been out of college for 6 years now. I have worked hard those 6 years, and usually talked myself out of necessary breaks to relax. I guess our strong drive to succeed and do well is part of who we are. And that's not a bad thing. What I will say though, is eventually you'll realize that whether you take a break to relax or not, really is up to you. It has little to do with your teachers, your boss, your homework, or anyone else. It's up to you how well you treat yourself. Ask yourself, do I need a break? If the answer is yes, don't ignore it. Your body is telling you what you need. Just work through the guilt. It gets easier.

I try to give myself permission to do nothing. I feel guilty about it sometimes, but to tell you the truth, I work hard, as I'm sure you do. So I deserve rewards for my efforts. Moderation is such a rarely used word in my vocabulary. But I try to live it each day so I can be successful and relaxed at the same time. Good luck to you Noelle, I know you'll find your balance.

Amber