You’re holding tension in places you forgot

Unclench Your Jaw. Now Unclench Your Schedule.

You’ve been gripping your to-do list, your calendar, your future. And when we grip too tightly, it creates an impatient urgency and controlling mindset.

It can be unrelenting a we become a slave to what’s next. And this robs us of enjoying the moment.

I used to think that being an “overachiever” was a good thing. 

I was a super human able to do all the things. 

I thought that it was the only way I could be “impressive” in life. My worth became equal to the length of my to-do list and how packed my calendar was.

But it was actually the source of my burnout.

I thought people would think less of me if I focused on one project, said no to something I was invited to (they want me?!?! Yes Yes!).

But at some point, I was forced to start saying no. I was running myself ragged, living on caffeine and almost no sleep.

Despite my mental denial, my physical body aged dramatically.

And I noticed my yoga practices getting slower and slower. 

My mat led me to relaxation-based flows. I was choosing oils like lavender and vetiver, indica strains, and grounding crystals. And in all of this, I realized that my entire life needed this shift.

I needed to slow down, learn to say no, put up some boundaries, and focus my energy on something I am truly passionate about (Earth Medicine Yoga).

And I started my journey by looking at my to-do list and crossing items off. I reviewed my calendar and started saying no. I released tension around my time and commitments. 

And I started pausing to breathe, and check-in with myself.

Try This

This week, try a 2-minute pause every few hours. I actually had to schedule it so I remembered to do it.

✨Drop the jaw. Maybe even move it around a little bit.

✨Breathe into the belly. A few times so you can actually relax the muscles and take in as much air as possible.

✨Cancel one thing that’s not urgent or aligned. Affirm to yourself:

I honor my energy by releasing what no longer serves. My worth is not measured by my busyness. I trust that spaciousness is sacred.

—OR—

Spaciousness is sacred. I release the rush.

✨ Gently roll your neck while humming “mmm” to release facial tension. I love doing this after crossing something off my list and reminding myself that this is what protecting my energy feels like.