I need to relax. I’m the type who literally doesn’t stop going until it’s time to go to sleep. Between the 8-5 job, freelancing, working out, seeing friends and family, attending networking events, running errands, traveling and volunteering, the weeks and months seem to fly by–and yet, I haven’t even had a chance to breathe. The thing is, I like being busy. Even on the weekends, I’m up and ready to go by 10 a.m. and really don’t know what to do unless I have a list or a plan in place for the day ahead. It’s no surprise that I’m not very good at going with the flow or just “winging it.”
The thing is, I’m stressed. Really stressed. I worry about everyone and everything ALL. THE. TIME. People always say “take a day for yourself”–but as funny as it may seem, I’m really just not very good at it.
And it gets worse.
Summertime is right around the corner… which means I need to be able to wear the oh-so-dreaded bathing suit. Don’t laugh, I’m serious. I absolutely love summertime. I love cooking (and eating) BBQ; going on trips with friends and family; wearing pretty sundresses; driving with the windows down and music blasting; getting my toenails painted bright, fun summer colors; drinking ice cold lemonade (spiked, preferably); going to the beach; and most of all–spending time by the pool, floating a river, lounging on a lake or swimming in the ocean. I spend nearly every weekend of the summer in a bathing suit. And let me tell you. None of this counts as relaxation to me because mostly all of these festivities are planned and facilitated by me.
So here’s my resolution for summer 2010. Not only do I need to get in bathing-suit-body mode, but I need to learn to relax. What’s the answer? You guessed it. YOGA.
Nearly a year ago, my friend Megan started going to hot yoga on a regular basis. She told me I should do it with her–I said I would but never did. Honestly, I was pretty terrified of the idea of wearing tiny clothes in a 105° room filled with complete strangers, heavy breathing and crazy positions that would most likely leave me looking like a fool after I collapse (probably breaking a few bones) from lack of coordination.
But that’s all about to end–I’m facing my fears. Starting this week, I’ll be going here. I’ll learn to hydrate like crazy, breathe and finally, RELAX. I’m really looking forward to this new experience. I’m officially committing myself to taking some “me” time every once in a while (the goal is at least three times a week).
Plus, that bathing suit better look good this summer. Real good.
- L
