Pause vs. Push

How do you know when to rest or when to push past the resistance?

You know that moment when you think you’re utterly exhausted but you’re scheduled to exercise? Well, sometimes, we genuinely need rest. Other times, we might actually be housing resistance in our bodies and that’s what’s draining our energy supply. So… what to do when you’re in this point of tension?

I was caught in this dilemma the past two days! Felt off yesterday with a lot of work to do, so I cancelled my pole lesson, even though I just had a full week of rest while in Joshua Tree. I embraced my decision and was happy with it! But then I went to bed still feeling sick, knowing I had boxing this morning. Went back and forth with the decision for an hour lol, but decided to set my alarm with the intention of going. It was important to remind myself that:

• There was no right or wrong decision
• There was no reason to feel guilty if I needed the rest
• I wouldn’t be letting anybody down
• Sometimes you just gotta go instead of overthinking!
• If I start my workout and am feeling off, I can leave
• If I do my workout and feel great, I’ll be happy I went

Step 1: identify what voice in your head has taken hold of the wheel. Is it the self-critical voice saying you should work out or you aren’t allowed to rest... or is it a voice of self-love and compassion holding you in your highest good.

Step 2: then, when in a state of self love and compassion… you can start with the end in mind… ask yourself honestly if exercise or resting will serve you best? (Maybe it can be both!) Sometimes trusting your gut and following your intuition is key!

Step 3: throughout, be curious and have an attitude of exploration and trial and error! So what if you chose one and a few minutes in you change your mind. That’s SO ok! Sometimes it’s after exercising for only a few minutes we suddenly have that burst of renewal because we’ve started to move blocked energy. We also release neurotransmitters that reverse feelings of low energy and tiredness.

Step 4: connect with a sense of effortlessness in the effort! Allow your exercise to be restorative and restful all on its own. A lot of this comes when you’re encouraging yourself mentally as opposed to beating yourself up… in whatever you chose!