We are not machines. It’s one of those facts that holds more meaning each day, especially as we are starting to rely on machines for almost everything.

However, as humans we have limitations that machines don’t. Bodies need food, water, rest, and safety to be able to function properly. Throughout the day and year our hormones change, and we often react to the seasons too. There will be times when we can lock in and focus entirely on our projects, and then there are times when we must rest or our bodies will force us to do so.

As a woman, this is pretty apparent monthly as the cycle chugs through its various stages. There are times when I feel invincible, where everything is flowing perfectly. Then there are weeks when I’m cranky, tired, mentally foggy and generally a bit miserable. Frustrating as this can be, the menstrual cycle is a forcible reminder to rest. You can try to resist it, but your body doesn’t always care about what you’re thinking. Sometimes it’s just time to lie down.

Recently on my writing journey I have been focused on posting to my blog daily. I was doing really well for a while there, but then it all hit me like a truck, and I crashed. Frustrated, I tried desperately to keep going, pushing on so I could keep my momentum, but it was a doomed endeavour from the start. You can’t force square pegs into round holes, and this mission was much the same.

Burnout comes from lots of different aspects of your life, and between my own body, work, university, the daily chores, my own hobbies and projects, I am feeling a little cooked. At first I was annoyed with myself for feeling this way. But that’s the trap, right?

We can’t be productive all day every day. That’s simply not how humans are designed. We are big old mammals who need a lot of food and rest to maintain our brains and bodies. I mean, bears don’t feel guilty for hibernating or lazing around. That’s just part of their life. So, why do we beat ourselves up for requiring the very necessities that keep us alive?

Unfortunately, our world is not really designed to allow us the time we need to rest. We must work to maintain the capitalist machine, right? That’s why they want to replace us all with machines too, because they don’t require such pesky things as rest or pay for their labour.

It’s a shame to see the world trending in this direction, and it traces back to our inability, or perhaps lack of desire to value humans and their output. No one really wants to be human any more, and it’s killing us all.

Now, I didn’t want this to turn into a big ole’ negative post, but I think it’s important to think about what’s really going on here. These factors are all at play in this situation, but we can’t still find little ways to rebel against the system forced upon us. Rest is rebellion, and by allowing yourself the time you need to recuperate, you will be able to use your energy and brain space much better anyway.

I believe that when we are at our best, everyone is better for it. Don’t allow yourself to become your second priority in life! Listen to your body when it needs a break and give yourself the space and grace it needs. The work will always be there when you return.

Some ideas for you to rest up, recover or reconnect with your body:

• Body massage
• Facial
• Hair wash and cut
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Nap
• Drink a herbal or fruit tea with health benefits
• Make a golden soup broth – veggies, herbs and spices.
• Meditate
• Pray
• Journal to get your thoughts out of your head
• Meet with a friend or loved one
• Walk to a park and sit on the grass for a while (negative ions)

I’m getting better at incorporating these more and more into my life, but it’s not always easy, cheap, or possible. Life happens, there’s no doubt about that, but we must not forget to prioritise ourselves too.

When we look after our bodies and minds and keep ourselves functioning at our best, we are better able to help others too.