How many times have you felt the pull to keep going when your body begged you to rest? If you’re anything like me, the answer is probably too many. Hustle culture is the norm in our society. Busy is worn as a badge of honor.
I know busy and hustle all too well. It's 100% my default setting. Is this a habit I've learnt from my childhood, society, the stories I've been telling myself over the years? I don't know, probably. No matter where it came from, the only way is forward and creating new habits. New habits take time. A big part of being able to create new habits is learning to be still and in that stillness comes self-awareness. It's learning to recognise the difference between what we want to do and what our bodies need. It's learning to pay attention to the quiet signals our bodies are sending when we need to rest and to slow down. Often we are in love with what we are doing, I know I am, and I become so motivated and so focused that I don't want to stop. I have goals to achieve, rest can seem like a waste of precious time. It takes a big mindset shift to change this way of thinking.
The Art of Self-Awareness
Recognizing the difference between our wants and needs is an ongoing practice. It’s not easy to tell yourself, “I need to rest,” when every part of you feels like you should be doing more. But that’s where the real art comes in—learning to discern those signals through self-awareness.
Every day offers a new opportunity to notice what your body is telling you, and sometimes it’s as simple as asking yourself: What do I really need today, and then making space for that. It's not about neglecting the things that are urgent and important, this can increase stress in the long-run: rather, it's being aware of not taking on more than is necessary if you are already feeling depleted.
A Simple Slow-Down Ritual for Everyday Stress
If you’ve ever felt that tug-of-war between needing to rest and wanting to push forward, I want to share a simple ritual that helps me reset and recharge, particularly during busy or stressful times.
1. Create Space for Stillness
Pick a moment in your day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. This is your time. Find a comfortable space, close your eyes, and let yourself be still. Focus on your breathing, allowing each inhale to be a little deeper, and each exhale a little slower. I find after these moments of stillness, I am better able to differentiate between what actually needs to be done, and what is just busywork.
2. Tune into Your Body’s Signals
As you breathe, pay attention to any areas of tension, fatigue, or discomfort. Where is your body asking for attention? Notice the difference between how you feel physically and mentally. Is there a disconnect between what you’re pushing through and what your body needs? Maybe you need to stretch things out, long and slow. Maybe you need a long, warm, restful bath. A tense body is also a tense mind. They are intrinsically linked.
3. Soothe with Magnesium
If you have time for a bath, add some of our nurturing magnesium bath salts. Bathing in magnesium has been shown to relax muscles, calm the nervous system, and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. For all other times our magnesium oil spray can ease tension throughout the day. Spray on your shoulders, neck, or feet (feet if you are just starting out). Our Magnesium Bath Salts and Oil Spray are quickly absorbed through the skin and can provide profound relief in moments of stress.
4. Reflect on What Your Body Needs
After you’ve spent time with your breath and your body, ask yourself what your body needs today. Maybe it’s more rest, maybe it’s hydration, or perhaps it’s simply slowing down your pace. Whatever it is, acknowledge the difference between what you want to do and what your body is asking for. Some days you will be firing on all cylinders and can push hard, other days you need more quite time. It's a really powerful tool when we learn to listen to what our bodies need. It means we are less likely to hit a burnout phase and in the long run the rest means we are more productive.
A Reminder to Nurture Your Needs
Nourishment isn’t just about eating well or getting enough sleep—it’s about listening to your body’s cues and responding to them with love and care. The art of paying attention to what we need grows with us, and the more we practice it, the more balanced our lives become.
Make the commitment this week to listen to what your body needs, whether it’s rest, movement, or time with loved ones. Small, mindful changes can make all the difference.
