Have you ever had a panic attack? If you have, you know how terrible it feels. If you haven’t, it’s basically the opposite of how I look in the photo above. I had one this weekend (long story), which is why I’m going to be taking the rest of this week off from posting here.
I had the idea on our road trip home from Boston yesterday. I said it out loud kind of half joking and Anel was like, “Why not?” For me, the idea of taking a break is usually more stress-inducing for me than just doing the work but this time it makes me feel super excited.
I’ve been making some major strides in my battle with anxiety, and things have been improving a lot with the help of therapy, but there was a day when I was in the midst of almost all of my triggers at the same time. I don’t see this as a set back. I see it as a lesson to watch what situations I put myself in, and to be more careful next time.
But this isn’t my first panic attack, and it probably won’t be my last. So why am I taking the time off now?
It’s nearly impossible to take a true vacation as a blogger because when we travel we get some of our best content, so I figured that a week where it’s in between seasons where I’m not traveling and won’t be doing anything all that exciting is the perfect time to catch my breath and take a break.
So what will I be doing all week?
Playing catch up: I’m majorly behind on things like my email inbox, paying some bills, making appointments (time for a teeth cleaning!) and tackling random things on my to do list.
Self care: I kind of hate this term because I think it’s overused but I also fully believe that in order to take care of other people well, you have to take care of yourself first. I’ve been overlooking that lately so I am going to make sure I actually take some time to get a pedicure or a 10 minute back massage… or both if I’m really feeling crazy.
Getting ahead: Later this week, I’ll be shooting a bunch of content for next week and will start writing posts so that I’m ahead of the game and won’t have to work over the weekend which is basically a vacation in my book. I have some ideas for posts that will take a little longer to write, so I’m excited to finally get to those.
Spring cleaning: I have a few projects like tackling the “Monica closet” in my office which is a hot mess. I just bought a little dresser to fit inside of it and am going to put up shelves because currently it’s terrifying and potentially dangerous to open haha.
I hope you have a great week and I’ll be back here next Monday! In the meantime, follow along on Instagram.
Seersucker Dress (Also comes in chambray, and is 20% off)/ Similar Blazer / Earrings c/o/ White Pumps
Seersucker Dress / Similar Blazer / Earrings c/o/ White Pumps
Photos by Julia Dags.
Good for you! Anxiety and panic attacks are no joke. Self-care is so needed an underrated. Enjoy!
Just a thought, but you may want to start meditating on a daily basis. It’s the best thing I added to my daily workout regimen. There are some great Apps that lead you through guided meditation , for example Calm and Mindspace are two good ones. Start with 3-5 min and you will soon be able to build up. You are calming your mind and reformatting your brain. I swear by it! Good luck and feel better soon. ❤️
I totally agree!!! Good luck and enjoy your time off!
Love this! I always feel bad taking time off of work when I need to do errands and stuff but in reality it’s much needed. We should be saving weekends for family and time to relax and regroup. Hope you enjoy your week~
I think it is great you are taking the week off from posting. I have had anxiety attacks in the past and found that I have them far less often if my stress level is low. I hope taking this week to focus on things other than posting will do you loads of good.
A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! Good for you for taking care of yourself so you can be at your best!! We all deserve a vaca/break!
xoxo, Jenna
Bostonchicparty.com
Good for u! Put yourself first and enjoy it. Xo
Good for you, Julia! Have a great week! Enjoy it!
I have never had a panic attack but do deal with depression & anxiety- the anxiety is the worst when I’m overwhelmed or stressed. I’ve found the only way it’s going to begin to get better is to just stop everything and take that break, so I think it’s awesome you’re taking the week off.
The “Monica” closet reference just cracked me up! Time off is so essential – enjoy it!
Julia! You need to write more about this for all of us over doers ! Self care is under rated! I am working on myself with my acupuncturist as I now believe I need the time and space to create and produce. Guilt is wicked. I’m just very good at it sadly.
Have a great week!
Patti
Good for you! Hope you have a restorative week!
I’m so glad you’re taking this time for yourself! I hope it is a great week and we’ll see you next week!
Can’t pour from an empty cup! Enjoy your week to rest and recharge. XO
It’s amazing what a difference a little time off makes. I hope you get to truly relax and recharge. Happy Monday! xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
I think this is so important and could not agree more with needing to take care of ourselves first in order to take care of others (this has especially become true for me since becoming a mom!) Hope you are also able to just relax and not even always tackle your to-do list this week 🙂
-Katie
(http://www.breakfastmomma.com)
Thank you for being so authentic! I struggle with anxiety too. Just a couple of weeks ago my husband and I had to leave dinner because I felt a panic attack coming on. It’s not an easy thing to live with and it’s so important to take care of yourself first. Have a great week off!!
It takes so much courage to know when you need a break and to give yourself one. I always want to push through when I’m starting to get overwhelmed and anxious because I don’t want anyone to see what’s happening deep down. Thank you for being so public about this. Definitely inspires me to reflect on when I need to take a step back.
Enjoy the time off and try to schedule in dolce far niente.:)
In my last semester of undergrad, I experienced panic attacks. I haven’t had any since that time six years ago. However, I know how awful and scary they can be. Take as much time as you need! We all understand.
Happy Monday
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/stud-earrings
Good for you! I hope you enjoy the week!
Girl, I HEAR YOU. Just this week I was on holiday and had full blow moments of anxiety of being away missing all the BIG STUFF that’s happening at work. Taking moments to breathe, get through and live are important. I hope you have good down time !