Glaciers, Northern Lights and a Wellness Reality Check

After two full years of studying, testing, working, and navigating the beautiful chaos of everyday life, I finally took my first real vacation. Not a long weekend for a wedding, a graduation trip, or a visit with family; those are wonderful, but this was different. This was a full-blown, week-long getaway to someplace brand new.

No to-do list. No scheduled appointments. No productivity goals. Just rest, adventure, and space to breathe.

And here’s the truth: I had no idea how badly I needed it. When you’re in the thick of midlife, (Hello perimenopause, hormone roller coasters, and unpredictable mood swings!) stepping off the hamster wheel isn’t a just luxury. It’s a critical lifeline!

But so many of us resist the pause. We’ve been taught that rest is lazy. That slowing down means falling behind.

Here’s what I know now: stepping back gave me more clarity, energy, and direction than pushing through ever has.

Here’s what this break reinforced for me (and maybe you need to hear too):

1. Your nervous system needs a breather.

Constant busyness keeps us in “go” mode, aka “chronic stress” mode. In midlife, our bodies don’t bounce back from that like they used to. Taking time off let my system settle, which had a ripple effect on my sleep, digestion, and the constant aches in my neck and back. Not coincidentally these issues were nowhere to be found this past week. 

2. Recovery is a power tool, not a luxury.

Constant busyness keeps us in “go” mode, aka “chronic stress” mode. In midlife, our bodies don’t bounce back from that like they used to. Taking time off let my system settle, which had a ripple effect on my sleep, digestion, and the constant aches in my neck and back. Not coincidentally these issues were nowhere to be found this past week.  

3. Mental clutter is real.

I didn’t realize how loud my brain had become until I finally gave it some space. The constant background noise of decisions, deadlines, and “don’t forget to...” was draining me more than I knew. With that space, I felt my creativity coming back. Motivation, too. 

4. Wellness isn’t just what you do, it’s also what you don’t do.

Sometimes, skipping the workout, not checking emails, and not following a perfect routine is the most aligned wellness choice you can make.

If you’ve been pushing hard for a long time whether physically, mentally, emotionally, I invite you to take your own version of a break. Even if it’s a weekend. Even if it’s just one day or just an hour unplugged. Your body (and your future self) will thank you.

And if you’re like me, you might just come back clearer, stronger, and most importantly, rested!