Remember rest this summer
Your body will thank you for the gift of slowing down
Wishing you moments of ease, joy and rest this season.
It’s been an uncharacteristically hot summer in London after the warmest spring since records began and I’m writing this during the third heatwave of the past month.
At certain points, the heat makes me want to curl up like a cat, and this summer I’ve been much more intentional about following that instinct to rest when I feel called to.
Not long ago, I noticed signs of burnout creeping in and listening to the cues of my body meant I was able to act quickly to nip it in the bud:
Saying no to burnout
Slow Living in the Big City with Paula Hines is a reader-supported publication. This is one of two free monthly posts. Paid subscribers currently receive 4-5 posts per month including two recorded practices from me (yoga and meditation) as well as access to my growing archive from just £1 per week. To receive new posts and …
The longer days of summer are glorious and entice us out to do and see more. It’s understandably tempting to cram as much as possible into the extended hours of daylight and sun. But balance matters, so to avoid being depleted (or worse) remember to welcome rest into your days too.
As I’ve written before, there’s more than one way to rest and this doesn’t need to involve going away.
“CREATE SPACE IN YOUR DAYS: In the summer months it can be tempting to fill up your time whether it’s trying to pack in as many experiences as possible or using the longer days to get more done. However, this can have a detrimental effect on the Shen and Heart Qi, leading to overstimulation, over-excitement and the increased likelihood of making hasty decisions you might later regret. While we do want to enjoy the increased energy and enthusiasm that summer can bring, your fire can go out when you are doing too much, even when its things you like. To avoid depleting yourself it is important to allow some space in your days by not overscheduling or overburdening yourself with tasks.”
- Extract from my post, Opening to Optimism
Read more on my tips for balancing Heart Qi in summer - season of the Fire element - here:
Opening to optimism
Slow Living in the Big City with Paula Hines is a reader-supported publication. This is one of two free monthly posts. Paid subscribers currently receive five posts per month including two recorded practices from me (yoga and meditation), as well as access to my growing archive for just £6 per month. To receive new posts a…
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE YOGA WITH ME:
In-Person:
Rest + Restore, Saturday 16 August 3.30-5pm at Embody Wellness, Vauxhall. Find full details and book here.
Hatha Flow, Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am at Yoga Point, Brixton. Book here.
Wake-Up Hatha Flow, Thursdays 9.30-10.30am at MIND Yoga & Pilates, Forest Hill. Book here.
Online:
Not able to join me in-person? There’s now more than two years’ worth of yoga and meditation practices from me here on Substack in A Peaceful Pause and The Reset, like this summer themed yin yoga practice, Joyful Ease:
#3 The Reset
For any new subscribers to Slow Living in the Big City, welcome! The Reset is one of five offerings that paid subscribers receive from me each month, as well as full access to my growing archive of all posts, yoga classes and meditations. To receive all this, upgrade to monthly (this works out to £1.50 a week) or yearly membership (£1 a week). Free subscribers currently receive two posts per month. Thank you so much for being here.
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