Taking Breaks Before You Break
www.katharinegiovanni.com
It’s a crazy world out there.
For. All. Of. Us.
For me, unplugging has become non-negotiable—right up there with coffee and Sleep. Between caring for Ron (who was in a nasty car accident last Christmas but will be fine), my work, and my Family, it feels like someone added extra hours to my day without telling me.
So, how do I unplug? It’s a work in progress, but I do my best to step away a few times a day.
- Morning Escape: I wake up an hour early to steal some time for myself before the world starts making demands. I sit in the sunroom with a steaming cup of coffee and just exist. Sometimes I meditate or read, other times I simply sit and be. Even if I only have ten minutes, I make it happen. And if I’m in a hotel? You bet—I still get up early and take a few minutes to breathe before the day starts. And yes, occasionally, I get lost in funny animal videos—because why not?
- Midday Sanity Check: When possible, I’ll take a bit of lunch to the sunroom and just soak in the peace and take deep breaths of air. Seriously, when stressed, we often breathe shallowly, which can make our Stress worse by limiting our oxygen flow. So try taking three deep breaths as you read this; it will help reset your nervous system and bring you a sense of calm.
- Evening Brain Detox: Before bed, I do my gratitude and forgiveness work. I reflect on three things I’m grateful for (sometimes it’s deep, sometimes it’s happiness because coffee exists), and then I make a mental list of who or what I need to forgive that day, and I’ll do the forgiveness mantra. (You can find the forgiveness mantra in my book The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power.) And no, I’m not done with this work—life keeps handing me new opportunities to practice what I preach.
I’d Love to tell you to avoid all negativity and never doom-scroll again, but we both know that’s a fairytale. Instead, I suggest taking small breaks. Step away from the chaos. Walk around the block. Hide in the bathroom if you must (no judgment). Blast your favorite music, or just sit quietly and breathe.
Your Mental Health is worth it. You ARE worthy of a life filled with joy. It’s your birthright. Never forget that. Just like the safety instructions on a plane, we must put our own oxygen mask on first.
Taking time for yourself and unplugging, even in small moments, is not selfish—it’s an act of self-love that allows you to show up fully for those who need you.
Until next time!
Katharine
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Originally Published on https://katharinegiovanni.com/blog/
Katharine, a three-time award-winning best-selling author of twelve books, is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and advisor. Her latest work, “The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Power,” offers profound insights into the transformative power of forgiveness.
A trailblazer in the concierge industry, Katharine founded the first association for independent concierges, shaping the industry for over two decades until her retirement in March 2023. Her pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the profession.
Throughout her illustrious career, Katharine has trained numerous concierge and front-line staff, earning her clients a reputation as some of the industry’s most successful. Her expertise has been sought after by major media outlets, with features on ABC News Nightline, CBS News, Good Morning America, MTV, Time Magazine, Money Magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
A proud breast cancer survivor, Katharine’s resilience and determination inspire others to overcome life’s challenges. Raised in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, she holds a B.A. from Lake Forest College and currently calls North Carolina home.
For those eager to explore Katharine’s wisdom or connect with her, visit www.KatharineGiovanni.com to discover more about her groundbreaking forgiveness book and other transformative works.
