Until a few years ago, I was one of those people who "didn't have time" for wellness practices.
With so many demands on my time, it felt like the benefits wouldn't outweigh the time investment. Better to get straight to work in the morning and take advantage of every minute possible.
But then I gave it a try a few years ago when I left my last teaching job. Starting the morning with some combination of exercise, meditation, yoga, and/or breath work.
And everything changed.
(I must give credit to my yoga teacher Gita Brown, who introduced me to much of this world. Check her out at https://www.gitabrown.com/. She's amazing.)
Imagine being able to empty your mind of negative thoughts and stress. Being able to observe, appreciate, and process negative emotions instead of letting them overtake you.
And imagine being able to get twice the work done in the same amount of time because you can actually focus.
Now that I'm a few years in, I notice when people say "I don't have time" more often.
Kind of like when you realize you say "like" a lot...and then you notice everyone around you says it every three-and-a-half words.
Meditation? I wish I had time for that.
But if you could get twice the work done with half the stress...doesn't that mean you must make time for that...?
Doesn't that mean you don't have time to...not do that...?
It's like saying "I don't have time to get gas this morning" only to run out of gas before you get to work.
And as anyone who's had to wander the hood, praying for a gas station with 10 miles left in the tank, can attest...that pretty much sucks.