
Hey there Friend,
Quick question for you today. Have you taken some time off lately? And I truly mean time away from work, unplugged, and tuned in to yourself and to the things that make you happy.
I’ve been spending the month of June hustling with work with the goal of taking a much-needed time off, undistracted, with my kiddos and husband in July for a couple of weeks. I have learned through working at home it can be very easy to step back into work when I have small pockets of time because of the convenience of it always being there. But the problem with that is those small moments off the clock are supposed to be used to recharge me and keep me grounded. It is a slippery slope when choosing work over rest and can send us straight into feeling burned out.
Did you know burnout can significantly affect our mental health, leading to symptoms such as persistent fatigue, reduced motivation, and a sense of cynicism or detachment? It can result in increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a decline in cognitive abilities, making it harder to perform tasks effectively. Additionally, burnout has a profound impact on our physical health, manifesting as sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, and a weakened immune system.
Moreover, burnout can have detrimental effects on our relationships and social interactions. We may withdraw from social activities, experience a decline in empathy and compassion, and have difficulty maintaining healthy connections with others. Furthermore, burnout can hinder our professional performance, causing decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and an overall decline in job satisfaction. It can even lead to a loss of passion and a sense of disillusionment in one’s career.
I invite you this week to consider taking some time for yourself, to plan for time away from your work, to plan for time away from your work, to recharge and prioritize self-care. It is essential to recognize the signs of burnout and proactively take steps to prevent it. Allocate specific moments during the week to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, practicing mindfulness or simply disconnecting from technology, giving yourself dedicated breaks from work can rejuvenate your mind and body.
Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is an investment in your well-being and overall productivity. By setting boundaries and creating space for yourself, you can replenish your energy, regain focus, and approach your work with renewed enthusiasm. So, seize this opportunity to prioritize self-care and make a conscious effort to incorporate regular breaks into your schedule. Your mental and physical health will thank you, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to tackle challenges and thrive both personally and professionally.

Grounded in the Middle Podcast -House History!
This episode is sponsored by Petra Tools visit, http://www.petratools.com to find tools and solutions you will come to depend on.

Beginning today, I am sharing the history of our 186-year-old farmhouse as it is rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. It’s because of this rumor I started researching our home four years ago and wouldn’t you know I uncovered what was once likely a secret of our entire town.
After tuning in, visit these links to see the latest on the homestead’s history in our local county newspaper.

Journal News-Owners unlock history of historic Wehr family homestead in Butler County Photos by Nick Graham/Staff
Journal News Video by Nick Graham/Staff Journal News
Grounded in the Middle podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can easily listen by clicking below. I’d be so grateful if you would rate, subscribe, and share.

God + Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Grounded in the Middle.
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Farmhouse Storyteller Playlist
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Take The Back Roads
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