You know those moments when your body reminds you that you’ve pushed it too far? I’ve learned to navigate these moments more effectively by striving for work-life harmony. Whether it’s adjusting my routine to spend more time at the gym or tackling personal tasks, I’ve found ways to create a better balance. That said, even with the strategies I outline in my book, I’ll admit I’m far from perfect in my own practice. Something unexpected happened today that made me stop and recognize it was time to just be.
I’d been juggling a lot these past few days—managing tasks at On The Spot, working with ASC Consultants, meal prepping for my family’s collective health goals, and staying on track with my personal fitness and weight-loss commitments.
One of the unexpected challenges I’ve encountered while following the practices I share in my book is the paradox of having “too much” time. At first, this might sound like a good problem to have—after all, isn’t the goal to create more room for what matters? But the reality is, when you suddenly have that extra space in your schedule, it can trigger a feeling that you should be doing even more. It’s a subtle kind of pressure, the kind that whispers, “Shouldn’t you be using this time to cross off another task or pursue that next goal?” For someone like me, who thrives on productivity and progress, this can be both a blessing and a mental hurdle. It’s a reminder that true balance isn't just about filling every available moment with action, but also about allowing yourself to pause, reflect, and recharge without guilt.
By 10 a.m. today, I had already checked off every task on my to-do list. With unexpected free time on my hands, I found myself wondering, "What now?" I knew I had the gym scheduled for the afternoon and could move that up, but what should I do in the gap before my wife got home? Rather than pulling a task forward from later in the week or diving into a new project, I decided it was the perfect moment to try something new—just for myself.
I scanned local options for unwinding, fully expecting to book a massage or try a new restaurant. That’s when I stumbled upon a float spa. It wasn’t on my radar, and honestly, it’s something I’d never considered—but it was available, and I was intrigued. I thought, "Why not?" Little did I know this decision would teach me far more than I anticipated about self-growth, health, and yes, defending yourself… from yourself.
The Discomfort of Stillness
I arrived not knowing exactly what to expect. The concept was simple enough—floating in a tank of warm, saline water designed to remove all external distractions and essentially leave you alone with your thoughts. Honestly, it sounded like the kind of thing I should enjoy but would probably overthink. And for the first 15 minutes, that’s exactly what happened.
Physically, my shoulders and back felt heavy—almost uncomfortably so—and I caught myself blaming the tank. My inner dialogue started pushing back. “This isn’t relaxing!” “You should leave.” But there was a voice—smaller, quieter—that said, “Give it a chance. You paid for the hour, so let’s see how it unfolds. I suppose that’s the marketer in me, urging me to gather more data before deciding to abandon the project.
After a bit more time, everything fell into place. The discomfort I felt wasn’t caused by floating; it was everything I’d been carrying before I got here. My workouts, hours at my desk, and daily stresses were all catching up to me—and I had never taken the time to acknowledge them until now.
The Weight That Wasn’t Mine
By the time the hour was up, something happened that made me recognize how far off my own path I had gotten. The weight I had experienced earlier—the physical tension, the mental clutter—was gone.
Somewhere along this float trip, I lost all sense of time. Minutes ceased to matter, and I couldn’t tell whether I’d been in the tank for thirty seconds or thirty minutes. All I knew was that I’d surrendered to the experience, and my mind had finally stopped racing. Instead of constantly wondering when the session would end or what I’d do afterward, I simply allowed myself to float—both literally and mentally.
With nothing but the stillness around me, I began experimenting with gentle movements, playfully pushing myself off the walls of the tank. It felt oddly freeing, almost childlike. I didn't worry if I clumsily bumped the edges or nudged myself too far. I wasn’t chasing productivity or working through the next "must-do" thing. I was just…existing. Floating. Moving without effort or expectation.
I stepped out of the water feeling not just light, but... unburdened. It was as if the tank had done more than cradle my body; it held space for me to process what I’d been too busy to notice.
Three hours later, that sense of lightness still lingered. And here I am, writing about it because I rarely experience such rapid results from anything—especially something as deceptively simple as staying still.
The Power of Uninterrupted Moments
Here’s the thing about self-care that I’ve come to realize—sometimes it’s not about “doing.” We’re bombarded with wellness tips that suggest what we should add to our lives, whether it’s yoga, meal prep, or motivational podcasts. But maybe, just maybe, it’s also about subtracting.
Floating was the first time in a while that I couldn’t do anything but float. I had no watch, no phone, and not even a shred of clothing. Leaving wasn’t an option—not without causing a scene, prompting a call to the police, or at the very least, giving the shopping center visitors a story they wouldn’t soon forget. It was 60 minutes of being completely present with myself. And in doing so, I was reminded of just how crucial moments like these are for both mental and physical growth.
We live in a world that thrives on noise—constant chatter, schedules, and multitasking. Taking uninterrupted moments for ourselves isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s what allows us to reset, reflect, and move forward without carrying yesterday’s burdens into today.
Defending Yourself… From Yourself
Here’s a hard truth I had to confront today—I can be my own worst enemy. And if you’re reading this, I bet you can relate. Too often, we push ourselves to chase what feels urgent while neglecting what’s actually important. We justify what we are doing personally and professionally because we’re needed… because the job demands it… because if we don’t do it, who will?
But sometimes, defending your well-being means standing up to that voice inside that tells you to keep pushing when you’ve clearly reached your limit. It’s about recognizing when your priorities are out of alignment and giving yourself permission to pause. My body and mind were crying out for rest, and this experience reminded me that taking care of myself isn’t selfish or optional; it’s essential.
Trying Something New (and Unexpected)
Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. I didn’t plan to visit a float spa today, and honestly, the experience sounded a bit “off-brand” to me at first. But giving it a shot opened my eyes to an entirely new way of caring for myself.
Sometimes, the answers to what we need most aren’t on our radar because we’ve convinced ourselves we don’t have time—or because we’re too busy sticking to routines; even ones that have room to breathe. But trying something new can not only offer fresh perspectives, it can also unlock unexpected benefits.
Final Thoughts and My Self-Growth Experience
I walked into that float spa carrying more than I realized—stress, tension, and a distorted sense of what was most important. I left feeling lighter, not just physically, but emotionally. And that lightness has stayed with me long after the water dried.
Now, I invite you to reflect on your own self-care practices. When was the last time you allowed yourself a moment of true disconnection? Have you, like me, found yourself prioritizing others’ needs over your own well-being? If so, how might making time for uninterrupted solitude impact your health, your fulfillment, and ultimately, your growth?
Self-care isn’t just another to-do; it’s the foundation for everything else. And sometimes, the hardest boundaries to enforce are the ones against ourselves. But trust me—when you take that step, the results are worth it.
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