When we are in the middle of the ratrace, trying to meet needs at work, home and at community level, it can get really chaotic. Busy days, before we realise, go by and before we realise, we are overwhelmed, working mechanically like a robot. All this is bearable until the body keeps the score and forces you to rest. Last year, after a series of health breakdowns, I learnt to take short breaks. These short breaks are for all kinds of rest, from 10-minute napping or stretching for physical rest to clicking a few photographs for creative rest to talking to our favourite people for emotional rest. I never realised how important it is to pause and take these breaks in a long day until I saw my health improve drastically. Do I not feel tired anymore? Of course, I still do, but my heart is fuller at the end of the day, and I can focus more on the different work I do throughout the day.

What tiny habit have you consciously adopted that has brought about big changes for you? Share so others can read your story and assess whether that’s a habit they want to inculcate, too.