I got really overwhelmed by work yesterday and today. Work stress has me reaching for some of my least healthy ways to cope, and I have a long history of working late and ignoring what is healthy for me. Life/work balance? I don’t even begin to know what that means.

But at 5:00, in the middle of changing documents that I’m in a rush to finish ahead of a work trip and who knows what else may pop up this week, I stepped away from my desk and went to Jazzercise – and I didn’t feel bad about it.

I felt tired, I was worn out from crashing through edits and revisions and research all day, but I needed to go work out, hit the grocery store and take a break before I dig back in for a few hours tonight. Not only did I get through the class, I did it with more intensity than I have previously, and I feel better after than I have. I’m much more clear, more energetic and got some wiggles out.

I haven’t been able to do this in about six years – I’ve kept myself trapped by work responsibilities and unable to free myself to do what benefits me. Tonight I did, and I’ll take the progress with gratitude.