|
Everyone makes mistakes. We’re human — we’re allowed. And when we do
make an error in judgment, we simply apologize and move on. But the
truth is, there are simply some actions we shouldn’t have guilt over
because our emotional and physical health depends on it. Below, find
seven instances that don’t merit apologies, and instead deserve some
celebration! (Sorry we’re not sorry.)
|
|
Going to bed early
It can be tempting to go out for the evening or stay up to watch just
one more episode of “Game of Thrones.” But if you’re tired, you’re tired
— and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sleep is crucial to our everyday
health and happiness. Research shows that too little can hike up our
stress levels and lead to other, more serious, health problems like
heart disease and obesity. Go ahead and hit the pillow a little early;
that episode will be there when you wake up. |
|
 |
|
Saying no
Taking on too much at work? Overbooked your calendar? Sometimes you have
to say no to things — and that’s more than OK. In fact, if you don’t
stop overloading yourself, it could lead to burnout.
As author and sales leadership expert Lisa Earle McLeod points out in a
HuffPost blog, in order to stop the chaotic nature of our daily lives,
we have to focus on one thing at a time. “Taking the time to examine
what will create sustainable success reveals strategies that can free
you from the day-to-day scramble. Or at least make it more manageable,”
she wrote. “Frantic isn’t sustainable, focus is more satisfying.” |
|
|
|
Taking a vacation
Here’s a sad reality: Americans are too stressed and too afraid to take
their vacation days. But there are countless perks to taking a break
from your 9-to-5 — and you shouldn’t feel guilty about taking advantage
of them. Planning a vacation can actually increase your happiness levels
and taking some mental space when you’re burned out can decrease stress. |
|
|
|
Letting go of a toxic friendship
Breaking up with a friend is hard (arguably harder than ending a
romantic relationship). But sometimes you have to let it go for your own
health — and that’s nothing to be ashamed about. “The choice to exclude
a person or experience from your life can be the more compassionate
choice — for yourself,” HuffPost blogger and psychotherapist Nancy
Colier once wrote. “And indeed, when your heart opens to your own
suffering, and your own well-being, that compassion for yourself can
open wide enough to include even the one who caused you suffering.”
Studies also show that stress is highly contagious; the more stressed
out someone is, the more likely it’s going to rub off on you. There
should be no guilt for removing yourself from a situation like that. |
|
 |
|
Not answering that email right away
The pressures to be immediate in our email response time continue to
grow thanks to our ever-present technology. But here’s the thing: Your
inbox is stressing you out, and it’s OK to take a break from it. In
fact, some of the most successful entrepreneurs don’t even check their
email in the morning. Take Tumblr founder David Karp, for example. “I
try hard not to check emails until I get to the office, which is usually
between 9:30 and 10 a.m.,” Karp told Inc. “Reading emails at home never
feels good or productive.”
|
|
 |
|
Snagging some alone time
While most of us can’t stand the idea of being alone with our thoughts
(one study found that some people would rather receive electric shocks
instead), we somehow feel compelled to be apologetic when we do want our
own space for a while. (We’re looking at you, introverts.) But being
alone actually has a myriad of benefits: It can help you recharge, it
can teach you self-control and more.
|
|
 |
|
Putting yourself first
In the end, your wellness is crucial to living an optimal life — and
because of that, you’re going to have to make your needs a priority (no
apologies necessary). In fact, putting yourself first can be healthy.
“It means filling yourself up mentally, emotionally, physically,
spiritually,” Dr. Phil McGraw told Oprah last year. “It’s not about
being selfish.”
|
|
 |