For some, it can feel like your hardest workout is the mental one you go through on your rest day. At least that’s been the case for me this summer.

Since arriving home from college I’ve been juggling two jobs. On an average week I’ll work nine shifts anywhere from 60-70 hours a week. I usually have 2-3 back-to-back doubles when I literally don’t have time between jobs to exercise. These days have become my “rest” days.

On days when I have at least an hour between jobs, or am only working at one job, I carve out time for a run, which is crucial for not only my physical health but mental health as well. On average I’ve been able to run 4 or 5 times a week around 20-25 miles.

Last year at this point (when I was only working 40 hours) I was running at least 30 miles a week so it’s hard not to feel guilty or like I’m not doing enough.

But the point is to listen to your body, and know when it is time to take a break even if it’s not what you had originally planned. I knew I had to take this day off when my past few runs had been much slower than normal and I was feeling both mentally and physically exhausted and not in a good way.

I’m not going to lie; it’s not easy taking a break sometimes. I feel slight guilt pangs, especially seeing other runners on the road, but I just remind myself that it’s only one run, and it will make the next run that much better.

I’m always trying to become a better listener and I’m learning that also means listening more closely to myself too.

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