Hi Reader,

I just got back from a dance class.

This is a dance class that I actively tried to talk myself out of going, even though I really wanted to go.

I really should spend that time catching up on work, I told myself.

I really should save that money, that dance class recently got more expensive - hello inflation!

There’s really no purpose for me going to the class - after all it’s a Broadway jazz class and even though I’m an actor, no one‘s about to hire me to be a Broadway dancer.

Even while I was driving there, I almost turned around and went home. I was running late anyways, and I told myself that it would probably miss the first few minutes of the class, so what was even the point?

I actually did make it to class on time and as soon as class started, my mind finally shut up.

My mind had felt like a swamp all day, I was so overwhelmed with my to-do list.

And by the end of the class, the mild sleepiness that had been clinging to me all week disappeared, and I felt more awake and alive than I had felt in a while.

I feel like this is something that many of us do.

Most of us are more busy than we can really handle and it’s tempting to skimp out on things that are just purely pleasurable, because we feel like we should be working or should be doing something productive.

But this is a pretty quick path to burnout.

And it’s a lesson I keep learning over and over again.

Taking time out for things that I love actually makes me more productive, not less.

After all, inspiration cannot rise out of a swamp of stress.

Dance is my happy place but maybe yours is something else. Maybe there’s a ceramics class, or a sport that you love?

Our happy place is a really unnecessary part of life. After all, life is not meant to be a never-ending to do list.

And I know that the way that I feel after that dance class is the way I want to feel all the time.

And speaking of taking time out, check out my new video on the perfect summer getaway - Mystic, Connecticut!

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This is such a cute New England town and it’s especially accessible if you live in the Northeast of the U.S.,

Wishing you a beautiful and relaxing Sunday! 🌸

Amalia

P.S. - When you're ready, here's three ways that I can help you feel your best: 1) Reply to this email or click here to set up a free discovery call with me. We'll chat about your wellness goals and I'll tell you how I can help! 2) Grab my Gluten-Free Goodness guide! This is the guide that I wish I had had when I first started eating gluten-free 9 years ago. It’s full of my favorite gluten-free recipes, products, tips & hacks! You can grab it here ​ 3) Subscribe here to my YouTube channel and learn more about my favorite wellness tips and travel adventures. Don't see a video on the topic you're interested in? Reply to this email to request a specific topic for a future video! ​www.yogabyamalia.com​

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