Axe throwing, spa days & 3PM merienda [MUST READ!]

Self-care comes in all different shapes and sizes — but one thing remains the same: It's ESSENTIAL! Hey, {NAME}. It’s safe to say things got pretty vulnerable in my last email. I opened up about a minor parenting “hiccup” I made after a hectic past few weeks… Because it forced me to stop and realize: I needed a break! Well, the whole thing got my wheels turning about “hustle culture” in general… and how modern life is always so “go-go-go.” After all, I know a LOT of people have never-ending to do lists that almost never include self-care. I’m certainly guilty! So, I decided to reach out to the ever-insightful BHMD community and ask: When YOU start to feel burnt out — what’s your “recipe” for feeling better? Let’s just say, your responses went above and BEYOND… And you’ve really inspired me to hit the “pause” button more regularly. So I hope these messages will do the same for you! Here are a few “standouts” I wanted to share:  The one way I can usually just be in the moment is sitting at the table on my covered patio doing a puzzle while listening to an audiobook. I know it’s a lot and any of the three things would possibly suffice. But, something about the combination of activities helps me be calm, in the moment, and stress melts away. I discovered this combo during the pandemic, and it really made a difference for my mental and emotional state. -Mary K. A puzzle… an audiobook… on the patio? Sign me up, Mary! I absolutely love this self-care combo, because it truly takes you away from all the hubbub of daily life… And lets you be alone with yourself. (Something we ALL need to do more of in my opinion!) Next up, I received this important reminder from Marcie:  Funny this email came today. [With] the craziness of the holidays and dealing with some family members battling health issues recently, the stress has been kicking my butt! Today I treated myself to a visit to my favorite esthetician for a facial and massage. I had not done this for myself in three years! Don’t ever feel selfish or guilty for doing something just for you. -Marcie C. I’m SO happy you treated yourself to a spa day, Marcie. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate… But I’m so happy to share your all-important message: It’s NEVER selfish to take some time for yourself. You deserve to relish every second of it! Now, we often associate “self-care” time with things like spa days and unwinding with a calming activity. But then, there’s Laura — who has a completely different (and super awesome) way to enjoy some “me time.”  Ironically my approach to managing and dealing with my burn out is to do things that get my heart rate up or make my adrenaline kick in. I will actually find the time to ride one of my horses, go snowboarding for the day, ride 4-wheelers in the mountains for a weekend … go bowling, axe throwing, ice skating.. something challenging or that requires focus and gets my heart rate up. Afterwards I feel accomplished, renewed, and can return to my hectic, stressful life with a clear head and better attitude. I’m probably weird... but it works for me. Hope this helps someone else struggling through the day to day 😎 -Laura H. WOW is all I have to say. Axe throwing? Ice skating? I love the way you challenge yourself, Laura! It goes to show, sometimes the best way to get back to feeling like yourself again… and addressing burnout… Is to do something totally THRILLING and out of your comfort zone! It’s such an awesome way to escape from it all — and something I could personally do more of. On the other hand… Sometimes a great way to hit the “reset” button is to get back to doing the things you already love, like Sandy:  Regaining my sanity is quite simple. I love to go fishing. Listening to Mother Nature’s sights and sounds are very peaceful and calming. Of course, catching your evening meal is great too! When I come home, it’s time for hubby to do his share of the efforts, and filet the fish I’ve provided. LOL Now, it's still “my time,” so running a hot water bath with suds is next on the schedule. Enjoying it with calming music in the background and a glass of champagne tops it off! To end my day of peace, I put on my PJs and slide into bed with soft and great smelling clean sheets with a good book! I’m relaxed and satisfied with my “me day.” What relaxes and takes away your stresses is yours to discover. There are a whole lot of choices out there. All you need to do is just “MAKE AND TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT!” -Sandy B. This “me day” sounds like a pure delight — don’t you think? Of course, fishing isn’t everyone's cup of tea… But doing whatever hobby brings you the most joy is key here. After all, it’s hard enough to prioritize yourself  in such a fast-paced world — so the things you love to do often fall to the wayside. But Sandy is proof: You still can do the things you love, so long as you make AND take the time to do it. (I’ll be stealing that line moving forward!) Alright, the last message I want to share is from your fellow subscriber, Beatriz… Who’s entire family has a daily “reset routine” — and I can’t get over how fantastic it is.  My family has a tradition called the merienda at 3:00 - no matter our time zones we stop to have a cup of coffee/tea and pastry if you have something. It’s a time to take a break and we know that everyday someone is thinking of us. Sometimes we call or text but it’s a break. I shared this with my friends and they passed it along to family and friends, knowing that at 3:00 they will be sharing time with them. I know you're busy but a 3:00 reminder to take a little break will brighten your day. - Beatriz Well, I know what I'll be thinking everytime the clock hits 3PM from now on! What a fantastic way to spread the joy of taking a minute for yourself... and making it something to be celebrated each and every day. Now, I really wish I could share all the messages I received — but there are simply too many of them to fit into one email. So {NAME}, I’ll leave you with this: Regardless of how busy life gets… Or how many people need you on a daily basis… One thing should always remain a priority: TAKING CARE OF YOU! And that could really mean anything: A spa day, a mini-road trip, a mid-day “reset,” or simply reading your favorite book. (Or if you’re like Laura — maybe it’s skydiving 🤣.) Regardless of HOW you spend your “you time” — I know this much is true: When you prioritize your well-being, you become better equipped to support and uplift others. So thank you for letting me read and share your messages. I’m positive they’ll help someone out there realize they deserve to put themselves first… And I hope it served as inspiration for YOU to do the same. I promise, I’ll get the newsletter back to its ‘regular programming’ next week. (In fact, I just received the green light to share something BIG with you, so stay tuned!) So I’ll talk to you then — and as always: Thank you for making the BHMD community a truly special place. Your Beverly Hills MD, Dr. John Layke P.S. OK, I need to share just one more message from Mary-Jo… Because it’s a great reminder that prioritizing yourself NOW is going set the future you up for success:  When you do not put yourself first and fulfill your own needs (physical, emotional, and spiritual) the universe will show you a way - and it may not be pretty! I got very ill and have been going through it trying to hit a hard reset and figure out the next phase of my life. I am a mom and have been programmed to put everyone else first. This illness has forced me to sit and reflect, heal, and put myself first. It would have been a lot easier to have done that in the first place!! I hope you take the time you deserve to nurture yourself. -Mary-Jo P.S. I thought you would like to know that I got 2 compliments on my skin this week. The receptionist at my dentist actually made me pull up your website so she could order a couple of my favorite products — using my skin as a full endorsement! How cool! :) Mary-Jo, it’s so inspiring to hear how, in light of everything you’re going through, you’re not only so positive… But you also recognize how you can’t “put off” nurturing yourself. (I’m also thrilled to hear about the compliments you’ve been receiving! And good on you for making your skin care a priority — it’s truly one of the BEST ways we can take a moment for ourselves every day.) If there’s anything I’ve learned from everyone’s incredible messages, it’s this: Self-care is a constant, never-ending, and ever-changing process. It also looks different for EVERYONE. But the sooner you begin to put YOURSELF at the forefront of your life — the more you’ll thrive in every other area of your life. And {NAME} — you deserve to thrive! Don’t ever forget it. 🤗       This email was sent to {EMAIL} by jlayke@beverlyhills-md.com [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [VIP Discounts]( | [Join Text Club]( | [Subscribe](  8391 Beverly Blvd., #471, Los Angeles, CA 90048   [Report Spam](  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Â