According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s reported that 30 percent, or 40.6 million, of American adults, are sleeping six or fewer hours a night. These numbers are alarming because it truly speaks to why so many people are stricken with disease and mental health concerns.
Taking time to rest is really the key to living a healthy life. Most Americans have entirely too much on their plate and don’t have time to relax and recharge. I want to share with why you must take the time to STOP! Renew, relax and recharge.
I recently had a chance to sit down and interview Mrs. LaShaundra McCarthy who is a wife, mother, pastor, speaker, certified coach, and trainer.
LaShaundra is a finalist for the Lighthouse Business & Professional Women’s Woman of Achievement award. She has received the DeRose-Hinkhouse Award for her work on Just Women Magazine and was awarded the 2018 One Coast Award Top 10 Under 40. LaShaundra lives in Biloxi, MS and travels as needed while intentionally supporting the dreams of her husband John McCarty, III and bonus children, Caleb and Kylar.
As you can see she is a very busy women wearing a lot of hats, but she makes it a priority to make time for herself. Today she shares
with Black Doctor readers the benefit of taking time to recharge and why she is committed to helping others do the same.
BDO: Why is it so important to take time for yourself?
LaShaundra: I make time for myself, so I can be of greater benefit to my family and friends. I have a lot of things on my plate and it is a must for me to renew my mind and recharge. When I take time to recharge I can have better mental clarity and I’m able to perform at my greatest ability.
This also gives me time to reflect and re-evaluate what’s working in my life and what’s not working. If I don’t rest I can’t hear clearly from God and what he wants me to do.
BDO: What prompted you to help other people STOP so they can renew their minds?
LaShaundra: I have seen so many of my friends and family work themselves endlessly without
ever taking time for themselves. It’s not healthy and it causes stress for so many. I teach people they must make time to reprieve. We can’t do the work we are called to do and the work we love if we don’t stop and take the time for us.
Networking should not be the highlight of your week. There must be a time in your life to do nothing. Being busy is good, but we shouldn’t be so busy we don’t have time to time or get clear in life.
BDO: What things are you doing to help people take time for themselves?
LaShaundra: I teach others how to take time for themselves by being the example first and by teaching them steps and strategies. In November I am having a retreat just to help people learn how to Stop and recharge.
This retreat is not a conference with a packed agenda, networking and handing out tons of business cards. This retreat is truly designed to help people take time for and renew themselves. There will be time to journal, go to the spa, go to the beach and even sleep. This retreat will help people recharge their bodies, relax their mind and renew their spirit.
BDO: What tips do you have for people who can’t afford to attend a retreat but know they need to slow down and take time for themselves?
LaShaundra: For me, there are a couple of things I do on a regular to
slow myself down.
BDO: Thank you for sharing these realistic tips we can apply right away. How can people stay connected with you and even attend the treat if they want to stop and recharge?
LaShaundra: People can connect with me at my website www.3ciscreative.com and they can follow me on social media at Twitter – @LashaundraMc and Facebook – @3ciscreative. To find out more information about the retreat visit www.stopretreat.eventbrite.com
Priscilla Q. Williams, RN: Author, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Global Nurse Educator www.priscillaqwilliams.com
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