Take a break, baby

Just a little note to myself. For a month, maybe longer, I was running every single day—starting with 5k, then 6k, steadily pushing the distance all the way up to 10 kilometers.

Absolute madness. You simply cannot do that to your body.

But my body seemed to handle it just fine, and it was actually fun—until one day I got this roaring in my head and felt completely lightheaded and borderline faint afterward.

I decided to take a 24-hour breather and spent a good while listening to my knee scream absolute obscenities at me—point taken. Cue the relaxation, massagers, and parading around in gorgeous dresses for the neighbors' viewing pleasure.

I rested! Got my daily routine back on track and slept like a puppy that had run itself ragged in the yard. And yesterday, knocking out those 9.02 km felt incredibly effortless and sweet.

Maybe this is how everything we do is supposed to feel? Not like the Terminator on a mission, hell-bent on catching John Connor at all costs. But playfully, just for the pure thrill of it.

I promise, I'm not running anywhere today. I'm going to slip into a new dress and go for a stroll, playfully pretending not to notice the lingering stares. And it is going to be glorious!

Nelli Verkhovska PhD in Psychology For more on alternative relationships, check out my YouTube channel