Sometimes life says ‘Sit Down’ (Literally!) 😳😀 🚽

It’s been a big and often frustrating year and I’m exhausted. 

My body has sent me a couple of very clear signals in the last few weeks that I need to stop and rest – a pesky UTI and now a sneaky bout of some gastro-like illness. 

And yes, over these last few weeks, I have spent far more time on the throne (as my dad would say!) than anyone ever should. 

Whatever. 

If you’re wondering, this is not the newsletter topic I had scheduled for this week! I was going to talk to you about the five things you need to be successful in 2025. 

That will keep. 

Although #1 on my list is listening to your body and looking after yourself. 

And #2 is taking enough breaks. 

I’m quite good at #1, but as I reflect back and realise my last holiday was in May, and I returned with a horrible head cold, flu-like thing that meant I spent the first week home in bed, it’s clear I’ve not paid enough attention to #2! 

It’s a great example of the feather, brick, and truck story I love to share. 

Feathers – like small and annoying illnesses – are our body’s way of telling us we need to slow down and take a break before you have the bricks and the trucks enter your life. 

My slowdown currently looks like:

• Saying no to some social events I’ve been invited to

• Rescheduling some meetings and appointments
• Being kinder to myself when I don’t get everything done I want to
• Having naps (yesterday I had two!)
• Skipping one or both of my daily walks – or changing them from fast walks to slow walks and cancelling a couple of Pilates classes
• Spending a little extra time on the daybed with a good book (follow me on Instagram @melkettle to see what I’m reading)
• Drinking less alcohol and caffeine
• Aiming for eight hours of sleep a night and a nap or two if I need them.

How are you feeling as we approach the end of the year?

Do you also need to slow down? 

And what does this look like for you? 

I’d love to know.

P.S. I'd love you to join me for my 90-day planning workshop on Thursday, 16 January. Find out more and register here. 

Mel Kettle is a leadership communication advisor, strategist, and keynote speaker. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate with confidence, so they create real connections and sustained engagement.

Order a signed copy of Mel's latest book, Fully Connected.