I told myself I’d never publish anything on Mondays because I know how busy everyone tends to be at the start of a new week, but that’s just the thing. We need to learn how to live beyond busy and overcome that burden that sometimes jolts us so far out of orbit that we don’t feel like ourselves.

I’m writing this to you after having one of those insanely hectic moments recently. The ones where you work so much you lose track of time and yourself. Your sleeping patterns go off-kilter, your appetite goes haywire and the thought of getting even the slightest bit of exercise is but a distant dream. Then, after the chaos cools, your life comes to a screeching halt.

How are we supposed to deal with those kind of abrupt and unexpected changes? How do we recuperate?

In light of my recent events (and then, suddenly, lack thereof), I’ve decided to share a few steps that I recently took to comfortably get back on course. Keep these priorities in mind the next time your life goes from hectic to hold up:

While your busy-ness slows down abruptly, you, my little B, cannot. I know you’re exhausted and ready to hibernate, but please trust me. You need to ease your way out of the chaos and back into your normal. You can’t immediately plop on the couch every night for the next week. Get a good night’s rest and then make it Priority #1 to keep yourself occupied when that newfound freedom comes back to greet you.

Priority #2: Get some exercise. When you’re out of the groove for too long, it’s twice as hard to get it back. Once you do, you’ll feel a new sense of motivation, drive and purpose. Don’t go nuts, we want to avoid injury. Get a healthy dose – remember, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Those exercises can be 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week or 20-60 minutes of vigorous exercise three days a week. One long session or even multiple shorter sessions of at least 10 minutes will do. No matter your skill level, you can benefit from some activity (American College of Sports Medicine). Yes, I’m still reading those textbooks for my CPT training. Get movin, Bs!

Priority #3: Make sure your eating habits are back on-track. No more forgetting meals or forging late night relationships with your refrigerator. You have time again to prepare and to be more conscious of how you’re fueling your body.

Lastly, a bonus priority, just for good measure. TREAT YO’ SELF. You’ve earned it. The day after my recent work madness came to an end, I got this sudden urge to take myself shopping (I hate going shopping). Nevertheless, I went with it. I woke up early (I knew if I slept in I’d be doomed for the day – too lazy to want to do anything). I forced myself up, went to a few stores and then to a nice lunch. When the afternoon came, I felt a need to get some stuff done around the house and go for a walk. I didn’t know that was just what I needed until I did it all. I had a little personal “party” for myself. I shed all the stress – it was like a mental detox! A few days later, I knew I’d need a little part II to maintain my momentum so I got a massage and bought a new book. Those little treats every now and then will help keep you in touch with yourself more than you know.

So, it’s Monday and you’ve made it this far in my post – HURRAY! Before I leave you, remember this: It’s important to keep yourself busy with the things you enjoy. Do not let the hustle and bustle of the life out there throw you too far off-course. Take your time to relax and recharge, then, press on. If you haven’t learned by now, us Bs are always busy (for good reason) in one way or another.