Drink the Coffee While It’s Hot: A Lesson in Self-Care and Burnout
Drink the Coffee While It’s Hot: A Lesson in Self-Care and Burnout
We’ve all heard the saying, “Drink the coffee while it’s hot.” It’s simple, maybe even a bit obvious, but have you ever stopped to wonder where this phrase came from? Or why it resonates so deeply with so many of us?
For me, it all started when I was struggling with burnout. Despite doing all the “right” things—getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthy—I still felt drained, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from myself. I had to face a hard truth: I was not making time for myself, and the emotional and physical toll was evident.
But how could I carve out time for myself in the whirlwind of life’s demands? When would I find that sacred space to rest, to breathe, to simply be? The answer, it turns out, was much simpler than I expected.
How It Started.
It all began with a cup of coffee.
I remembered a piece of advice from an old mentor, someone who had always made time for herself each morning—time to enjoy her coffee in peace, without distractions. Inspired by this, I decided to make this small but significant change in my own life. Every morning, I would make my coffee and sit outside with it.
At first, this wasn’t easy.
My mind would race with thoughts, worries, and to-do lists, and I found it difficult to just sit still and enjoy the moment. But I was determined. I made myself stay with the coffee just until it was cold. Fun fact: I hate cold coffee. I’m the type of person who insists that my coffee must be piping hot, so this was a real challenge for me.
The Power of Two Minutes
Those first few mornings felt uncomfortable. The minutes stretched on, longer than I had anticipated. But after just one or two minutes of stillness with my coffee, I felt something shift. Not immediately, of course, but over time, those small moments of stillness became longer, and my mind began to quiet.
This is where the saying, “Drink the coffee while it’s hot,” took on a deeper meaning for me. It wasn’t just about drinking the coffee—it was about taking that brief, precious time for yourself. It was about allowing yourself to pause, even if just for a couple of minutes, and savor the simplicity of the moment.
The Importance of Making Time for Yourself
We live in a world that constantly pulls us in a million directions. We are encouraged to prioritize everything and everyone else—work, family, friends, and the never-ending tasks on our to-do lists. But here’s the hard truth: If you don’t make time for yourself, who will?
If you find yourself saying, “I don’t have time to take a break,” or, “I can’t afford to slow down,” ask yourself this: What standards are you setting for your own well-being by neglecting yourself? Are you telling yourself that you’re not worth two minutes of peace, calm, or solitude every day? That’s a dangerous belief to hold.
In reality, those two minutes (or however long you can spare) can be a powerful act of self-care. It can be a small but essential step in recharging your mind and body, allowing you to show up better for yourself and others.
Today's Challenge: Take Two Minutes for You
Here’s my challenge for you today: Sit with that coffee, that tea, or whatever beverage you enjoy. No distractions. No checking your phone. No social media. No news. Just you, yourself, and that cup. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, to sit quietly, and to breathe.
Remember, the coffee may not stay hot forever, but the time you make for yourself can have lasting benefits. Start small, and you may just find that those few moments of stillness turn into a powerful daily ritual.
So, go ahead—drink the coffee while it’s hot. And while you’re at it, take a moment to truly enjoy it. You deserve it.
