Most of my clients are women (and men) like you. They are passionate about what they do (for the most part) and they are good at their jobs. They work long hours, often on evenings and weekends. They are striving to be successful and are keen to make their mark. They are often very results/goal oriented, adding jobs to the “to do” list quicker than they can tick them off. (Sound familiar?) But they come to me for help. Maybe their digestion is playing up or they’re not sleeping or they are feeling anxious, grumpy or stressed. Maybe they are exhausted or having hormonal problems.
As I am questioning them about their health and getting an understanding of their health issues one of the questions I ask is…..what do you do for relaxation? Often the answer is “What do you mean? Who has time to relax?” Sometimes, it might be something along the lines of “Well, I run 5 times a week. That’s my time out. I’m planning to run a marathon at the end of the year”.
From a health perspective, both of these answers indicate the potential for my client to eventually “crash and burn” if something doesn’t change.
Based on what I see in my clinic, a lifestyle without regular genuine relaxation, doing something just for the fun of it with no goal/outcome attached just isn’t sustainable in the long run. Adrenal fatigue, depression or just being constantly unwell are possible outcomes. Taking time out is not a luxury; it is a necessity. You need to give your body time to rest and repair. This means switching from a fired-up, sympathetic nervous system (that’s our “fight or flight” stress response mode) where the adrenalin is pumping to an activated para-sympathetic nervous system (this is our “rest and repair” mode).
So, here are my top tips for getting that para-sympathetic nervous system switched on:
- Find a pastime you can enjoy just for the hell of it…no outcomes, no expectations
- Gentle exercise…no competition with yourself or others
- Daily laughter
- Yogic breathing (10 breaths whenever you feel the stress levels rising)
- Don’t make it yet another task on the “to do” list
Making time for relaxation (away from work, emails, phone calls, social media etc) will allow your body to reset. It will help you feel re-energised and focused. You might even find you are more efficient and creative. And that’s what you need if you are going to be a long-term survivor in the business world. You know the saying…”all work and no play….”
