Some things that light me up: dreaming of sunny paradise islands, walking Fender my gorgeous pooch and driving my beautiful blue open-top mini! :-)
Over-busy?
Are you always so busy, tending to others requests and needs, keeping on top of chores, ferrying kids, cooking, cleaning, washing & gardening, rushing to and from work, picking up the shopping in your lunch hour or perhaps accepting late evening deliveries? And that's not even considering the important tasks required by your paid work.
Technology was supposed to give us more leisure time - or at least that is what I was sold in the 70's & 80's as computers really started to kick off! But it seems to have gone the other way and many of us have even less time to ourselves.
This isn't healthy!
When the busyness is never-ending and our levels of stress are consistently raised, this sensitises our natural fight and flight response which in turn can contribute to lower immunity, illness, anxiety and persistent pain syndromes.
Balancing commitments, work & exercise with your own self-care and enjoyment is all part of being mentally, physically, emotionally & spiritually healthy. This balance helps keep our stress levels at bay and is a key step in recovering from persistent & recurring pains.
If this resonates with you, it's time for change!
It is up to each of us as individuals to take back control in our lives & give ourselves permission to start putting our own needs and desires back into the daily equation of our life.
I invite you to start planning a small amount of time into each day that is dedicated to just you - and then (the hardest bit) stick to it!
If your life is so full, this could be just pausing for a few minutes a few times a day to just "be" - perhaps with a tea or coffee in hand, spending time savouring the drink & the moment (rather than finding it later in the microwave, cold for the second or third time!).
As the saying goes, we're actually human beings, not human doings.
Or, maybe like me, you could wake up in the morning a set time earlier for your chosen enjoyment & self-nourishment (& go to bed earlier to compensate). I now really look forward to waking up each morning to a guided meditation & a selection from yoga, dance, circuit training, journaling or reading.
Of course, if you're an owl, you may prefer this ritual in the evening; or shift work means it would be best for you in the middle of the day.
Whatever suits you or your schedule, the first thing is:
Really pause to consider what does light you up!
I learned this enlightening technique from psychologist & happiness expert, Robert Holden, PhD:-
Grab a pen, close your eyes, take a few long, slow breaths and consider the following. Jot down your answers - & maybe realise what you’ve been missing! :-
· I feel most alive when…
· I feel most alive when…
· I feel most alive when…
And then:-
· I really enjoy being me when…
· I really enjoy being me when…
· I really enjoy being me when…
And then:-
What simple, easy, specific step can I take in the next 24 hours to experience more of my joy?
And then have fun doing it! And commit to it again the next day, and the next, and the next... ;-)
This is such a wonderful gift to give yourself. But if you're struggling to give yourself permission to take time just for you, then I & my many wise colleagues in SIRPA** give you permission instead!
**SIRPA: The UK's leading organisation in helping people gain relief & recovery from chronic pain & other stress-induced illnesses.