Feeling sluggish or overworked? It’s a telltale sign that you’re in desperate need of a little break to clear your mind.
“It’s essential to let our minds rest so our unconscious can process all the information that we pump it full of all day long,” says Ryan. “If you never let your mind rest, and give yourself time to reflect and consider your thoughts then you might find that you have trouble sleeping as that’s the only time that you’re quiet enough to listen to your inner voice.”
“Even if you don’t meditate, turn your phone off and spend some time staring at nature, watching waves, trees or clouds to help you relax and rest. This also has a huge benefit on our immunity and health all through the week. When we fully relax and rest, your body activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is our “rest & digest,” or “feed & breed” system.”
But don’t have to book a ticket out of the country to feel like you’re on a holiday – try this method for some time-out.
“Turn all your devices off on Friday afternoon, and don’t turn them on until you get to work on Monday morning,” says Ryan. “Or, take your shoes off and enjoy the earth in your toes, take your watch off too, so you can literally lose yourself in time. Take a backpack with snacks, water and a journal to stop and reflect, and write down thoughts and goals. Take naps on the grass when you want to and connect with nature, and without your phone for pictures you’ll be surprised at just how refreshing your weekend can really be.”
“When you feel the need to scroll through your favourite social media, instead use it as a reminder trigger to stop, close your eyes and take ten deep breaths. When you’re stressed and scrolling, you are really searching for some escape from stress and connection. Distraction is a poor substitute for real relaxation. Social media is addictive, and it activates the same chemical reward systems in our body as drugs: dopamine. If you can ride out that addictive need and instead use it as a trigger to turn on your parasympathetic nervous system with some focussed deep breathing, you will reduce your stress dramatically. “
As for next year, remember to take regular breaks every couple of months (if you can) to avoid the same feeling.
“Often we need to get some distance from our lives on a holiday, short break or retreat to take a look at the big picture of your life,” says Ryan. “When we take these breaks we can review and re-assess whether we are on track with our life goals, and what changes need to be made. Taking breaks also resets our health, giving us much needed time to catch up on sleep, rest, and quality connections time with loved ones. What’s life all about if you’re not giving yourself permission to take some breaks with loved ones to do fun things, it doesn’t need to be expensive, you just need to decide and commit to a time.”
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