When did you last take the time to rest and recuperate?
I am writing to you from my garden in the South of England. I arrived a couple of hours ago after a sleepless 12 hour flight from the Caribbean. As you can see, the garden is overgrown. Even though it is messy, it feels relaxing. It occurs to me that farmers have been laying ground fallow for centuries. It is a practice that allows the fields to rest and recuperate.
This reminds me that I need to rest and recuperate after my long journey. And that we all need to take time for ourselves after a stressful situation, or whenever we have been working too hard. The problem is that we don’t always know that we need to take a break.
So how can you become more aware of your need to rest and recuperate?
First of all, you can do a simple mindfulness practice of taking slow breaths and doing a body scan. As you inhale through your nostrils you can focus on each of your limbs, back, shoulders, neck and head. Imagine the oxygen you are breathing going straight to that area and soothing it. Then as you exhale you can focus on releasing the tension from that area. Doing this will help you to know where you tend to hold onto your stress the most. For example you might always hunch your shoulders or clench your jaws.
Secondly, you can journal about your feelings. You can ask yourself questions about what helps you feel relaxed and what you would love to do to recuperate. In the presence of the question the mind will come up with an answer that you may not be conscious of.
Lastly, you can schedule into your day a regular time that is especially for your to relax and do what you want. Often we know what we need, but we are rushing around so much that we never get round to doing it. My own personal morning routine includes meditation, journaling and 5 minutes of dancing. It makes all the difference to me, and I encourage you to find what works for you.
If you want any help with Rest and Recuperation, I invite you to try out a powerful coaching call. It is my gift to you.
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Lastly, please spread the love and share with someone who might benefit. In the meantime, I am going to go and have a rest.
