Take a Breather

Being able to recognise that slowing down isn't laziness but a necessary self-care choice, is a key mindset shift I would encourage you to make.

Everyone’s all about productivity, and doing nothing isn’t really celebrated. We’re all caught up in the hustle, and there’s not much validation for just, you know, doing nothing! 

It’s like we’ve all become wired to being busy, and for some weird reason, feeling stressed becomes this accepted way of powering through the day. I used to think it was totally normal to rush from one place to another, to one zoom meeting to another, to one household job to another, from my to do list to my inbox, you probably get the picture. I think looking back I was even kind of hooked on that whole stress and busyness thing. I especially felt that in my corporate role. It felt off when I wasn’t in that mode. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been there, and feeling that. 

The problem with being in non stop busy mode

But here's the problem; some of us end up in a chronic state of hyperdrive (thanks, sympathetic nervous system) without giving our bodies a chance to reset. Living in perpetual fight-or-flight mode without the all-important opportunities for the body to reset.

I invite you in 2024 to make it a daily mission to shut off the stress tap, even if only for a few precious minutes. Figure out what activates your relaxation response, giving your body the deep restoration it craves—a time when you're not caught up in doing but simply being. It's a personal journey, so find what works for you. 

Tips and Ideas to Slow Down

Steal a moment with nature; let the peace and stillness sink in, whether it's a walk outside, or stealing a glance at trees and birds outside your window.

Listen to music that transports you to a relaxation and ease.

Check yourself when you think "I need to do more", where does this thought come from? Are you trying to prove something to someone? Reaslise that you dont need to do eveything.

Relaxing breathwork techniques. Try this breathing technique to instil a sense of calm;

• Close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose and out of your nose. Bring your awareness to your breathing.

• Whilst working with this technique practice using a deep diaphragmatic breath by expanding the belly and rib cage on the inhale and contracting it on the exhale. This will help deepen the practice and make it more effective

• Relax your shoulders and jaw. Begin to slowly inhale and expand the belly for four seconds

• Hold the breath for four seconds and relax into the hold

• Gently exhale as you contract the belly for four seconds

• Hold the breath for four seconds and relax into the hold

• Repeat this whole process at least six times. Ideally, repeat it for four minutes, or until calm returns

• If you find the technique challenging to begin with, try counting to three instead of four.

The more we embrace moments of calm and relaxation, the more our nervous systems become familiar with that soothing feeling, making it easier to return to that state.

It's a gentle reminder that, at times, doing nothing can contribute significantly to your wellbeing, more than you might realise. 

Take a breather.

Lindsay x