Imagine going to an event where everyone is completely focused.
That happened to me recently.
There were no cell phones being used, no random scrolling through Instagram feeds or checking emails.
Everyone there was completely present and focused on the collective feelings in the room.
In this instance, the mood was a celebration of a life well lived, a mixture of grief for a much loved grandmother and mother, but also joy at the happiness she had brought to my friend and his family.
There was a sense of meaningful connection amongst the people in the room.
Everyone was present and in the moment, lost in thought and quiet contemplation.
It got me thinking about how rare these moments are.
Do you often have moments of feeling present and calm?
Or are you more likely to feel ‘super busy’ to the point of being overwhelmed, rushing from one commitment to another?
Women were asked “what’s the number one thing you would like to do to improve your health?”
The most popular response was to exercise more (getting more sleep and having work life balance among the other popular responses).
When asked why they weren’t physically active, close to half of those who did the survey said it was because they did not have enough time and were too tired.
Studies of men have reported similar results.
It’s not just that many of us struggle to fit in our work and family commitments, there’s all the mental work that goes into organising and coordinating everything that goes with those commitments.
You might have seen or heard comment pieces talking about this idea of overload or the ‘mental load’.
“We don’t have to be perfect, just engaged and committed to aligning values with actions.”
Take steps to calm your tired and stressed nervous system. Cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine and adding in measures to replenish your nervous system like relaxation breathing, gentle exercise and meditation can really help.
Finish these sentences:
- The last time I felt a quiet calmness was….
- How did it make you feel …
- The last time I said ‘no’ to a commitment to make room for something I really wanted to do was …
- How did making that decision make you feel …
And ultimately, if we seek to be a good role model to those around us, think about this: what kind of message does it send to those we love if we are so over-committed, overwhelmed and tired that we are putting our own physical and mental health at risk?
Source
ABC News
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