And Relax....
The problem with someone telling me “to relax” is that, instantly, I tense up! It just happens that way. I suspect it’s the same for a lot of people.
So what about relaxation then? Of course, there are myriads of methods of relaxation. And that might include cooking, baking, gardening, painting, fishing, jogging, listening to music just as much as meditation.
And of course, there’s meditation – and many different forms of meditation. But anything that takes the mind away from the immediate problems, worries etc can relax physically, mentally and emotionally.
I think it’s about finding something that works for you personally, and something that involves focus, concentration – a sense of “losing yourself” in the moment.
And certainly, if you take it to extremes as in the MasterChef or Great British Bake Off competitions, it might take away some of that relaxation!
But learning to relax is an essential balance in clinical work. Without it we are in danger of burn-out. And that certainly is not a good experience.
Putting relaxation time into our personal timetables might seem like an indulgence, but we ignore it at our cost. If we are to serve our clients, students, supervisees at all well, we need to be able to find a way of switching off. We need to cultivate those routines and rituals within our working life.
The Online Advanced Certificate in Life Coaching includes an exercise looking at Time Management techniques and includes a basic template for a time-management chart. Very few students complete that to include any “down-time” activities. So – just pause and think about your own time chart for a moment. What example are you setting for your clients if every waking hour is filled with constant activity? What role-model do you set for yur family?
Of course, when we really stop and relax, we open up ourselves to a blank page; time and space for reflection, memories, hopes and dreams. When that feels more of a scary proposition than exciting, we often strive to avoid it at all costs. And close the door on new adventures.
So, find the time for a new hobby; a bit of space for relaxation; do nothing for a few hours; or simply have that second cup of tea or coffee and linger just a little bit longer.....
And relax.....