Trying to switch off by distracting yourself, such as by surfing the net, actually prevents relaxation by continuing your overstimulation. In our high-pressure culture of constant communication, the stress response is triggered so frequently that the body doesn't always have a chance to return to normal. This leads to chronic stress.
Stress fractures: signs of overwork But why is it so important to relax? In the short-term, the stress response can make you feel alert and energised. But in the longer term, if not regularly switched off, it can lead to sickness, burnout and damage to your relationships. This is because the stress response shuts down all functions not
needed for immediate action ('fight or flight'). These include your immune system, the body's repair mechanisms and higher brain functions like learning and memory. Sure signs that you are overstressed include irritability,
forgetfulness, difficulty taking in new information, and frequent illness. In the long-term, stress impairs learning, can increase blood pressure, and may lead to obesity, decreased bone density and blood sugar imbalances.
Go with the flow "Clients of mine who are highly successful usually do have a balance," Sugata says. "One very successful client relaxes by driving racing cars. He also meditates. A number of my clients meditate – you'd be surprised." "Meditation may help slow some aspects of cognitive aging,"
As you discover you have more time than you think, you'll slow down and enjoy yourself more. You will, in fact, be fully living the one and only life you have.
Harness the power of habit: the 30-day trial Did you know bad habits are hard to break, not because they're bad but simply because they're habits?
The good news is that habits are just as powerful when they're healthy, perhaps more so because they make you feel so much better. The key, when you're starting a new practice, is not how much you do, but how regularly. Fifteen minutes of activity every day is better than an hour every now and then.
Start one new habit at a time and focus on that for a month. Practise your new activity every day. By the end of the month you will think of yourself as a person who enjoys fitness … plays music … loves gardening … whatever you've chosen to take up. Changing your thinking is the key, because it becomes easier to do the new activity than not. The power of habit is now working for you.
42 George www.stgeorge.com.au/george
