Your Thoughts and Your Body
YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOUR BODY
Did you know that procrastination is a coping mechanism? It is our mind’s way of telling us that we are overloaded, that no more information can be processed until we have a moment to reflect on everything we have internalized.
When I sat down to write, I had every intention of discussing the power of habit. But, I ended up with writer's block greater than I've experienced in a long time. I know how much habits shape our lifestyle, and how changing what is called “keystone habits” can be a catalyst for the most powerful lifestyle changes a human being may experience. But I couldn’t get there. I couldn’t find the right words that I felt gave justice to such an important topic. For our community, the topic of creating positive habits may be the cornerstone to success. (Don’t worry, this blog will be coming very soon). But before I can go there, I need to address the thing that kept me from being able to get to that topic: my thoughts.
Imagine yourself on any ordinary Monday. The weekend has just come to a close and a new week of responsibilities is ahead of you. You know that your best weeks start with an early wake-up time and a great Monday workout, but there are these nagging thoughts keeping you from making that decision.
Ever feel like you are your worst enemy? Ever find yourself feeling as if you don’t have enough time for something, and end up ruminating on a cycle of thoughts for what seems like an eternity. We all have an inner dialogue. Thoughts that can be encouraging and sometimes debilitating.
What do your thoughts sound like? When you are feeling unproductive, tired, or like you just need a break… how do you speak to yourself? Is your brain quick to consider procrastination as a sign of laziness or failure?
How we speak to ourselves is a pattern that we have learned over our entire lives and is perhaps one of the most powerful influences on our decisions.
Did you know that procrastination is a coping mechanism? It is our mind’s way of telling us that we are overloaded, that no more information can be processed until we have a moment to reflect on everything we have internalized.
Perhaps if we change the way we feel about procrastination, and change the way we speak to ourselves, we might be able to channel an inner wisdom we have been squandering all of this time.
I work with a lot of different types of humans who work or participate in a wide variety of industries. I try to help people navigate the challenges of everyday life while finding that ever-elusive work-life balance. One thing that has become increasingly clear to me is that burnout is happening more and more.
With the many challenges that have come with the pandemic, millions of people are now working from home. In the beginning, this seemed to be a welcomed change to people’s lives. Without that grueling commute or office structured schedule, many people felt they were given the gift of time.
But as the pandemic continues long term, and offices are making some of these remote work changes more permanent, many people are noticing that they are actually working more. Without that clear separation of the workplace and home, people are in the same environment for the entire day, and seem to be working even more than before. Furthermore, people are finding themselves in situations of burnout and even less self-compassion when they notice they didn’t complete every task on their to-do list.
Burnout is real. And the symptoms that come with it can have a powerful effect on our lives: increased irritability, difficulty finding motivation, inability to focus on everyday tasks, feeling a lack of satisfaction, difficulty falling and/or staying asleep at night, headaches, stomach aches, anxiety and depression.
The introduction of technology into our society has pushed the human race to achieve incredible things. It has also changed the way that we function as a society, and some of these are not always in harmony with holistic mental health.
We are here to say that we are proud of you and know you are doing the best you can. If you don’t have a daily mantra, we encourage you to borrow this one. Wake up each morning and tell yourself that you are proud and acknowledge the hard work that you are doing.
Imagine the possibilities that may come to you if you choose to be mindful of your thoughts and the way you speak to yourself. When you notice any trigger of stress, pause, breathe, and objectively observe your current situation. Encourage yourself to choose the positive thought, choose the positive path and choose the healthy lifestyle that allows you to live your best life.