What do we do when the 'healthy' thing feels like a chore?
3-min
Let's start with a bit of storytelling. So, this past week I have been working on a very exciting masterclass called 'Love & Touch'. (It's a spicy one, so if you're curious, you can read about it here.)
Anyway, after spending two full days building the masterclass and creating all that's necessary for a launch like that, I was left exhausted.
My shoulders and back hurt, yet I sat down on the couch to continue working from there. ‘This way, I could relax and do the things I still wanted to do tonight’, I thought.
It's interesting that in moments when our bodies clearly signal that we need a break, our minds often tell us to do the exact opposite.
Easing overwhelm quickly
Whenever our body is in a static position or gets prolonged input (for example, when it has been fixated on a screen for too long), it can freeze in a state of overwhelm.
Overwhelm is an uncomfortable place to be, so it is easier to distract ourselves.
This is when we go to food, a glass of wine, TikTok videos, or running after even more tasks. (Often, we hope that the more we do will help to clear the restlessness we feel, but it's actually doing the opposite.)
Implementing 2% change
I know this mechanism in my system so well. I know when I can expect it and also what to expect.
The thing is: when I keep working in a state of 'too much,' trying to fix this damn invitation email, I never enjoy a second of it.
I am also not producing quality work because I am more distracted and have a harder time thinking clearly.
So what if we only implement a 2% change?
I can acknowledge the fact that A leads to B.
If I work for many hours in a row, it is most likely that I will end up a bit overwhelmed.
So instead of forcing myself out of this overwhelm, feeling like I should 'fix' it, I move along with it.
I try to make it only 2% more comfortable for myself.
What that looks like practically
The very practical thing I implemented is one minute of somatic shaking.
Nothing more.
I will put on a very clubby-type song and I will shake my body out in the middle of the living room.
One minute.
Then I keep my eyes closed just for a second and say to myself in my mind: 'Hi there' 'I am here.'
No questions, no answers needed.
Then I take my phone or come back to my open laptop (yes, my laptop is most of the time on the couch next to a blanket and a cat at this point) and I will write out:
What I need is...
I will fulfill this need today by ....
The next thing I will now do is...'
It is a gamechanger, honestly.
How different you can feel in just two minutes.
In moments when our mind is moving in chaos, we can support ourselves through structure. And instead of making the structure another mountain to climb, it must feel like just another breath.
Nothing to do.
What I wrote on Tuesday evening when I returned to this practice after rereading the same sentence of the email over and over again:
'What I need is to rest and exhale.
I will fulfill this need today by adjusting my planning for this week, taking a shower, and watching Emily in Paris.
The next thing I will now do is adjust my planning, so it makes sense again.'
Let me know if you have tried out this little practice and let me know how it works for you.
Warmly, Iza
