RUNNING ON EMPTY

There's a common thread that links many of my clients - nearly all of them are 'givers'. They put other people's expectations and needs before their own and from time to time they find themselves 'running on empty'.

Slowing down and learning to say no are only the first steps in knowing how to take better care of yourself. Possibly the more intangible part of the process of self care is developing the ability to monitor your energy levels (both emotional and physical) in order to know when they're getting low.

It's not unusual for high energy people be more at risk of burnout. People who are high achievers are generally motivated and driven. They function at a fast pace and are often guilty of not making time to relax. Slowing down, doing nothing or meditating don't have the natural appeal of more stimulating activities. Unfortunately though, without making the time and space to allow the body's natural healing process (or the work of the parasympathetic nervous system) to occur, you can find yourself either stressed or burnt out.

The key to creating life long habits that genuinely restore your soul, is to find the things that you really love. There's no point taking a yoga or meditation class if you won't find pleasure in it.

And if you're genuinely interested in being the best person you can be, don't think of self care as being selfish. When you look after yourself you'll be nicer to be around and less at risk of developing stress related symptoms.

- Lie on the grass under an enormous tree at your local park and look up through the leaves

- Walk along the beach...on the sand, rather than the walking track

- Enjoy a cup of herbal tea and a novel for at least half an hour at the end of your work day

- Have a picnic

- Watch a movie that makes you laugh

- Lie down with your eyes closed and play your favourite music - loudly

- Make the time to cook something beautiful

- Say no to draining or negative friends

- Spend less time on the computer

- Meditate

- Get a massage

- Spend half an hour in the garden

- Have a holiday where you can turn your phone off, switch off your computer and see no-one

- And Elsa's contribution...dance the Nutbush (which is what she'll be doing once exams are finished in a week's time!).

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I had an interesting revelation this week. It is often at this time each year that I find myself somewhat exhausted. When I decided on the title for this month's newsletter, I had an uncanny sense of deja vu. I looked back at last November's newsletter and read what I'd written in my personal note and I had to laugh at myself. How ironic it is that my energy level was exactly the same as it is right now...and how ridiculous it is that I didn't see it coming!

Even though I teach this stuff, I'm as guilty as the next person of not making enough time for self care. One of the things I have learned about myself is that I really need time alone to collect my thoughts and restore my energy. I'm also someone who feels guilty about letting other people down so at times this becomes a conflict of interests.

Now that I've woken up again and realised that I'm in danger of burning myself out, I'll put back in place the day to day measures that are so vital to fill up my soul.

And Chris and I are planning holidays for next year and talking about how we can make that time truly relaxing so that next November, I'll be writing a different story!