On a scale of one to ten with one being so chilled that you’re horizontal and ten being so frazzled that you can power the National Grid with excess nervous energy, what’s your number right now?
If you are feeling a little pressurised at the moment, for whatever reason, there are several options you can take. No, I don’t mean reach for the gin… That is an option but it provides only temporary relief, trust me. (This warning applies to any other stimulants of choice.)
Sometimes it’s good to go back to the simple things in life.
What Goes In Affects What Goes Out
I know that heading reads a bit like a biology lesson in bodily functions but I am not getting that personal. I am suggesting though, that you think about what you are eating. Comfort food is great (my personal favourite is bread in any form, slathered in butter, and mashed potato, crisps, and any cheese, and …no, don’t go there.)
Try to make sure that you are eating healthily most of the time. That is, giving your body enough nourishment in the form of good and wholesome food enabling you to function at your best. Think of it as putting high grade fuel in your tank. The cheap stuff works but the car goes more smoothly and efficiently with the right fuel.
And while we’re on the topic of eating, do try to take your lunch break every day, away from your desk. I know, I’m getting very prescriptive. And yes, I know that you know this stuff, but are you remembering to do it? I fall off the healthy wagon with alarming regularity so am always grateful for little reminders.
By the way, I look just like the woman in the picture, in my leggings, on a mountain, eating something nutritious.
Be More Cat – Shut Your Mouth As Well As Your Eyes
Definitely try to be more cat. They are total relaxation experts and can sleep anywhere. Plus, have you ever seen a cat sleeping with its mouth open? No, me neither. And that’s a good thing, as it turns out.
At least, it’s a good thing according to my pal, Mary Love. Mary retrained from a high flying career in nursing to help people live more healthy lives and stop getting sick. I am so fortunate in having a friend who tells me all the latest research (she tells me I am, anyway). She is quite evangelical about the restorative powers of sleep, and in particular getting enough sleep while breathing in through your nose, not through your mouth. She manages to achieve this by putting a piece of surgical tape across her mouth every night and is adamant that her sleep has improved massively. (See here for some more on that. )
She is so convincing that I’ve tried it myself. It does work, sort of. I still do snore (sigh) but I haven’t been getting great sleep lately so tried it and the quality of my sleep is definitely improving. Obviously, I look weird but then I don’t have to look at myself. My husband is adapting to the look, although he does sometimes wake in the night and cry out. I don’t think it’s connected… He seems to naturally breath through his nose, lucky chap, and he does sleep like a log, apart from when he catches a glimpse of his taped-up wife.
Take Charge of Your Health
It’s pretty basic stuff, I know, but those two things are the building blocks of feeling good. If you feel good you can achieve so much more, and I’m all about having more achieving women out there in the world. We need your talents. Look after yourself, take charge of your own health as much as you can. I know you’re busy looking after everyone else but you are very important, too.
Be wonderful!
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on November 1st, 2021 by Jane
