Stress and work/life balance
Modern life can be full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations and demands. Stress is now so commonplace that it has become a way of life. But stress isn’t always bad: it can help you perform under pressure or motivate you to reach that goal you set. However, when you’re constantly under stress your mind and body will pay the price.
The first step in dealing with it is to accept the fact that stress is normal. It is a natural response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way.
When we sense danger (real or imagined), the body’s defence kick in, in what is known as the ‘fight-flight- freeze’ reaction. This stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. It helps you stay focused, energetic and alert and can give you extra strength to defend yourself.
Don’t worry if you are finding it difficult to juggle the demands of your new business and the rest of your life; you are not alone. This is one of the biggest challenges for all new business owners.
Meditation
Despite the fact that there are many ‘gurus’ devoted to teaching it, endless books and courses on the subject, meditation is extremely simple. All it requires is for you to still your mind through breathing techniques:
- With low lights, comfortable clothes and temperature, close your eyes and listen to your breath
- Make sure to keep your back straight
- Exhale fully and empty your lungs
- Breath deeply from the bottom of your lungs
- Breath slowly and hold your breath
- Listen to the sound of your breath as you inhale
- Listen to the sound of your breath as you exhale
- There will be a temptation to follow the different thoughts that are going through your head – resist these thoughts and bring your concentration back to your breath
- Repeat this for as long as you wish, but I would aim for a minimum of 10 minutes
- Enjoy the inner calmness
I personally prefer to use a guided meditation. Why not take 10 minutes and try one of the following:
Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches us to direct our attention to what is happening right here, right now, with an attitude of kindness towards ourselves and our experiences.
It can be practiced formally as with the meditation above but it can also be informal, whenever and wherever you want. It simply involves focusing your attention on what you are doing (walking, eating, reading) and blanking out everything else.
- The benefits of mindfulness at work are:
- Improved relationship with colleagues and customers
- Improved empathy and self-kindness
- Increased focus and attention
- Improved productivity
- Improved resilience and wellbeing
- Positive change to brain structure
There is no doubt that life can be stressful. Look after your mental health. Relax, have fun and don’t take it too seriously.
Why not start a morning meditation routine? It’s a fantastic way to start your day…Your business will reap the benefits.
