Today’s society often celebrates leading a busy lifestyle, creating the perception that you are more ‘successful, hardworking and popular.’
Going from back-to-back work calls, social events, deadlines, family time, running here there and everywhere – you are on fire!
But as we all know… fires burn out and you can burn out too.
Definition of Burn Out: State of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress in your job, or when you have worked in a physically or emotionally draining role for a long time (World Health Organisation).
In an ideal world, extra hours would be added to our day to ensure that we can look after ourselves the way we know that we need to. Unfortunately, 24 hours is all you get.
So even though the pressures of everyday life probably won’t be going away any time soon, there are simple things we can do to ensure that we do look after ourselves (and they don’t take that long!).
You may have been trying out different ways to practice mindfulness techniques on a Kaido Challenge but did you know that mini-mindfulness breaks can have lots of benefits. Taking just 5 minutes out to focus on yourself can help in the following ways:
Stress Less
Studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce stress. Reducing stress also means that: You’ll sleep better, blood pressure will be lowered, digestive system will improve, you’ll have a stronger immune system and you won’t have to get a massage because your muscle tension will be reduced!
Awareness
You’ll be able to enjoy more of the world around you, have in depth and positive interactions with others and take notice of wonderful things that you used to miss when you were too wrapped up in your busy world. Awareness will also mean you’ll look after your body better, noticing pain or illness you may have previously ignored or perhaps not even noticed.
Time
Although no more hours will be added to your clock, the opportunity to stop and breathe often feels like you have more time. Having ‘more time’ in your day will allow you to be more productive, making your ‘to-do’ list and busy life seem less manic.
Not only are there many benefits to mini-mindfulness but it’s not too time consuming, and it’s simple and easy to do!
Resources:
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/21-reasons-why-you-should-not-proud-being-busy.html
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/
https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mindfulness/
https://www.mondaycampaigns.org/destress-monday/the-health-benefits-of-reducing-stress
