We had a great family holiday in July and, in an attempt to hold on to that lazy, hazy holiday feeling, I have been trying to do a little less since I got back. It means turning down a few things, which goes against my default. I find saying no to things hard to do, especially when some of those things are fun and others I know will stretch me in a good way. But it’s about giving myself permission to go a little slower. I know from experience it will all get done in the end and if it doesn’t, then I remind myself, it obviously wasn’t that important. You might have had the experience of leaving stuff in your in tray or so long that it no longer needs to be done.
My Version of Goal Keeping
When you know something in your thinking brain, it can help you stick to your guns on emotional levels too. So take this Israeli study on goal keepers. In 2007 a bunch of economists analysed 286 penalty kicks from football matches. They learned that the most goals were saved when the goalkeepers just stayed in the centre, rather than jumping to one side in anticipation. When the keepers didn’t move, they saved 33.3% of the kicks. Compared to just 12.6% and 14.2% when they jumped right and left respectively. In other words, doing nothing got a better result than doing something.
CrazyWorld
Our wonderful yoga teacher Lauren who took this morning’s yoga class, told us she calls this state of mental busyness ‘crazyworld’ and instructed the class to:
1. Stop.
2. Breathe. and
3. Become willing to change.
And it really is as simple as that. Exploring your own willingness to reset and, possibly, reroute. It can feel just so hard to do nothing, or to do less when you are used to filling up your time bucket. I would usually use TV time for the kids as time for me to get stuff done. But now, delightfully, for the first time I have been watching ‘grown up TV’ with my young children (Masterchef!). It feels indulgent and lazy in a great way. Putting on our gas fire, even though we’ve had some milder nights feels luxurious too. And taking more baths always feels wonderful in Winter.
The Juggler’s Lesson
If your Winter has been a juggle, consider what sort of balls you have in the air. If you think about it, usually the work balls are made of rubber. If you do drop a work ball, any damage is not so long lasting. When you drop rubber balls they have a little momentum and might even keep moving by themselves for a while. Work stuff is not the sort of stuff you would worry about on your deathbed.
But health, relationships and family are balls you don’t want to drop. Those balls tend to made of plastic or glass. A plastic ball will fall flat and all action will cease til you pick it up. And as for glass – Well, imagine trying to patch back together your ball out of all those shards. Your health, family and relationship statuses may well be things you will regret at the end of your days. So the number one rule is, don’t drop a glass ball.
So have a think about what you need to nurture your relationships and family as you move toward Spring. And, for your health, stay cosy with us at Transform as we see out the Winter. Access power and confidence through your abs with some Pilates, work out your thighs and hips with some joyful Barre and warm your heart with some yoga.
– Christina
PS Please forward on to anyone you feel may benefit. you never know, you might change their life!