When I was first a full-time bluestocking, reading English at Cambridge University, I had no idea about looking after myself. I had all the trappings – bike, books, cigarettes, bottle of sherry, all night parties, ridiculously harsh work ethic. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius (good because I’m not one!) to work out that this is a recipe for disaster, even in a healthy 20 year-old. I ended up with physical exhaustion and clinical depression, having to take a year out to recover.
Luckily, I’ve learned from the experience and over the years have deepened my understanding of self-care. I know that the tiredness that comes from prolonged intellectual effort can be detrimental to our wellbeing. Yesterday, I found myself with a long paperwork task in front of me after a few days of interesting but draining work in my ‘proper’ job. My first thought was, ‘I’ll meditate when this is done.’ I sat down and noticed my tiredness and the residual stress in my body and changed my mind. I put down my pen and went outside to meditate for just 10 minutes.
I came back a different person, still tired but more settled, far less stressed and most importantly remembering who I really am (more of this in future posts). Not so long ago I would have found it impossible to interrupt my work in this way, so I am delighted to report the growth and the confidence in my spiritual practices that are evidenced by my little break.
Today I am accepting my ongoing tiredness and having a bit more of a break this afternoon. After a morning-long meeting and a couple of long drives, I am doing some much-needed procrastination and putting my own wellness first. And there’s no doubt I will achieve more tomorrow if I have rested today!
If you’d like to do the same, why not take a moment or two – or 10 – to duck out from the busy busy and come back to centre? Here is a rose from my garden to help you do that.
Why not share your reaction to taking that moment in the comments section? Thanks for being still with me xxx
Thank you for sharing this Harriet. This is important for everyone to know.
I especially resonate with you taking he time out to meditate BEFORE you settled to work, rather than seeing it as some kind of reward for after your had finished your work.
We all really do need to look after ourselves first and then we can give our best to the people and activities we are needed for.
Thank you Caroline. You are a wonderful example in living this way xx
I love mini meditations. It has helped me out of many a rut.
Yes! The more I bring meditation into my day rather than thinking it is only for a longer session morning/evening, the more I benefit!
Well done for recognising the break that your body and mind needed. In my 20’s I ended up in hospital twice from overworking. I was totally exhausted and like you depressed. I can relate to your words. Such an important message you are sharing today Harriet. Thank you xx
Thank you Kama. We have a lot in common. Take care xx
I quite agree! I always prefer to meditate before I start my working day, and also preferably a quick walk if I can. I feel much more refreshed and focused when I do, and I’m more productive. So often we don’t put our own health and well-being first and I think that’s a mistake. Andrea
Yes, sometimes we only find out we have made the mistake when our health tells us! My working day is always unpredictable so I am learning to be more and more flexible and as a result getting more and more benefits! Thanks for your comment :-)
What a valuable message you have shared here.
I have still to get the hang of this meditation lark as my head remains like a box of frogs most of the time. However, i have learned the art of saying ‘No’ and of pacing myself.
So many times we would go on holiday and for the first few days I would be like a limp lettuce, so drained with over-work.
Pacing myself includes taking breaks during the day, regardless of the volume facing me. Just 20 minutes in the garden, a walk to the post box or something else simple but that requires movement, re-energises me and I find when I return to my work, I have a new mental vigour.
Perhaps one day the meditation will click, perhaps…
Juliana
Thank you Juliana. As soon as I am qualified to teach Mind Calm meditation I will be shouting about it from the (virtual) rooftops! It’s truly wonderful to see people ‘clicking’ right in front of you! xx
Since moving to Spain, I just have to take more time out – it’s too hot.
It is really refreshing to just be and then come back to work.
My workaholic days are definitely over!
Sounds like you are really in the flow Jacqui! x
Bravo on taking that time for yourself, I know I can definitely feel the difference when I meditate regularly and when I don’t. I really need to be sure I take time to do that for myself.
Yes, never hurts to remind ourselves, does it? Thanks for your comment.
I love those mini meditations! They really do recharge you! I usually do them, by just sitting back, turning around so I’m not facing my computer and closing my eyes for about 15 minutes. I come back a totally different person and can keep my eyes open now.
I usually move, to the garden if it’s warm enough or to another chair in the next room, mainly because my office has a window on to the road so the other options are more private. The great thing is to do it and to know the details that work for you individually. Thanks for your comment because I hadn’t thought about that particular aspect before.