What do you normally get 'achieved' in your lunch break? Errands run? More work since you just eat at your desk? Or something much more nurturing and healing? Lunch breaks are important for busy people.
This year I've got a lot on. I'm going to have to get 4 days worth of paid work done in 3 days, keep on top of my nutrition study, dedicate personal time and attention to support individuals in my new Aussie Paleo Mentoring Program, be an attentive and active mother and wife, as well as daughter, granddaughter and friend, plus a committed volunteer for Nude Food Day events at the school. Write and publish book#2 with my husband (sneak peak announcement) on top of the usual house hold cooking, cleaning, shopping etc duties.
Eek, so excited for my full year, yet feeling very conscience of the potential of getting out of balance and paying the price by getting sick, saying something I didn't intend out of stress, putting on some weight or feeling the guilt of letting down people I love.
So what is going to be my strategy to keep well? Notice first, this is my strategy to 'keep well' rather than my strategy to 'achieve everything'.
My thinking has changed a lot in the past two years. Which is actually what I was searching for at the beginning of this whole journey. I started searching for a better way to cope with stresses in my life. The food changes have awakened me back to the connection between my physical and mental health and what I feed my body and how I nature it. I'm also more aware of my connected place in this bigger universe and the power of nature and natural forces. I won't get too hippy with that last bit, I'm still exploring it myself LOL.
I'm getting to the lunch breaks I promise...
My strategy in the past would have been to make lists, set intentions of e.g. doing 'X' amount of exercise or spend 'X' amount of time on certain tasks. These usually all ended up being unachievable or at least not perfectly achieved when alligned with the very high expectations I place on myself. Which then resulted in me becoming overwhelmed, stressed and in a constant state of racing. Can you relate?
My strategy to 'keep well' this year is to just keep remembering the Paleo Basics. That is, clean eating, adequate water, movement, daily sunshine, 7-9 hours sleep in a dark room, and STRESS MANAGEMENT...
What I'm learning is that now when I'm racing, instead of going faster to get everything done I need to give myself permission to go SLOW. By slow I mean mindfully taking deep breathes, consciencing relaxing (especially my shoulder, neck and stomach muscles as they are always the first to hold stress), going outside into nature and connecting and just being STILL.
Eek, so excited for my full year, yet feeling very conscience of the potential of getting out of balance and paying the price by getting sick, saying something I didn't intend out of stress, putting on some weight or feeling the guilt of letting down people I love.
So what is going to be my strategy to keep well? Notice first, this is my strategy to 'keep well' rather than my strategy to 'achieve everything'.
My thinking has changed a lot in the past two years. Which is actually what I was searching for at the beginning of this whole journey. I started searching for a better way to cope with stresses in my life. The food changes have awakened me back to the connection between my physical and mental health and what I feed my body and how I nature it. I'm also more aware of my connected place in this bigger universe and the power of nature and natural forces. I won't get too hippy with that last bit, I'm still exploring it myself LOL.
I'm getting to the lunch breaks I promise...
My strategy in the past would have been to make lists, set intentions of e.g. doing 'X' amount of exercise or spend 'X' amount of time on certain tasks. These usually all ended up being unachievable or at least not perfectly achieved when alligned with the very high expectations I place on myself. Which then resulted in me becoming overwhelmed, stressed and in a constant state of racing. Can you relate?
My strategy to 'keep well' this year is to just keep remembering the Paleo Basics. That is, clean eating, adequate water, movement, daily sunshine, 7-9 hours sleep in a dark room, and STRESS MANAGEMENT...
What I'm learning is that now when I'm racing, instead of going faster to get everything done I need to give myself permission to go SLOW. By slow I mean mindfully taking deep breathes, consciencing relaxing (especially my shoulder, neck and stomach muscles as they are always the first to hold stress), going outside into nature and connecting and just being STILL.
"If something isn't going right...go left"
Unknown
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Albert Einstein
Today even though I just begun my second week of 3 days to accomplish almost all of the tasks I use to do in 4 days. I took my whole hour lunchbreak (we can have the option of half or hour break) and sat on the grass in the middle of the Parramatta CBD with shoes off, eating my lunch, watching the trees, clouds, birds, and people. Ok, so I also did check Facebook, message a friend and start to write this blog. Yes I'm still a busy person by habit, but I'm learning to be SLOWER and I'm giving priority to my lunch breaks, fresh air, connection with nature and stress management.
When you are inside all day, especially with the air conditioning on and windows shut and lots of electrical equipment everywhere it is especially important to get outside.
I have made outside lunch breaks a priority since starting on Paleo and I believe that has been an important step on my health and healing journey. Outside lunch breaks help you meet more of the Paleo Basics.
When you are inside all day, especially with the air conditioning on and windows shut and lots of electrical equipment everywhere it is especially important to get outside.
I have made outside lunch breaks a priority since starting on Paleo and I believe that has been an important step on my health and healing journey. Outside lunch breaks help you meet more of the Paleo Basics.
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Even in an half hour break, you can make the time to go SLOW.
Or for the person who likes to 'accomplish' things you can:
1. Nourish and refuel your body with good food (slowly eat your delicious packed lunch)
2. Get your daily sunshine and vitamin D (leave the sunglasses in your bag and bare some skin)
3. Breath in fresher air (fresher than air-conditioning - even in a busy city)
4. Ground with nature (i.e. take your shoes off, lean against a tree. Especially important when working near electrical devises)
5. Reduce stress levels (reduce the racing feeling and relax the tension in your body)
6. Get some movement. (This is not about going jogging in your lunch break but rather the walk away from your desk. You may want to include a slow wander for the last 10min of your break or some gentle stretches)
Tips:
So I encourage you to start making outside lunch breaks a priority. Find a shady tree in the summer, a warm spot in the sun in winter and a covered area for the rainy days. Establish a new habit of enjoying a SLOW lunch break...outside...with your shoes off ;)
Wishing you wellness,
Mel xx
Or for the person who likes to 'accomplish' things you can:
1. Nourish and refuel your body with good food (slowly eat your delicious packed lunch)
2. Get your daily sunshine and vitamin D (leave the sunglasses in your bag and bare some skin)
3. Breath in fresher air (fresher than air-conditioning - even in a busy city)
4. Ground with nature (i.e. take your shoes off, lean against a tree. Especially important when working near electrical devises)
5. Reduce stress levels (reduce the racing feeling and relax the tension in your body)
6. Get some movement. (This is not about going jogging in your lunch break but rather the walk away from your desk. You may want to include a slow wander for the last 10min of your break or some gentle stretches)
Tips:
- Pack a lunch that doesn't require re-heating.
- Go exploring and find a nice piece of grass somewhere to sit.
- I carry my lunch in a reusable plastic carry bag which also doubles as something to sit on if the ground is damp.
So I encourage you to start making outside lunch breaks a priority. Find a shady tree in the summer, a warm spot in the sun in winter and a covered area for the rainy days. Establish a new habit of enjoying a SLOW lunch break...outside...with your shoes off ;)
Wishing you wellness,
Mel xx
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