Survival Tips for the 21st Century
It’s true to say that I fall into the category of workaholic. What motivates me is a passion for what I do. Of course there’s little else more important to the soul than living on purpose. But when it contributes to self-neglect and, certainly in my case on several occasions, the onset of chronic ill health, one has to question the reasoning behind such an attitude. And yet our culture celebrates the grafter, the workaholic, the high achiever. We admire people who juggle several roles in their life. After all, these people represent what it means to be ‘successful’. Well in my experience there is little point in achieving such levels of success if you don’t have your health to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Throughout my life various spells of chronic ill health led to radical overhauls in my lifestyle. In my late 20s overworking, studying for a new career, training for the marathon and existing on 5 hours sleep led to an ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) diagnosis. It took me the best part of a year to deal with a condition where even getting out of bed in the morning proved a Herculean effort. And yet I have no regrets. The lesson I learned from this horrific experience was a valuable one indeed. Apart from stopping me (almost) dead in my self-destructive tracks, I developed the ability to listen to my body which, until now, I’d ignored.
Last week I treated myself to a massage followed by a facial. I call it a treat because that is the language we use to describe such pursuits. Although an undeniably enjoyable experience, the truth is that it was also entirely essential. Part of my role as a health educator involves a significant amount of bodywork. As an instructor I also demonstrate for a large part of each day. And although I find my work immensely gratifying, the efforts can certainly take their toll on my body and the older I get, the more I feel it too. Regular maintenance is essential if I am able to perform at my peak.
Last week I treated myself to a massage followed by a facial. I call it a treat because that is the language we use to describe such pursuits.
For me a massage represents a much-required tune-up. However the benefits of these treatments are not exclusive to someone in my profession. The majority of people these days lead stressful lives and many are fixed in ‘set’ positions for excessive hours during the day. A good massage will have far-reaching, therapeutic effects on such a body. Yes, it will help to release muscle tension and improve mobility, but it will also allow a period of time for the person’s mind to slow down, possibly even disconnect from the frantic busyness of their day-to-day.
It would seem that there has never been a more urgent time for people to address their self-care needs than now. A fast pace of living often leads to a disconnect, much like my experience where my body was literally screaming out for care and attention. But how often do we take time out in the day to simply breathe? In extreme cases of chronically failing health the obvious ideal would be a radical lifestyle overhaul. However, more often than not many people just need to establish a balance in their lives to avoid reaching this stage. Scheduling in daily and weekly sessions of self-nurturance (whatever that may be for you personally) can help you achieve this vital balance.
Some people may have been on the ‘busy’ treadmill for so long that they simply don’t know how to switch off, let alone take time to recharge. (And a bottle of wine, or indulging in other less-than healthy practises doesn’t count!) However the process of exploring what makes you unwind can be an immensely gratifying experience in itself. At the end of my ME/CFS crisis I was surprised to find myself back in a dance studio, trying out a completely new style of dance. My illness gave me plenty of time to reflect and think about what I truly loved in life. As dance has always been my primary passion, I promised myself I’d sign up to classes as soon as my energy felt more stable. Not only was it a motivating factor to get better, it was also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now, with years of additional dance skills under my belt, I also have a wonderful circle of friends that I made in that studio.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best at meditation. Being a naturally ‘busy’ person, it is a technique that has taken me a while to fully embrace.
I feel blessed by my illness because not only did it make me start to care about myself, it also gave me the opportunity to realise I wasn’t living my truth. It is so important to tune into what your mind and body need in order to thrive. More recently I splurged out on a beautiful meditation cushion. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best at meditation. Being a naturally ‘busy’ person, it is a technique that has taken me a while to fully embrace. However my new ‘tool’ has made the process a more comfortable affair and has certainly encouraged me to be more proactive in my daily meditation practise. And the benefits of this regular practise are proving immeasurable. After only ten minutes of mindfulness and breath work I am able to ‘reset’ and calm those busy thoughts that sometimes threaten to overwhelm me.
In Western culture the focus on self-care has never really been a priority. In fact, in some cultures it is even considered as a decadent indulgence. However I’m gratified to see that attitudes are changing. We have had to re-educate ourselves to the understanding that self-nurture is a vital part of self-preservation in the 21st Century. How can we possibly give the best of ourselves when we have little or nothing left to give? Furthermore, where is the enjoyment in a life spent in sickness, fatigue or constant stress? We owe it to ourselves to take the time to honour the magnificent minds and bodies that work so hard for us each and every day. So have that massage you have been promising yourself all year. I’m 100% certain that you deserve it.
For the most amazing massage treatments visit: www.lavenderonthehill.com
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