Gift Yourself a Time Out

A December challenge to reset the nervous system.

Photo by Laura Beth Snipes on Unsplash

List 5-10 things that annoy you frequently, then after the 2 week challenge revisit the list. Challenge yourself to 10-20 minutes of purposeful rest, savasana or meditation for a 2 weeks. Everyday if possible but at least 3 times a week of being in the quiet and stillness of your body. Then a month later go back to that list and see which ones no longer are triggers to your nervous system. You may still not like the annoyances but maybe there will be less of a reaction to them. A benefit of doing consistent yoga is less reactive behavior. Notice if there is a smoother transition from parasympathetic (restful) to sympathetic (fight or flight) in your nervous system. Yoga teaches a flow between effort and ease that keeps you in a healthier state.

Keep a journal during this time and write about what you notice while doing savasana or meditation. Notice any changes in your daily reactions and behaviors.

A few months ago, I did this challenge and journaling. The following are my notes for the first 7 days of this practice.

Day 1 - It was easy to relax. There were thoughts that came in to trigger me but I noticed them and moved quickly back to focus on my breath. After about 15 minutes, I completely relaxed and started to doze off, which is a sign of exhaustion.

Day 2 - I was aware of spinning thoughts until the last five minutes and it turned to an escape into nothingness. I noticed small sensations as my body relaxed and healed.

Day 3 - A day of feeling agitation, I was still able to feel the relaxation and ease toward the end. Sleep is getting better at night.

Day 4 - A bit interrupted, not a solid quiet break. My sleep was restless that night.

Day 5 - Hard to do on a weekend. My heart rate was up but I could still feel my body resting.

Day 6 - Even with 15 minutes, I could feel small muscles relax as in giving up the tension. This is huge.

Day 7 - In yoga class, my teaching was noticeably different. I was more relaxed and able to share tips where normally I get tongue tied when going off script.

Doing nothing each day on purpose is the challenge. As a form of self care, it brings out our best in creativity, awareness and relationships. When we are aware of our internal state, even if we hear external sounds we are not disturbed by it. We get comfortable with being still and quiet. I am more patient with listening to others and not sitting ready with my response. It is not selfish to go inward. It makes life better and more easeful. Surrendering to the stillness and quiet rest brings in more awareness off the mat. Part of the learning is to notice the spinning mind, sensations and agitation with the body or anything touching the body. The results are finding your truth, healing from addictions, self awareness, understanding your desires and self care becomes priority.

The main point of self care is to operate on a full tank. Once filled up with activities that make you feel alive, then taking actions toward goals and dreams become easier. Control your own environment related to yourself and release all control of situations, outcomes and other people. Once that burden of control is lifted there is more ease and rest which flows right into more creativity and living on purpose. Most controlling behaviors are fear based. Understand the fear and find the gift of focus. Choose faith over fear and watch tensions let loose. Easier said than done but this is where the practice of savasana or meditation can be beneficial and give you a daily place to be and just let it all go. Drop out of your overthinking mind and into your body. Everything you need is already inside of you.

A recent quote (I cannot recall who or where stated) “we don’t wake up grounded”. On purpose rest, meditation or savasana for 2 weeks. A holiday gift to yourself that will in turn be a gift to your loved ones.

Join me in this 2 week challenge and report back in the comments how it went for you. I would love to hear about your experience.