Nature has cycles. Our body has cycles. Each day cycles through waking and sleeping, and even through our waking hours we have cycles of productivity and required rest, called ultradian rhythms, which last about every 80-120 minutes for productive focus before we need to 'check out' from work and switch gears - play, rest, get outside. This is about honoring biological rhythm and energy instead of managing our to do list in spite of our energy and body's needs. We work, then we rest. Or, we don't, and we bring on a host of habits that work against our health and happiness. Culturally, we could be better about allowing the fallow, dark season of fall and winter to help us rest and turn inward. The pace of our day, and our life directly impacts our health. We're heading into … [Read more...]
Before You Do Anything, Do This
I'm taking a stand today for what I call Uni-Tasking. The Yoga Sutras describe yoga as 'a training of the mind to focus and sustain that focus on one object'. When our mind behaves like an unruly monkey, our body often interprets that as a Stress Response. No Bueno for our health and happiness, and it reduces the quality of our work and relationships. Could you use a moment to slow down and regroup? I thought so. Monkey mind is common (bad news bears!) But more and more research is showing that we can indeed change our minds and rewire our brains for healthy, more resilient patterns. First step, though, is becoming aware enough to interrupt the old program so we can give ourselves an upgrade. More good news - we can create new neural patterns through neuroplasticity in as … [Read more...]
New Beginnings: Free Audio Lesson
Did you know? February 1 is the New January 1. At least, I'm calling it. After the bustle of the holidays, and deep in the heart of winter (at least for us here in the Northern Hemisphere), it can feel a bit too early to go raring into January full speed ahead. We need more space. Back a couple years, I began really listening and taking the full month of January to reflect and get clear on what I desired for the year ahead. I meditate, clean house, and get my spirit and schedule in order. And besides, so many people with grand intentions on January 1 end up bailing on them by February. Let's not do that again this year, shall we? What's the alternative to "I'm going to change everything this year, starting now!?" Making a deep commitment to ourselves, our body and … [Read more...]
Unitasking: A New Approach to Productivity
"My coffee is cold again." "I burned dinner!" "I don't remember the drive home, I somehow just got here." "When I'm at a stoplight it's ok to text or email. I'm just sitting here stalled in traffic, right?" "I have 10 browsers open on my computer and can't seem to focus..." Let's all agree to wake up from the misperception that being productive means doing more, and doing everything all at once. It doesn't work. We know this, and some of us can even feel the stress in our bodies, yet somehow we have become addicted to the frantic, scattered, immediate gratification mindset of our modern society. Slow down. Your Focus needs Focus. Instead of multi-tasking, I talk with my clients and students about unitasking. Do. One. Thing. Well. Start to finish. Satisfied? … [Read more...]