How about more energy and less stress in 2019?
By: Kiki Athanas, Calii Love’s In-House Wellness Expert & Founder of Me by Kiki™
The answer might be simpler and easier than you think…and it’s all about taking breaks.
Yup, I’m referring to consciously and mindfully taking a pause to “reset” – but not the hardcore green juice detox kind. Instead, it can be as simple as taking 15 minutes or so to CHILL OUT. It’s a thing. In fact, it’s a science thing.
It’s called “ultradian rhythm” and it refers to your balance of activity and rest.
So why haven’t most of us heard of “ultradian rhythm” before?!
Well, the science behind it is definitely there, but it wasn’t until around the 1990’s that organizational psychology and efficiency experts began breaking it down for us in – like in Ernest Rossi’s 1991 book The Twenty Minute Break.
Taking breaks is literally necessary to “detox” your brain for more sustainable energy and optimal cognitive function throughout the day.
Yes, I’m essentially saying doing a little bit of NOTHING is going to do you a whole lot of good – specifically, when that DO NADA time happens every 90-120 minutes or so for about 15 minutes.
So if you’re productive, focused, “on” for a couple hours – you most definitely deserve to take a moment to stop and check in.
When’s the last time you truly took a moment to self-audit? Well, this year, it should happen everyday, every couple of hours!
Now I’m not encouraging you to go ahead and mindlessly scroll Facebook whenever you feel like a break (although each to their own) – instead, here are a few of my recommended tips for taking a (productivity-boosting) break:
Get outside – even just a few minutes in fresh air, and even better taking in some sunlight, can have a profound impact on your energy levels and mood.
Talk to someone. When’s the last time you picked up the phone – like to your ears?! Do it. (If you’re in an office setting, this could be as simple as walking over to a colleagues desk rather than emailing them – trust me, it’s a thing.)
Tea time. Getting up and walking over to the kettle, choosing a tea (preferably herbal – I love tulsi for a gentle lift) provides yourself with that “pause” – bonus is the fact that you have to sip it slowly…and enjoy!
Nap it out. This one is my favourite, but I also get that it might not be “possible” for everyone, based on where they are/work. So if it’s not a socially-acceptable possibility, perhaps blame it on “meditation” – and take a few moments to plug in your headphones, listen to a guided or timed meditation (I love the Calm app for this), and close your eyes whilst sitting at your desk.
Washroom break! Have you ever had that urge to get up and “go pee” – even though you don’t really need to? Well, it’s your body letting you in on a little secret: YOU NEED A BREAK. Take a mindful stroll to the washroom and…actually, go.
Wishing you all a successful 2019 – amplified by the power of balance, as the activity–rest cycle has been proven to reduce stress and maximize performance! Enjoy me time