Motivate and inspire.
OVERVIEW
We all have activities that we know make us feel good – emotionally and physically. But sometimes we just feel too busy, too focused on one aspect of everyday life or work to make time for them. This exercise is all about restoring the balance and consciously putting those positive activities back into our normal routines.
THE WHY
Engaging in positive activities is more likely to result in us having positive thoughts. Positive thoughts then cause an increase in positive emotions which in turn fuels a more positive cycle of performance.
Have a look back at our explanation of the Cognitive Behaviour Model to show how our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and our physical selves are all interlinked and influence each other.
Like many Peak State tools, this works best when practised in conjunction with other techniques. Why not have a look at Everyday Creativity, Get Outdoors and Distraction Techniques.
Exercise
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CHECK: Pause and take a moment to check in. How do you feel? Are your thoughts helpful?
Can you identify where your attention is focused?
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CHALLENGE: Do you feel like you are holding on to past events – have you learnt everything you can from this time or does it require more attention?
Do you feel like you’re spending too much time thinking about the future? Is it tiring to make so many plans? Do you spend energy worrying about what might be?
Are you finding it hard to enjoy time in the present moment?
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CHANGE: Take a moment and move somewhere you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes.
If possible, sit down and take a deep breath.
Starting with the top of the head and then working your way down, just check in and notice how each part of your body feels. Is it tense or relaxed, restless or still? Are you hungry or thirsty? You don’t need to do anything to change how you feel, just notice the sensations.
Next, allow your body to be heavy. Feel the weight of your body, pressing down.
This might be enough to reconnect, or you may wish to take the exercise further by closing your fists tightly and holding them for five seconds. Now slowly, unclench your fists and stretch your fingers out as wide as they will go. Note the different sensation before slowly closing your fists again. Repeat this five times before coming to rest.
Hopefully by now you will feel more connected to your body and more present in your surroundings. But if you need further assistance in becoming more present, try one of our guided breathing audio tools.
This will become more effective with practise – so repeat this exercise a few times each week.
LISTEN TO THE TOOL