It’s all about balance
The blissful end to a therapeutic massage
In a changed world since the Pandemic of 2020, burnout is common knowledge now. As a former Registered Nurse, burnout was common and in the headlines for decades and is the number one reason for nurses leaving the profession (like I did). As the pressures of contemporary life have shifted post-pandemic and we have become accustomed to many things that can increase burnout (like 48 hour working weeks, long commutes in heavy traffic, social media influence and pressures etc.), it is inevitable that it can and does affect anyone-from stressed career-driven people to overworked employees and homemakers of all social status. The range of signs and symptoms of burnout is vast. Feelings such as emotional exhaustion, physical tiredness, emotional detachment, feeling inadequate or incompetent, negative feelings towards colleagues and loved ones, reduced productivity are pretty prevalent and persistent among those experiencing burnout. Effective strategies to manage burnout can be helpful, but burnout is a late-stage presentation, therefore there are usually fundamental changes to things in your life that should be taken into consideration and perhaps be a catalyst for making some changes. It is important to address the underlying causes, rather than merely taking a break or a holiday, because it is all just going to be there waiting for you when you return!
The importance of self-care
Those who enjoy their work and are passionate about making a difference in the world can easily fall into the patterns of over-giving and not looking after themselves, increasing the risk of burnout, poor health and illness. But, if you are taking excellent care of yourself, you reduce the risk of being an “over-giver” and you can work from a base of replenishment as opposed to depletion-and your energies are used sustainably. It’s also important to have emotional support networks in the form of friends, colleagues, pets and family members. Setting boundaries for yourself is a good way of ensuring your time and energy is used positively and encourages you to be kind to yourself and allow time for you.
Self-care is as unique as you are. What I mean is; what it will look like to you, may be totally different to what it looks like to your friends, family or colleagues. Some people thrive on physical activity if they are a keyboard warrior, or desk jockey, others will want to indulge in sedentary activities, curled up on a sofa with a movie, or a book, some will treat themselves to a spa day, or beauty treatments, massage or a yoga class. In all the years I have worked with people in various stages of health it has struck me that having a balance of activities is essential for optimal outcomes for your future self. Rest and digest is as important as fight or flight for your nervous system health for example. Yin and Yang is another way of describing it. We as human beings need both to stay healthy from a combined mental and physical perspective. As a therapist I work holistically, meaning that my aim for your session is to try and achieve some level of balance for your body, mind and soul; a skilled therapist will create the environment during a session to bring about a wholesome sense of well-being.
Building a healthy habit
Being consistent is fuel for your brain; the nervous system loves this. If you have ever done anything on a regular basis and you notice how easy it becomes over time, then it perhaps feels like “muscle memory” or automatic; it’s because of neuroplasticity and bioplasticity. This means your cells that make up your very being, are adapting and creating pathways to allow whatever it is you are doing to become second nature. Forming a healthy habit is exactly the same, and being consistent means you have greater chance of success and maintaining the habit for life. I see this all the time in my treatment room; the longer someone has been coming to see me on a regular basis, the better the outcomes each treatment. Those who are sporadic present with the same problems for longer, and experience highs and lows with whatever they are battling with. Common things I hear in my sessions with clients are: “I felt great after my last session for six or seven days, and then I noticed the pain coming back” or “sorry I haven’t been in for a while, I’ve just been so busy” or “I forgot to book my next session in and time has just flown by”. I look at the treatment note and it has been months since their last session! Booking in your next session straight after your treatment is one way of developing a habit and carving out the time for you and self-care, and investing in your future self to ensure your body and mind are getting the best chance at staying healthy and able to enjoy your life. Once you start doing this each time, it becomes automatic and the rewards will come fast. You will feel better, accomplished and your mind, body and soul will compliment each other instead of competing for your energy. When was your last self-care session? What does self-care look like to you? Get in touch, or book a slot and let’s work together.
