Looking After Your Mind and Body 1 November 04

Have you noticed that when you get stuck into the back copies of ‘Hello’ magazine, in the doctor or dentist’s waiting room there is picture after picture of the rich and famous, leaving ‘their club’ clutching yoga mats? It is no coincidence that as lifestyles and pressures of modern living increase, many of us are seeking fulfilment in more spiritual pursuits, such as yoga, meditation and massage.

In his book The Spirit of Success, Edinburgh-based Life Coach,Norman Drummond talks about the process and importance of “chilling and stilling”. The principle is based on the idea that we need to regularly make time to slow down, relax and clear our minds, before we can move on in a positive way, to fulfil our potential.

It’s easy to get trapped in the axis of the ‘knowledge’ age. But if you think about it, there is nothing healthy about spending hours hunched over a Mac or PC. If you look around a modern office today, you are likely to see people overloaded with information, with poor posture and shallow breathing, all of which can contribute to the build up of mental and physical stress.

I’d like to suggest a simple exercise that you can do right now (give yourself 5 minutes out from reading The Drum). Create three lists. The first should be headed: 1. What will I plan for myself this week that will help me to slow down and look after myself physically and emotionally? 2. What can I do today? 3. What can I do now?

At the office there are a few things you can do immediately. Take three deep, long and controlled breaths (repeat three times throughout the day). Regularly check your posture and drink plenty water. Ensure that you get out for a walk (amongst grass and trees is even better). These few simple steps should energise you and help you stay more focused at work.

If you are a leader, you could think about occasionally, bringing in a masseur or yoga instructor to work, as a way of re-energising and rewarding staff. Employers can incentivise staff to eat better by supplying a fresh (and free) bowl of fruit each day. If you have the space why not create a chill out zone (they used to be called staff rooms before so many of us became desk bound). Company cultures come from the top, so if you are the boss, the way you behave will largely give the lead to your staff, so give some thought to how your own way of being may be impacting on others.

In a bid to improve my well being at work, I’m sitting atop a large orange physioball, whilst writing this (much to my husband’s amusement). I’m carrying out the advice of a physiotherapist friend who assures me that it will vastly improve my posture. Despite feeling slightly seasick at first, I’m getting to quite like it, as it feels more energising than my old chair.

It’s easy to get stuck in certain behaviours, without thinking what you could change to make yourself feel healthier and happier. So, if you do sign up for that yoga class, don’t worry too much if you don’t quite resemble Gwyneth or Brad post-session. You are equally beautiful on the inside.