I am reading a book recommended by a woman in my Small GroupCoaching Program called "The 20-Minute Break", by Ernest Rossi.
This book is based on 2 decades of research testing on humanperformance. What the researchers found was that our bodiesperiodically give us physiological clues about how to stayenergetic, healthy and productive.
This research describes the "ultradian rhythms", which are the90 to 120-minute cycles that most of our key mind-body systemsfollow. Our creativity, alertness, emotional balance, physicalenergy and appetites all follow a wave-like cycle of activityfollowed by a short period in which the body seeks rest andrenewal.
Most of us neglect our body's signs that we need to take abreak. We push ourselves through clear signals such asdiminished concentration and energy, often overriding them withstimulants such as caffeine or nicotine.
This pattern sets the stage for chronic stress, fatigue andoverload of our systems.
For instance, here's what Dr. Rossi says about the periodbetween 3 and 4 pm. "Researchers have called this period thebreaking point. After this point, the arc of our circadianconsciousness, which has been on the ascendant, begins itsdownward curve.
The entire mind-body is reorienting from outer-world performancetoward sleep, our inner world of nurturing, healing andrestoration."
How many of us are reaching for sugar and/or caffeine between 3and 4 PM?
The answer, according to Dr. Rossi, is to start to recognize ourbody's signals and honor them by taking 2 or 3 20-minute breaksduring the day.
During this time, you can practice the long lost art of doingnothing. Just let your mind relax, float, drift or simply enjoy,allowing the body to direct its own healing and rejuvenation.
At most, you simply witness, quietly and objectively, whateverchanges happen by themselves, without acting or reacting to themin any way.
The challenge of the 20-Minute Break is to actually use the 20minutes for REST. Answering phone calls or email, or switchingyour attention to another project do not count.
To get the benefit, you actually have to REST. On the days thatI have been able to do that, I have felt better, rejuvenatedwith an increased sense of energy and creative thought.
Although I did NOT want to interrupt my day, it was well worththe investment.
If you are unable to take 20 minutes during the day, the bestthing you can do is to take a breather to get in touch withyourself.
Recognize that you are under stress and need rest, rejuvenationand recovery. Instead of indulging in sugar or some otheraddictive substance, see this as an opportunity to recognizeyour need and honor it in the most nurturing way.
About the author:Carol Solomon, Ph.D. is a psychologist and personal coach whospecializes in helping people who want to lose weight andeliminate food and weight issues.
She is the author of "Lose Weight Now Stay Slim Forever," apractical "how-to" manual for learning to lose weight withoutdieting.
Go To: Lose Weight Nowto get your FREE copy of SLIM FOREVER.
