Relaxation
Relaxation breaks the tension and that is what you need to be able to switch off. It is important that you learn to recognize an overburdened head and know how to restore it. In relaxation, your mindset is very relevant.
Maybe you have heard the saying: "everything that gives you attention grows". This applies to both the positive and the negative things. Just think of the well-known example of the pink elephant that you are not allowed to think about. And what are you thinking about now? Right... the pink elephant.
How do you understand your brain?
To understand your brain may take some effort and energy in the beginning, but it can give you a lot of energy, make you relax better and bring you better in balance. Being in Balance is a continuous search and adjustment, because life is also constantly changing. You can still plan so well and take your energy management into account, but if your mind-set (unconsciously) does not cooperate, it still costs you too much unnecessary energy and can cause you stress.
Often you can't change the situation, but you can change how you react to a certain situation. Stress mainly arises in your head. The good news is that you can tackle stress by changing your own attitude towards stressful or unpleasant situations (and people). And this insight gives you back your power. You can't change just anyone, but you can change yourself and your reactions. And herein lies the solution for stress, difficult moments and setbacks: you yourself have the key to inner peace in your own hands.
Deploy mindfulness
I'm sure you've experienced walking somewhere or doing something and suddenly asked yourself 'what was I going to do again? Or that you worry about everything all day long, when you are constantly thinking about the future: "I have to go tomorrow ... I'll go tomorrow ..., and after that ...".
Being so 'in your head' is actually the exact opposite of relaxation. Your thoughts go in all directions and in the meantime you miss out on the beautiful moments life has to offer. Live more with full attention, focus your attention on the now. For a moment you consciously let go of all thoughts for 'later' or 'tomorrow', and only focus on what you are doing now. This allows you to choose more consciously how you react to something.
Live more with full attention, focus your attention on the present. For a moment you consciously let go of all thoughts for 'later' or 'tomorrow', and keep busy with what you are doing now. This allows you to choose more consciously how you react to something.
Wendy Gehoel, trainer/coach soft skills at ASML
Deepening
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