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Take your rest!

13/06/2019 • General wellbeing, Kinesiology, Mental wellbeing, self care, stress • by
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Taking a break!

“Take your rest!  You can’t go hard for the next set if you don’t take your rest!”  This was the voice of the coach this morning at swimming training.

You see I am a slow swimmer and in a mistaken attempt to keep up with the group I was skipping the 10 second rest break and continuing to swim the next lap.  After all 10 seconds isn’t going to make much difference right?  Wrong!  I discovered even a short rest meant I could swim harder and faster the next lap.

Every training program I have seen for triathlons, marathons etc, always have rest days as part of the schedule as well as rest breaks within the daily programs.  This shows me that if endurance athletes, who are training to push themselves beyond normal limits, take rests, then the benefits of rest shouldn’t be underestimated.

One of the most common reasons people come to see me is because they are tired and burnt out.  Frequently, these people have been pushing themselves to stay on top of their workload, whether it’s from their job or from personal or family demands.  Read More…

Just breathe….

31/05/2019 • breathe, General wellbeing, Mental wellbeing, physical, self care, stress, Uncategorized • by
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Swimming at Darwin Waterfront

A secret discovered at the dawn of Mankind, refined by many cultures to an art form, often forgotten in today’s hectic world … JUST BREATHE.
A hunter stalking the African savannah, a warrior going into battle, a yogi seeking enlightenment, a woman giving birth. A simple solution to focus, survive and prosper … JUST BREATHE

This is a regular reminder I give myself and others to reduce stress and tension, to assist performance in an exercise session and to navigate challenging situations calmly.
Sometimes I unconsciously hold my breath when I’m doing something difficult.  It’s not just physical exertion. I catch myself not breathing when doing housework, concentrating on writing an assignment or blog, or even reading instructions to put together a flat pack! Do you do the same?
I remind clients to breathe deeply because it assists corrections with kinesiology.  A few deep breaths calm and energise you when feeling stressed and overwhelmed.  It is not by chance that breath provides focus and calmness in yoga and is crucial to meditation practices.
But if you can’t breathe deeply? Read More…

Getting stuff done

21/03/2019 • General wellbeing, Mental wellbeing, self care, self sabotage, Uncategorized • by
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A few weeks ago, I worked with a client who was struggling with procrastination. You know, that great thief of time.

She had a series of assessments she needed to hand in to complete her course; she frequently found herself being distracted and avoided getting them done.  A few days after our session she contacted me to say she had already finished five, and was well on her way to completing the rest.

I often work with clients who feel stuck or blocked, who struggle with procrastination and avoid uncomfortable tasks.  They sabotage their own ability because they don’t feel ready, or lack the confidence, energy, time or motivation to make that first move and then follow through.

This is a subject I feel somewhat of an expert on – there was a stage where the “pro” in procrastination could have referred to me. Here are some of the ideas and techniques I use to keep procrastination at bay.

Just start!

Above my desk I have a hand-embroidered sign that simply says “Start”.

This has been an invaluable reminder when it’s time to write another blog and I find myself sitting at my desk staring at a blinking cursor on a blank computer screen.   To just type notes and develop ideas gives me a base to build my next article.

Sometimes the pathway or process to completion only comes to light after you get started. Read More…

Holding too tight?

19/11/2018 • Mental wellbeing, self care, stress, Uncategorized • by
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When I was a child, I often had the comment “Rena tries too hard” on my report cards.  I remember thinking what a ridiculous comment to make.  How could you ‘try too hard’?  Weren’t you supposed to try hard?

As an adult I better understand what the teachers meant, but there are still times when I need to remind myself that, rather than continuing to push through frustration, it’s better to pause, take a breath, relax and reassess.

In a kinesiology session a few weeks ago, a similar problem surfaced for a client.  As we were discussing the issue, some advice I was given by a cycling friend came to mind which served as a great metaphor to describe the concept.  So, I thought I would share it here…. Read More…

The healing power of a hug

14/02/2018 • General wellbeing, Mental wellbeing, Pain relief, physical, self care, touch • by
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Touch is not only nice.  It’s needed.  Research supports the theory that touch is necessary for our physical and emotional well being.

Therapeutic touch is recognised as an essential tool for healing; to help relieve pain, depression and anxiety, to bolster patients’ will to live and to help babies grow and thrive.

One special form of touch is the hug.   Read More…

Time for a fresh start? Time to declutter

17/01/2018 • General wellbeing, Mental wellbeing, self care, Uncategorized • by
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It’s the first new moon of 2018 and I’ve decided NOW is the time to clear out my clutter.  I have made forays into clearing out and cleaning up before but this time I plan to dig deep and really clear my space.

One of the principles discussed in my training as a Kinesiologist is “What is in your universe (environment) is also within you”.  Meaning a cluttered home could indicate; a cluttered mind, an overweight body, inability to live in the present moment and/or not happy with the person you are.

Clearing clutter is an emotional process, but if you follow through when the frustration and overwhelm kicks in, it can be a life changing activity.  To help keep me motivated I have done some research into the benefits of clearing clutter so I have something positive to focus on while I work through my “stuff”.  I am sharing them here… Read More…

Hot & Bothered? Take time to rest

15/12/2017 • General wellbeing, Mental wellbeing, Pain relief, physical, self care, Uncategorized • by
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In our busy ‘build up’ season it is extra important to take time to rest (and cool off).

Over the past few years I have come to realise how important it is to schedule rest into an exercise program.  Every Ironman training program I have looked at incorporates a rest day every week and a light training recovery week every month. Research in weight training has shown, that on average, people work 7% harder in subsequent sets after they have rested.  This means resting effectively, helps to improve your performance.

It occurs to me that the same principle applys in everyday life.  There seems to be recognition and admiration for people who work long hours and the ability to “push through” is regarded as a quality to strive for. Read More…

Forest bathing

01/11/2017 • General wellbeing, Mental wellbeing, physical, self care • by
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What better place for a tree pose, than an isolated water hole in beautiful Litchfield National park?

Many of us have felt the benefits of a trip out in nature, especially amongst trees and plants.  These short trips have come to be called “forest bathing”, and it is often considered as being similar to natural aromatherapy.

After a forest (or in our case bush) bathing trip whether a day trip or longer camping trip you know you feel better, but do you know why?   Read More…