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Bending the Rules: Creating a Yoga Journey Amidst the Office Chaos

Published by Editor's Desk
Category : self-care

In the whirlwind of emails, deadlines, and meetings, carving out a space of tranquility can seem like an implausible feat. Yet, in the bustling milieu of corporate hustle, I discovered a silent sanctuary – a yoga journey that bends the traditional contours of ‘busy’ and ‘stress,’ ushering in a realm where calm, focus, and rejuvenation are not sought-after luxuries but lived experiences.

 

 Breathe Amidst the Buzz:

 

My odyssey into the yoga sanctuary commenced with the profound yet simple art of breathing. Amidst the clattering keyboards and ringing phones, moments of silence emerged where deep, rhythmic breaths turned the chaos into symphonies of calm. Every inhale infused energy; every exhale dispelled stress, turning each work moment into a dance of breath and tranquility.

 

 Desk Asanas – The Silent Revolution:

 

My desk, once a monument of task execution, morphed into a yoga mat. Seated stretches, spinal twists, and chair poses infiltrated the task hours. Each asana was a silent revolt against stiffness, stress, and sedentariness. In this silent revolution, wellness was not an after-work pursuit but a constant companion, echoing the grace of flexibility and the vigor of movement in every task.

 

 Mindful Interludes:

 

Amidst the segmented hours of tasks and meetings, mindful interludes carved their niche. A two-minute meditation post-lunch, a moment of mindful breathing pre-meeting, and visualizations during breaks - each was a gateway from the clamor to calm, where mental clutter yielded to clarity, and turbulence to tranquility.

 

 The Green Connect:

 

Nature emerged as the silent ally. A potted plant on the desk, the gaze drifting to the window, outdoor walks post meetings - each interaction with the green was a yoga session unfolded. Nature was not a passive backdrop but an active conductor, orchestrating an ethos where wellness and work are harmonious notes in a melodious symphony.

 

 Yoga – A Collective Narrative:

 

Yoga morphed from a personal pursuit to a collective narrative. Group yoga sessions, virtual wellness challenges, and yoga breaks turned the corporate space into a yoga studio, where each colleague is a fellow yogi, each workspace a mat, and every workday a yoga session where flexibility, focus, and calm are not aspirational goals but experiential realities.

 

 The Integration of the Intangible:

 

Yoga, in this transformative journey, was not confined to poses but extended to an intangible ethos. The principles of balance, harmony, and mindfulness infiltrated work ethics. Every project was imbued with the balance of effort and ease; every interaction echoed the harmony of speaking and listening; every deadline was approached with mindfulness – a focus that is unwavering yet calm.

 

 The Workspace – A Yoga Sanctuary:

 

In this yoga odyssey, the workspace is not a domain of mechanical efficiency but a sanctuary where the asanas of flexibility, the breath of calmness, and the meditation of focus, dance in harmonious rhythms. The walls reverberate not with the echoes of stress but with the silent yet potent hymns of holistic wellness.

 

In bending the rules, a revelation unveils - yoga is not an isolated practice confined to the mat but a lived philosophy that breathes life, vitality, and balance into every moment of professional life. We are not passive navigators of corporate chaos but active yogis, weaving the threads of calm, focus, and flexibility into the fabric of professional existence.

 

Join me, as we bend not just our bodies but the traditional paradigms of ‘busy’ and ‘stress.’ Each breath, pose, and mindful moment is a stroke painting a canvas where the office is not a hub of chaos but a sanctuary of balanced existence. In this realm, we are not just professionals meeting deadlines but yogis living the yoga philosophy, where every task is a dance of focus and ease, every interaction a harmony of expression and listening, every workday a yoga session unfolding the grace of balance, calm, and holistic wellness.

 

In the transformed sanctuary of the office, the chaos is not an overwhelming force but a milieu where the yoga journey unfolds - silent yet profound, bending the rules and unveiling a workspace where every chair is a yoga mat, every colleague a fellow yogi, every task an asana, and every workday a yoga session echoing the silent yet potent hymns of balance, wellness, and holistic harmony.

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How can I go from burnout to self care

What People are talking about burnout?

I feel like my body is running on adrenaline. It’s as if I am trying to run a marathon at a sprint pace - every single day at work.

I have been consistently experiencing high levels of stress and I didn’t take steps to manage or reduce it. Eventually this led to exhaustion, physical and emotional burn out!

I just can’t say “no” and felt that I would let someone down by refusing an assignment. So I took on too much work leading up to stress and burnout. 


So what happened?

Your decision to begin your journey from burnout to self care is itself a sign of how far you’ve come. From a professional wanting to work hard and succeed to someone being overwhelmed and overworked for so long and then finally experiencing burnout is a long and arduous process. You’ve already crossed the first step of recognizing burnout and now you must slowly but steadily rid yourself of all of its symptoms. Since burnout happened to you gradually, affecting your ability to function across all aspects of life, you must prepare yourself for an incremental approach to the burnout recovery process. 

What can we do about it?

Focus on sustainability

The key to transitioning from this state of exhaustion to one of rejuvenation lies in embracing sustainability in your self-care practices. The next time an assignment is presented to you, ask yourself “Can I do this with the same intensity for the next few weeks?” If there’s a task that you don’t enjoy, ask yourself “for how long can I continue doing this task without feeling bored and unmotivated?” Instead of tolerating a stressful situation for long periods of time, address it at the beginning with the idea of sustainability at the back of your mind.

Secondly, sustainability in self-care means recognizing and respecting our limits. It involves setting healthy boundaries, saying no when necessary, and understanding that rest is not a luxury, but a fundamental need. It's about listening to our body and mind, and responding with kindness and patience.

Lastly, sustainable self-care is about finding balance. It’s not just about relaxation and downtime, but also about finding joy and engagement in activities you love, fostering relationships that nourish you, and pursuing goals that give you a sense of purpose.

Can I read more about it somewhere?

"The Thriving Therapist: Sustainable Self-Care to Prevent Burnout and Enhance Well-Being" by Matthew A. Hersh, Ph.D., is a holistic and comprehensive guide aimed at psychotherapists and mental health professionals. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable self-care practices, particularly for those dedicated to caring for others. The book, born from Dr. Hersh's personal experiences, including a life-threatening illness, offers a nuanced view on self-care, integrating wisdom from various sources with the author's own insights as a psychologist, therapist, and cancer survivor​​.

Here are three main takeaways from the book:

  • Integrative Approach to Self-Care: The book provides an integrative view of self-care, combining research, self-reflection exercises, personal anecdotes, and practical techniques. It encourages readers to actively engage in self-care rather than passively reading about it​​.
  •  
  • Evidence-Based Guidance: Dr. Hersh offers a well-researched, evidence-based guide to restoring health, mental well-being, and idealism for mental health professionals. This is particularly relevant in our increasingly stressed society, where mental health professionals often experience burnout​​.
  •  
  • Tools for Mindful Coping: The book is a reflective guide that provides tools, guides, and wisdom for mindful coping. It supports helping professionals and others in developing skills to care for themselves while they care for others, emphasizing the balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities​​.

Dr. Hersh's background as a clinical psychologist, mindfulness teacher, and energy psychology practitioner, along with his personal journey and professional experience, enriches the content of the book, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the mental health field​​.

I don't get it.. Tell me more 

When transitioning from a state of burnout to embracing self-care, it's crucial to engage in self-reflection. This process allows you to understand your needs, set boundaries, and develop a sustainable self-care routine. By asking yourself the right questions, you can uncover the root causes of your burnout and create a tailored approach to your well-being. Here are five important questions to guide this introspective journey:

What are my primary stressors? Identifying the specific sources of your stress can help you address them more effectively.

How do I typically respond to stress, and is it effective? Understanding your current coping mechanisms can reveal if they're helping you or potentially contributing to your burnout.

What activities genuinely rejuvenate me? It's essential to distinguish between activities that truly refresh you and those that might be escapism or short-term fixes.

What boundaries do I need to set for my health and well-being? Recognizing where you need to set limits can help you conserve energy and prioritize your well-being.

How can I integrate self-care into my daily routine? Consider practical ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday life, ensuring it's sustainable and not just a temporary fix.

By pondering these questions, you can begin to develop a deeper understanding of your needs and how best to meet them on your path to recovery and well-being.

Here’s what an ideal burnout to self care journey looks like:

Imagine yourself as an employee on a journey from burnout to embracing self-care:

Morning Ritual: Your day starts with a new ritual. Instead of immediately checking emails, you take a few minutes for meditation or deep breathing. This helps set a calm tone for the day.

Commute with Mindfulness: On your commute, you listen to relaxing music or a motivational podcast. This time becomes a transition period, mentally preparing you for the day ahead.

Structured Work Hours: At work, you diligently adhere to structured hours. You've learned to prioritize tasks, focusing on what's important and letting go of perfectionism in less critical tasks.

Regular Breaks: Every hour, you take a short break. It might be a walk around the office, some stretching, or a moment of mindfulness. These breaks help reduce mental fatigue and maintain focus.

Healthy Lunch Breaks: You commit to taking a full lunch break away from your desk. This time is for unwinding, enjoying a healthy meal, and perhaps a brief walk outside.

Effective Communication: You communicate more openly with your team and supervisor about your workload. When feeling overwhelmed, you ask for help or delegation, creating a supportive work environment.

After-Work Unwind: After work, you engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax - it could be a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

Evening Routine: You have an evening routine that signals to your brain that the workday is over. This might include journaling, reading, or a relaxing bath.

Quality Sleep: You prioritize getting enough sleep, understanding its vital role in recovery and health.

Reflect and Adjust: Each day, you reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. You adjust your self-care practices accordingly, understanding that recovery is a dynamic process.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you gradually recover from burnout, transforming your work life into a more balanced and fulfilling experience.

In case you are wondering, there are some more problem and their alternatives

10 Signs That You Are Overworked

7 Tips to Manage Your Time and Energy

Ways to Prioritize SelfCare and WellBeing