Straightforward steps to get back on track
Opinion
By: Shlomo Fishman
Capital Recreation is in business to make recreation accessible to all. I am not here to tell you the what, the who, and the when. I am here to support and encourage your positive behaviors. I am a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) breaking down barriers to leisure and recreation participation. This blog is here as a tool to spread my personal thoughts and ideas. But most of all, to create community!
Ever have that feeling of absolute exhaustion either after a long day of work or workout? I bet you have … if you haven’t yet, you will post probably feel exhausted at one time or another. It is bound to happen. We are all human and feeling stressed or overwhelmed is not something you should be afraid of. The feeling of exhaustion is your body responding to the applied stress or stressors recently experienced. It is applied as a protective mechanism, so we do not burn ourselves to the ground. Personally, I find the human experience from stress to be amazing. I would like to compare it to a thermostat in a car. If you move too fast for too long, or not take care of the basic maintenance you will either overheat or have some type of failure. The same could be said about oneself. We need to pace our self and make sure that we are taking care of the maintenance along the way.
Recently I have been experiencing all sorts of stress and have been placed in many high stress environments … and I am feeling it. In ‘real time’ here are a few things I am doing right now to get back on track. I don’t always deploy every tool in my arsenal — here are a few which I use most often.
One deep breath
It all starts with centering me. When things are going crazy around me, I don’t need to be pulled into the whirlwind. It is about taking a moment to literally and figuratively slow things down. With that, I take one deep exhale. If I don’t feel balanced after one, I continue with one breath repetitions till I can think more clearly and make decisions with a clear mind.
One positive affirmation
Exactly what it sounds like. I talk to myself. Yep, you read that right here! Once I feel centered, I need to remind myself that I could do challenging things. My favorite affirmations are, yes I can yes I will and I have the tools to do this just look around.
Give one compliment
Find the space to say a good word. Even in the most frustrating of times, there is always something positive that can be said. It need not to be long. Short and sweet does the job for me.
Log off
When I find myself going down a rabbit hole, it is usually because I am not paying attention to the things around me, and my head is burrowed is some form of technological device. Which is why I love my personal sabbatical from technology each day. Whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening I make time to not look at my phone, tablet, laptop, or tv. I find it to be my most productive time of the day.
Reconnect
Finally, make time to reconnect with people, nature, and the things you love to do. Spend a few minutes everyday doing something that you love to do. Forget about other peoples opinions! Do the task for you.
Let me ask you, what is one thing that you are doing right now to help you stay centered and balanced?
Last but not least, I always love hearing from you and your personal journey. Share your moments of growth and success on social media using the hashtag #shlomotrained
Until next time – peace, and virtual fist bump going your way!
Capital Recreation 